United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Group A playoff Containing both the winners and the runners up from the last Women’s World Cup, Group E has the scales firmly tipped in favour of the seeded teams; four-time winners, the U.S. are so far ahead of the rest in terms of ranking and women’s football development.
WWC GROUP E FIXTURES July 22 Vietnam vs. USA July 23 Netherlands vs. Playoff July 27 USA vs. Netherlands July 27 Playoff vs. Vietnam Aug. 1 Playoff vs. USA Aug. 1 Vietnam vs. Netherlands
For Vietnam, who will play their first-ever World Cup match against the U.S. in Auckland on July 23, there were certainly kinder draws out three for a team ranked 34th in the world.
Even against with the winners from playoff A (Cameroon, Portugal or Thailand), Vietnam might have a mountain to climb, so too Netherlands who find themselves in another period of transition having only just brought in a new coach, and would be right to be fearful of a Cameroon or Portugal team who could make it through the playoffs.
Must-see match: United States vs. Netherlands
It’s the obvious one, the top two seeds clashing midway through the group stage in Wellington on July 27.
These two teams didn’t just meet in the World Cup final in Lyon back in 2019, they also played out a memorable quarterfinal tie at the 2020 Olympics as well. With both teams struggling to put their best football on the pitch, anything could happen when they meet in New Zealand next summer.
X factor: Which USA will turn up?
The back-to-back champions, who are going for a “three-peat,” have been far from convincing in recent years and when many expected them to switch into tournament mode at the Olympics, they did just the opposite, looking a shadow of themselves. With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, the USA may well sink rather than swim; yet in a group that should be navigable, there is still the chance to tread water.
Predicted finish: USA, Netherlands, playoff winners, Vietnam
GROUP F
France, Jamaica, Brazil, Group C playoff It’s very easy to call Group F on paper, but when you actually get to a tournament, things don’t always go to plan, as Jamaica could tell you with the Reggae Girlz being without key player Bunny Shaw for their debut four years ago.
WWC GROUP F FIXTURES July 23 France vs. Jamaica July 24 Brazil vs. Playoff July 29 France vs. Brazil July 29 Playoff vs. Jamaica Aug 2 Playoff vs. France Aug 2 Jamaica vs. Brazil
France, who have a history of peaking too early at major tournaments, will like their chances of having a strong group stage, not least wrapping up with a match against one of Chinese Taipei, Panama, Papa New Guinea or Paraguay — all four nations potential debutantes.
But Brazil are not to be taken lightly by anyone, the ever-presents with a glut of young talent coming through.
Must-see match: France vs. Brazil
It’s the obvious one, the clash of the top two seeds in Brisbane on July 29, and it should be a litmus for where both nations are at and just how likely either are to go the long yards at the World Cup.
But it is worth noting that should a team like Panama qualify for the World Cup through the playoffs, the clash with Jamaica could be one to watch for sheer fun on the pitch.
X factor: Will the real France please stand up
We have long talked about France as a dark horse or even one of the favourites to win major silverware yet, for a multitude of reasons, it has yet to happen. Les Bleues started so well at the Euros and there was a rising belief that it was finally their time to shine, yet the team looked less assured with each passing match.
Even without a banana-peel draw, it’s hard to know just which France will turn up and whilst they have the ranking to best anyone they face in the group stage, there are pitfalls everywhere for a team that have historically shown a mental fragility.
Predicted finish: Brazil, France, Jamaica, playoff winners
GROUP G
Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina Sweden have played in every edition of the tournament and have made the semifinals on four occasions. The Olympic silver medallists will be hard to match in this group with their experience in major competitions.
WWC GROUP G FIXTURES July 23 Sweden vs. South Africa July 24 Italy vs. Argentina July 28 Argentina vs. South Africa July 29 Sweden vs. Italy Aug 2 Argentina vs. Sweden Aug 2 South Africa vs. Italy
Sweden’s biggest challenge will undoubtedly be in fellow European nation Italy, who are playing in their third World Cup and have been building momentum in recent years. The Italians topped their group in 2019 and will be looking to replicate that success.
South Africa are playing in only their second World Cup, while Argentina have played in three — and neither have registered a win. They face what seems to be a nearly insurmountable task against Sweden and Italy to get out of the group, however a Cinderella story for either of these nations cannot be completely ruled out.
Must-see match: Sweden vs. Italy
Who will take the top spot in Group G? It’s a rematch from the Euro 2022 group stage, which saw Italy win in a five-goal thriller, 3-2.
Italy had a dominant qualifying campaign, only conceding one goal, to Switzerland. Meanwhile, Sweden, who finished third in 2019, boast experience and will be looking for revenge after their Euros defeat this year.
Sweden have one of the best defenses in the world, led by Chelsea star Magda Eriksson, while Italy’s attacking power is equally exciting with players like Cristiana Girelli.
X factor: Can Argentina find their first win at the World Cup?
In 2019, Argentina had their best-ever performance at the World Cup. Despite not making it to the knockout rounds, they notched two exciting draws — a 0-0 against Japan and a thrilling 3-3 with Scotland; their only loss was a narrow 1-0 defeat to England.
Four years later, the youth in the squad from 2019 have gained tremendous experience and will be ready to take on the challenges in front of them. While it is hard to imagine Argentina making it out of the group, a win would mark continued growth and success for this team.
Predicted finish: Italy, Sweden, Argentina, South Africa
GROUP H
Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea Germany will be hard to match in this group. The depth and talent of this squad carried them all the way to the finals of Euro 2022, falling just short to England. Germany have qualified for all eight editions of the Women’s World Cup and have topped their group in every appearance. Their route to the top spot here seems locked in, barring any major breakdowns they should wrap this one up easily.
WWC GROUP H FIXTURES July 24 Germany vs. Morocco July 25 Colombia vs. South Korea July 30 Germany vs. Colombia July 30 South Korea vs. Morocco Aug 3 South Korea vs. Germany Aug 3 Morocco vs. Colombia
Colombia’s best World Cup performance was in 2015 when they qualified for the knockout phase, but they failed to make it out of the group in 2019. Group H is well poised for them to make another run into the elimination rounds, with a key game against South Korea in their way.
South Korea follow the same history as Colombia in the last two editions, making it to the round of 16 in Canada but failing to get out of the group in France.
Morocco will be making their first appearance in the Women’s World Cup. When they take the field in Melbourne, they will make history as the first Arab nation to compete in the tournament. While it’s next to impossible to see a way out of the group, this history-making moment will be another mark of growth for the women’s game and the success of African women’s football.
Must-see match: Colombia vs. South Korea
It’s simple. This match will decide who will progress and who will go home. Both nations will be battling hard with something to prove after not qualifying for the elimination rounds in France. South Korea, led by former Chelsea player Ji So-Yun, boast the depth and experience, while Colombia are full of energy and creativity.
These sides have only met a few times in history, with South Korea beating the Colombians in the Olympic group stages in 2016. However, It has been many years since their last meeting and with everything on the line, this match is an unmissable watch for the tournament.
X factor: Lena Oberdorf
One of the most exciting players, at only 20-years-old Oberdorf is ahead of her time and has been nominated for countless awards this year after marshalling Germany’s midfield at the Euros.
Oberdorf’s expansive and creative play kick starts Germany’s attack and is a pleasure for any football fan to watch. This young star will be one to watch throughout the tournament next year.
Predicted finish: Germany, Colombia, South Korea, Morocco
