Seven days to go: The 7️⃣ teams most likely to win the Women's World Cup | OneFootball

The likes of Netherlands, Brazil, Canada are dark horses and miss out as we look at the seven teams most likely to stake a claim for the Women’s World Cup this summer.

See all of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.

Australia

Captain: Sam Kerr

Talk about a talismanic captain. Playing for the co-hosts, Kerr is the face of this tournament. Arguably the best striker in the world, she’s prolific with her head as well as her feet and her movement in the box is second to none.

Key player: Caitlin Foord

Teams are unlikely to go far relying on one forward, so it will be Caitlin Foord — skilful, creative, unselfish and superb with both feet — to support Kerr and strike if the Chelsea striker is not at her best.

What’s the big question?

Will the defence hold up as it has done in recent times and can the team get over the hump in big, tight games after they failed to do so four years ago and at the Olympics in 2021?

England

Captain: Millie Bright

With Leah Williamson injured, it’s defensive partner Millie Bright with the armband this time around and she will have to juggle the responsibility of that and leading the defence.

Key player: Keira Walsh

The Player of the Match at last summer’s Euros final, Walsh screens the defence when England don’t have the ball and builds attacks when they do.

What’s the big question?

Ellen White is no longer around, Beth Mead is sidelined. So who will lead the line and who will score the goals? There will be plenty of focus on Lauren James and on new Arsenal forward Alessia Russo but Rachel Daly and Bethany England could also have a big impact.

France

Captain: Wendie Renard

There’s no Amandine Henry due to injury so Wendie Renard will lead France again. The experienced defender is as decorated as they come and will, as ever, be someone to look out for at set-pieces.

Key player: Grace Geyoro

The all-action midfielder is a significant goal threat and will be crucial if France, without Marie-Antoinette Katoto, are to back up Kadidiatou Diani  up front.

What’s the big question?

Without Katoto, there will be pressure on Diani to deliver the goals and deliver them consistently. Can she step up to get France over their hump of not quite delivering in the big tournaments?

Germany

Captain: Alex Popp

One of the finest strikers in the world, Popp enters her fourth World Cup. The forward can link up play superbly and is as dangerous as they come with her head.

Key player: Lena Oberdorf

Capable of dominating games both physically and technically, any success Germany have will come courtesy of Oberdorf’s work anchoring the midfield.

What’s the big question?

Can Germany build on last summer, when they were surprise finalists at the Euros? Recent form suggests not but it’s something of a national tradition to shine at a tournament when struggling for rhythm beforehand.

Spain

Captain: Ivana Andrés

Real Madrid defender Andrés watched all of Euro 2022 from the bench but will now line up in defence with Barcelona’s Mapi León making herself unavailable for selection.

Key player: Alexia Putellas

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner has barely played for 13 months but she is back from an ACL injury and Spain’s hopes may just rest on how fit she is and how quickly she can rekindle her incredible midfield partnership with Aitana Bonmatí.

What’s the big question?

Drama has surrounded Spain and the Spain camp, with players pulling out, asking for Jorge Vilda to be sacked. He hasn’t been, some players have returned, others haven’t. And nobody knows how happy anyone is behind the scenes. Can Spain go far even with all that going on?

Sweden

Captain: Caroline Seger

The metronomic midfielder has an astounding 232 caps to her name and is set to play a fifth and final World Cup. After two third place finishes at World Cups and two Olympic silver medals, this is one last shot at victory.

Key player: Kosovare Asllani

The Milan playmaker is a creative force. Sweden often take a defensive approach and will rely on Asllani to supply for Stina Blackstenius and Fridolina Rolfö to break teams down.

What’s the big question?

Can Sweden find the right balance between defence and attack? They traditionally lean towards the former at the expense of the latter but that won’t be enough for glory the world stage and the perennial runners-up know it.

USA

Co-captains: Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan

Alex Morgan (34) and Lindsey Horan (29) share the honour for a side between generations.

Key player: Sophia Smith

The new star of the USWNT, Smith scored 14 goals in 18 NWSL games last season and has 10 in 13 in 2023 so far. With 12 national team goals to her name already too, the 22-year-old could take the tournament by storm.

What’s the big question?

With Naomi Girma at the back, Ashley Sanchez in midfield, Sophia Smith in attack and the likes of Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman from the bench, this looks like a new era for America as they go for a third title in a row.

Only 10 of the 23 were in the squad four years ago and many of those may not play significant minutes: how will they fare passing the baton and how will those receiving it stand up to the test?

See all of our Women’s World Cup preview content right here.