The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is set to kick off July 20, with the final slated for Aug. 20 in Sydney. It’s the first time the tournament will have 32 nations competing for the world title, and viewers could be in store for the most entertaining matches in the history of the women’s game as the United States defend their back-to-back trophies, England comes off a Euros 2022 win and Haiti, Portugal and Republic of Ireland among eight teams make their World Cup debut.

Can hosts Australia and New Zealand capitalise on home advantage? Will Keira Walsh or Alex Morgan deliver some magic? And can a new coach help France succeed?

ESPN previews each of the World Cup’s 32 teams in the tournament with everything you need to know about the sides, split into the groups they will be in.

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GROUP A

• Also known as: Football Ferns

• FIFA world rank: 22

• Finish in previous World Cup: 20th

• Betting line: +25,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Jitka Klimkova

Key star: CJ Bott

The Leicester City full-back has grown into one of the most important players for the Football Ferns. Plying her trade in the Women’s Super League sees her test herself against the best of the best on a weekly basis, and that in turn has only improved her game. The Ferns are now set to reap the rewards of all the hard work she has put in during her club campaigns.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Milly Clegg

A youngster who turned heads in the most recent A-League Women‘s season, Clegg is one to watch. At just 17, she is the youngest member of this Football Ferns squad and will be attending her third World Cup in 12 months having been selected for the U17 and U20 New Zealand squads. She’s fearless and can find the back of the net, which the Ferns need.

One reason they won’t win: Weaknesses in attack and defence

New Zealand have already played nine games so far in 2023. They’ve managed only three goals and conceded 22. They can’t find the back of the net and can’t keep the opposition out of it. The Ferns are unable to hang their hat on having a potent attack or a solid defence, culminating in a worst of both worlds situation. While a 2-0 victory over Vietnam in their send-off game was a much-needed reprieve, it feels more like a flash in the pan rather than the start of a chance in fortunes.

Key stats:

– Will be playing in their sixth World Cup, have yet to register a win in previous five WWCs. They are the only team in WWC who have played 10-plus matches at the World Cup and have not won a game (0W-3D-12L)
– Only eight goals scored at the WWC, second-fewest among all nations with 10-plus matches played; only South Korea has scored fewer (six)

Realistic chances: Out in the groups but with a maiden win

New Zealand have gone to five World Cups and never won a match. Across the 15 group stage games they’ve played, they’ve amassed three draws and 12 losses. While Norway and Switzerland pose two huge obstacles to the Ferns, the Philippines match looms as the one the Ferns could realistically win. While it won’t be an easy game by any stretch, the last time these sides met, New Zealand won 2-1 back in September 2022. — Marissa Lordanic

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• Also known as: The Football Girls

• FIFA world rank: 12

• Finish in previous World Cup: Quarterfinals

• Betting line: +6,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Hege Riise

Key star: Caroline Graham Hansen

As Sam Marsden opined in our World Cup Best 25, Graham Hansen is a force, a quick-thinking and skilled winger whose one-on-one ability is crucial for the attack of whatever team she’s in. If Norway are to go deep, Graham Hansen’s light-footed runs in and around the box to create chances will play a large part.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Sophie Roman Haug

Though not a starter for Norway, Roman Haug could yet make her mark as a bench player with a nose for the goal. Much like compatriot Ada Hegerberg, the 24-year-old frequently makes a nuisance of herself when in the box, thanks to her keen aerial ability. Roman Haug’s goal return, while impressive on its own, could be the difference for Norway should Riise call on her at key times. The attacker is used to delivering a clutch goal.

Caroline Graham Hansen just keeps on scoring BIG goals #UWCL // @FCBfemeni pic.twitter.com/XPSMCui4qu

— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) April 29, 2023

One reason they won’t win: They’re too conservative

For all the talent Norway boasts in the attack and midfield, the team fails to play with the flair it could show. Despite being coached by a legendary attacker in Riise, Norway still err on the side of stodgy, compact football. The use of Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum — both coming off strong seasons in WSL, with their own attacking diligence vital for Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively — as dual No. 8s highlights the tamer brand of football the team is preaching.

Key stats:

– Leading has been key for Norway, who have never lost a World Cup match when ahead at halftime (19W-2D-0L)
– Norway have failed to qualify from their group only once, in 2011, when they were placed with Brazil, Australia and Equatorial Guinea

Realistic chances: Reach the round of 16

They’re expected to top their group, but unless Norway can pick up a head of steam and gain some much-needed collective confidence, a meeting with a talented Spain or Japan team is the likely path to the last eight. In their current form, that’s not a test the Football Girls would pass. — Sophie Lawson

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• Also known as: Filipinas

• FIFA world rank: 46

• Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

• Betting line: +100,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Alen Stajcic

Key star: Sarina Bolden

Kiwis will be familiar with Bolden’s exploits from the A-League Women’s where she played last season for Western Sydney Wanderers. With 21 goals in 36 national team appearances, Bolden is a player who always looks dangerous. She provides energy and spark, creating chances.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Isabella Flanigan

The Philippines is a team that has tapped heavily into the nation’s diaspora, particularly in the U.S. and Australia, and Flanigan is one such player. Born in America and playing college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers, Flanigan is only 18, but has already made 28 appearances for the senior national team and scored three goals.

The 2⃣3⃣ 𝐹𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑠 that are ready to inspire a nation

#LabanFilipinas #ParaSaBayan #WinTheMoment #FilipinasTayo #FWWC2023 @philfootball pic.twitter.com/7vFii3SMCv

— Philippine WNT (@PilipinasWNFT) July 9, 2023

One reason they won’t win: Recent record against European teams

While the Philippines have done a mountain of preparation over the past two years, playing nations from every confederation, their record against European teams is not great. In a group with two European nations, wanting to get out of the group becomes more difficult. Their victories over Europeans in recent times came against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, a team ranked 19 places below them.

Key stats:

– This will be the Philippines’ World Cup debut. Asian Confederation teams have lost the past five matches in their World Cup debut (Thailand in 2015, South Korea in 2003, North Korea in 1999, Chinese Taipei in 1991 and Japan in 1991)
– Heading into this WWC, Philippines has just one loss in their past six matches

Realistic chances: A maiden World Cup win

The Philippines’ strong run in the Women’s Asian Cup could provide a blueprint for more success, but the World Cup brings a new level of pressure. Switzerland and Norway will be difficult opponents and are likely too strong for the Filipinas. However, much like New Zealand eyeing off their matchup with the Philippines, the same is true in reverse. The Philippines have a genuine chance of earning a first-ever World Cup win against the Football Ferns. — Lordanic

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• Also known as: La Nati

• FIFA world rank: 20

• Finish in previous World Cup: Round of 16 (2015)

• Betting line: +20,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Inka Grings

Key star: Lia Walti

A nation without as much depth in quality as their neighbours, when Switzerland do produce standout footballers they rapidly rise into the “world class” bracket and Walti is one of the best examples. A metronome in midfield, the Swiss captain is what keeps the team ticking, her vision and distribution being key for her nation.

Editor’s Picks

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Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Geraldine Reuteler

Still just 24 years old, Reuteler has been a key part of the Eintracht/FFC Frankfurt attack since she moved to Germany in her teens, yet she’s yet to fully announce herself to the wider audience. Still used only sparingly by Switzerland, the forward has a fair return for La Nati, but is a hungry attacker who is always keen to get into dangerous positions and help in shot creation from her deeper position in the Swiss midfield.

One reason they won’t win: Not enough time to gel

Having taken charge only in November, Grings, who is well regarded for her playing career, has also never managed at this level before. Compounded with her limited time with the team to help crystallise her ideas, everything just feels too soon for this particular interaction of La Nati.

Key stats:

– Winless in the past seven matches (five draws, two losses) and since the start of 2022, Switzerland has won only three of their 19 matches in all competitions (3W-8D-8L). Their three wins in that span are against teams that will not be at the WWC
– In the four winless friendlies (three draws, one loss) they’ve played in 2023, Switzerland’s shot conversion rate is just 10.3% while their shots on target percentage is just 28.2%

Realistic chances: Round of 16 exit

Drawn into a favourable group, there is more than enough quality in the Swiss team to help them navigate the first three games in New Zealand, but if they do progress to the knockouts, things are likely to get too tough very quickly. — Lawson

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GROUP B

• Also known as: The Matildas

• FIFA world rank: 10

• Finish in previous World Cup: 9th

• Betting line: +1,100 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Tony Gustavsson

Key star: Sam Kerr

What more can be written about Kerr? Australia’s captain is the face of this team and arguably the face of this tournament. If the Matildas are to do well in their home World Cup — and recent form suggests they will — Kerr will be crucial to that success. Her ability to lead the line, press and close down passing channels, tee teammates up — via assists or dragging defenders away — and score goals means she enters her fourth World Cup with the most well-rounded, complete skill set of her career.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Kyra Cooney-Cross

Cooney-Cross spent the last World Cup on standby, aged just 17. Four years later, the 21-year-old is a starter and key cog in the Matildas’ midfield machine heading into the World Cup. Her partnership with Katrina Gorry has made the centre of the park one of the Matildas’ strongest areas. What Cooney-Cross brings to the duo is strong distribution, a solid engine, an ability to pick out passes and no reluctance in doing the dirty work.

One reason they won’t win: Midfield fatigue

While there is no denying that the Matildas’ depth has increased, there is an area of the field which could cause concern. Gorry and Cooney-Cross’ midfield partnership is special. And it works. So much so, the duo have started every game the Matildas have played in 2023. Gorry has only missed seven minutes, and Cooney-Cross has only missed 35. They are relied on and with good reason. But there is a fear they could be overworked. While Australia has the likes of an Alex Chidiac and Emily van Egmond, what they could do in this midfield from the start of a match is an unknown. Whereas the depth across the rest of the park has been thoroughly tested, the midfield hasn’t.

Key stats:

– Have made it past the group stage four straight World Cups; one of five countries to do so in each (USA, Germany, England and Brazil)
– Seeking to be just the second team to win the World Cup when they are hosting it (1999, USA)
– Kerr: 63 goals with the Australian national team in all competitions; she is the all-time leading goal scorer in men’s or women’s Australian soccer

Realistic chances: Semifinals

Australia is dusting off its highest hopes for the Matildas. After saying for years that he was building the Matildas to peak at the right time, it would appear Gustavsson has done just that. With wins against high-ranking opposition, an attacking style of football and a squad as deep as it is versatile, making the final four doesn’t feel unrealistic. Throw in the support of the home crowd, and the Matildas could well be on their way to a best-ever World Cup finish. — Lordanic

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• Also known as: Girls in Green

• FIFA world rank: 22

• Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

• Betting line: +20,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Vera Pauw

Key star: Katie McCabe

The type of player who would gladly run through a brick wall for her team, McCabe’s experience playing for Arsenal has pushed her to greater heights and strengthened her defensive abilities as well as her attacking intent — meaning she is happy to pop up anywhere in the pitch for Ireland to help drive them forward. A battler first and foremost, Ireland’s captain will be key for the Girls in Green this summer.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Izzy Atkinson

Having made a late run for the Irish World Cup team, Atkinson sealed her spot with a strong showing against Zambia. Still just 22, with only five caps to her name, the defender’s dual ability as a winger makes her the perfect full-back for a counterattack-minded team. Able to fly up the wing and provide much-needed service into the box from the wider areas, the Dublin native is as comfortable racing back to help the defence. She’s not on the radar for most, and this summer would be the perfect window for Atkinson to introduce herself.

Here they are!

Your @FIFAWWC squad announcement is here pic.twitter.com/RGjaLvQnDH

— Ireland Football (@IrelandFootball) June 28, 2023

One reason they won’t win: A really difficult draw

Making their major tournament bow after so many failed attempts, there is always a question of the unknown. As we saw with Scotland at both the 2017 Euros and 2019 World Cup when they made their debuts, getting off to a bad start can be the hardest thing to overcome. Pitted against Australia in their first game, Ireland will not have any time for wound-licking should they not pick up a good result, and they have been drawn into a nefarious group.

Key stats:

– One of eight teams in this World Cup making their first appearance
– Only five of the 24 countries to make their World Cup debut (not including the 1991 inaugural year) have made it past the group stage
– 9W-3L-2D in all competitions since the beginning of 2022 (two of those losses came to the USA)

Realistic chances: Reach the round of 16

Although progressing from their group will be no easy task against three very different teams that will all pose different problems, Ireland do have the guile and skill to find the right results to progress. But their reward may be a round-of-16 meeting with England, and then that’s where the fun really begins. — Lawson

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• Also known as: The Super Falcons

• FIFA world rank: 40

• Finish in previous World Cup: Round of 16

• Betting line: +75,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Randy Waldrum

Key star: Asisat Oshoala

The only African player to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League will lead the line once again for the Super Falcons. Injuries have affected Oshoala, but she has nevertheless stayed incredibly productive. In the 2021-22 season she was the joint-top scorer in the Primera Iberdrola with 20 goals despite starting fewer than half of Barcelona‘s games, and in 2022-23 she scored 21 times.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Chiamaka Nnadozie

The Paris FC goalkeeper is already on the radar of some of the world’s top clubs, having helped her team qualify for the UEFA Women’s Champions League in back-to-back seasons, but at just 22 years old she is still far from fulfilling her potential. This tournament provides an opportunity for her to prove that she is on course to become world class.

One reason they won’t win: Squad lacks harmony

Like South Africa, Nigeria have often had to protest to receive fair treatment from their association. This may be a common, even if unfair, struggle in women’s football, but the Super Falcons squad feels particularly disjointed at the moment. Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene’s omission is a major talking point, while Waldrum is under fire after Nigeria missed out on the WAFCON title for only the third time in their history in Morocco last year, finishing a disappointing fourth.

Key stats:

– One of only seven teams to qualify for all nine World Cups (USA, Japan, Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Germany)
– 19 losses and 63 conceded goals in World Cup history, both of which are the most

Realistic chances: Group stage exit

Nigeria still have the best team in Africa on paper, but they have been lumped in a challenging group with Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Olympic champions Canada. They may cause an upset along the way but are highly unlikely to progress from their group, particularly with their women’s football at its lowest ebb. — Leonard Solms

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• Also known as: CanWNT

• FIFA world rank: 7

• Finish in previous World Cup: Round of 16

• Betting line: +3,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Bev Priestman

Key star: Jessie Fleming

Fleming continues to rack up trophies with Chelsea, adding another WSL and FA Cup to the case this season. With her ability to get into the box to support forward Christine Sinclair or track back and help Canada’s experienced back line, opponents must feel like Fleming never stops running.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Julia Grosso

Grosso was on the roster for the 2019 tournament in France, but never got in for Canada as things ended in the round of 16 against the Netherlands. It’s safe to say the 22-year-old will feature in Australia-New Zealand. After all, she already has 50 senior caps, among them the Olympic gold-medal match in which she converted the deciding shot during a shootout. A breakout at the World Cup would follow a breakout season at the club level, too, with Grosso featuring in all but one Champions League match for Juventus and contributing three goals and seven assists in more than 1,336 Serie A minutes.

One reason they won’t win: A lack of support

Canada won the Olympic gold medal in 2021 and, with the exception of Portland Thorns forward Janine Beckie, largely has avoided injury. This is a team that has the talent to compete for the trophy. Yet, rather than sharpening the little edges that a team can snag on during a competitive tournament run, Canada’s players have too often been forced to focus on a funding deal after budget cuts and issues with federation leadership. The focus now will be on Nigeria, Ireland and Australia and, Canada hopes, plenty of knockout-round matches, but the CBA discussions and frustration about a lack of friendly matches compared with other contenders are certainly still simmering in the background.

Key stats:

– Coming off winning the country’s first Olympic gold in women’s soccer; only one nation has ever won the World Cup after winning the most recent Olympics (USA in 1999 after the 1996 Olympics)

Realistic chances: A quarterfinal, maybe more

Canada’s group is tough, no doubt, and the runner-up would likely have a difficult round-of-16 clash with England. Yet, why shouldn’t Canada have high expectations going into the tournament? It has the most experienced player in international soccer in Sinclair, a strong defense backed by a good goalkeeper and rising young stars who can score. It worked in Tokyo, it could work again, perhaps getting Canada all the way to Auckland or Sydney, where the semifinals will be played. — Jon Arnold

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GROUP C

Key star: Alexia Putellas

The back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner will be desperate to impress after missing last year’s European championships and most of this past season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. She returned for the final six games of the campaign with Barcelona, coming off the bench in the Champions League final, and scored in her first Spain start in a year in the win over Panama in June. However, after so long out, there are naturally doubts about how close to her best she will be at the World Cup. When 100 percent, she links play like a midfielder, creates like a No. 10 and scores goals like a striker. If she’s in form, and supported by Barca teammate Aitana Bonmati in midfield, Spain should go far.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Salma Paralluelo

The Barca attacker is poised for a big role in New Zealand and Australia. After giving up an athletics career to join Barca from Villarreal last summer, the 19-year-old has gone on to establish herself in the Spain squad. Able to play wide or through the middle, her pace is a nightmare for opposition defenders, plus she has an eye for goals. She has scored three times in Spain’s last two games before the World Cup.

One reason they won’t win: Missing key players

Spain’s preparation for the World Cup has been hampered over the last year by a standoff between 15 players and the Royal Spanish Football Federation [RFEF]. The players made themselves unavailable for selection until certain changes were made to the conditions around training and travel, among other things. There has been some compromise from the RFEF and some players have returned for the finals, but others have decided not enough has been done. Among them are Barca defender Mapi Leon and midfielder Patri Guijarro, two of the best in the world in their respective positions. They are huge losses for Spain, while the whole saga has created some tension around the camp.

Key stats:

– Since losing to England at the Euros, Spain has only lost one match in all competitions, which was a 3-2 loss to Australia in the 2023 Cup of Nations (11W-1D-1L)
– By the time of their first WWC match, Spain will not have been held scoreless in all competitions in more than a year. The last time they did not score a goal in a match was July 12, 2022, against Germany in their Euros group-stage meeting

Realistic chances: Semifinals

Despite the feud between the players and the RFEF, Vilda has still managed to pick a competitive squad over the last year, illustrating the depth of talent in the country. They have lost just once in 12 fixtures — against World Cup hosts Australia in February — and secured a memorable win over the United States at the end of last year. Those results came without Putellas (injured), Bonmati, Ona Batlle and Mariona Caldentey (the three players from the 15 who have now returned) and will fuel confidence of a best-ever finish for La Roja this summer. — Sam Marsden

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• Also known as: Las Ticas

• FIFA world rank: 37

• Finish in previous World Cup: Group stage (2015)

• Betting line: +50,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Amelia Valverde

Key star: Raquel Rodriguez

Although coming off a knee injury, the Portland Thorns attacker will be critical for Costa Rica in Australia-New Zealand. Her attacking contributions will be needed, but so too will her experience. Rodriguez scored the first-ever World Cup goal for Costa Rica when the Central American team debuted in the 2015 tournament. She has hardly slowed since then, netting her 50th international goal in an April friendly with Poland.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Sheika Scott

The third-youngest player at the tournament at 16, Scott was included after making her debut on the senior roster in a November 2022 friendly match. The creative player has come on in two more friends matches since and could be an impact substitute for Valverde’s squad. Scott scored six goals in five matches at the Concacaf U20 Championship, including one each in losing efforts against the U.S. in the semifinals and Canada in the third-place game. Playing at the U20 level is nothing new for Scott, who suited up for all three of Costa Rica’s games at the U20 World Cup on home soil in summer 2022.

One reason they won’t win: Internal strife

Shirley Cruz would have been a shoo-in for that “key star” section up there. The 37-year-old captain has more than 100 appearances for the national team but won’t be in Australia and New Zealand because of a manager’s decision. There is the impression that those who supported Cruz when she was left off of the preliminary list also have suffered consequences. Goalkeeper Noelia Bermúdez and Mexico-based defender Lixy Rodriguez missed the final cut, with Bermúdez changing her profile picture on social media to a photo of her and Cruz embracing after a match.

Key stats:

– In their past 20 matches across all competitions, Costa Rica have managed to win only four games, posting a record of 4W-3D-13L. Out of those four wins, only one was against a team that will be playing at the WWC (Philippines)

Realistic chances: A few more group-stage points

In addition to the Cruz situation, Costa Rica’s form heading into Australia-New Zealand doesn’t suggest the team can get out of a group that includes a Japan team that has advanced in the past three tournaments, a Spain squad with two losses in the past two years, and a Zambia team coming off not only that famous win over Germany but also a draw with Switzerland before that. Since qualifying, Costa Rica have lost seven matches, drawn three and won just one, a 2-1 result at home against the Philippines. — Arnold

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• Also known as: The Copper Queens

• FIFA world rank: 77

• Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

• Betting line: +30,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Bruce Mwape

We did it https://t.co/BjznCRkMWg

— Zambia WNT (@Copper_Queens) July 13, 2022

Key star: Barbra Banda

There are two close contenders for this honour: Shanghai Shengli’s Banda and Madrid CFF‘s Racheal Kundananji, with the latter’s Madrid teammate Grace Chanda third. Banda pips Kundananji by virtue of already having shown her potential for Zambia on the biggest stage, netting back-to-back hat tricks at the Tokyo Olympics.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Racheal Kundananji

Every bit as impressive as Banda, Kundananji was the Spanish top flight’s second-highest scorer in 2022-23, finishing ahead of even Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala. The 23-year-old will be raring to come up against Spain in Group C.

One reason they won’t win: Bad defence

Zambia’s weakness at the back was badly exposed at the Olympics, particularly against the Netherlands in a match that ended up a 10-3 loss despite Banda’s hat trick. Their performances in friendlies ahead of the World Cup suggest this issue has yet to be solved.

Key stats:

– Defeated Germany in their final warmup game. There have been only two instances of a CAF confederation team beating a UEFA team at the WWC (2015 Cameroon vs. Switzerland and 1999 Nigeria vs. Denmark)
– In their game against Germany, Zambia looked to get forward a lot. They had a forward-pass percentage of 53.5%, compared with Germany’s 29%

Realistic chances: Reach the round of 16

It will be a tough ask for Zambia to progress from a difficult group featuring Spain, Costa Rica and Japan, but with the world-class attacking trio of Banda, Kundananji and Chanda improving year after year, the Copper Queens have every chance of causing some upsets. — Solms

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• Also known as: Nadeshiko

• FIFA world rank: 11

• Finish in previous World Cup: Quarterfinals

• Betting line: +3,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Futoshi Ikeda

Key star: Yui Hasegawa

Now one of the most experienced players on the Japan squad, Nadeshiko will be relying on Hasegawa more than ever to help bring the entire midfield and attack together in harmony. A player with some of the best vision in women’s football, Hasegawa has the deftness of touch to execute her ideas and find the right ball to set the attack away.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Maika Hamano

One of the highest-rated teens playing anywhere in the world right now, Chelsea’s Maika Hamano could be braced for a big summer. One of the youngsters in a young squad, Hamano plays with a modest but joyful style, looking to create for her teammates and add individual style to the attack.

One reason they won’t win: They’re too passive

It’s the perennial grievance with Nadeshiko: the team’s inability to make their superb technical ability count. As midfielder Jun Endo recently told the AP, “Individual players have to pick up the intensity, have that added hunger to score goals or to win that 50-50 ball.” Overall it’s passivity from Japan, a team with players who know how to possess the ball and move it around with ease, yet it reads as a lack of hunger that Nadeshiko don’t do more with the ball, an unwillingness to hurt their opposition.

Key stats:

– Seeking to advance out of the group stage for the fourth straight WWC. The last time they failed to advance was the 2007 WWC
– Japan will open their WWC against Zambia; this is just the second time Japan will face a CAF country at the WWC. Previous instance was a 2-1 win over Cameroon during the 2015 group stage

Realistic chances: Reach the semifinals

After a subpar first year, things finally looked to be clicking into place for Ikeda at the SheBelieves Cup earlier this year, where his team put in a trio of strong performances. If they can dig down into their best and supplement all the style they possess with the simple substance of goal scoring, there’s no reason that Japan can’t find themselves fighting for a medal come the end of August. — Lawson

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GROUP D

• Also known as: The Lionesses

• FIFA world rank: 4

• Finish in previous World Cup: Fourth place

• Betting line: +450 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Sarina Wiegman

Key star: Keira Walsh

England plan to be hit on the counterattack at the World Cup. They expect teams to sit back, soak up the pressure and then, when there’s a glimmer of opportunity, swarm forward. It will be up to Walsh to dictate the transitions in England’s midfield, and with the defence still building an understanding, her role is integral. She has had a wonderful season at the heart of Barcelona’s midfield and will be looking to take that form into the World Cup alongside her midfield partner Georgia Stanway.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Lauren James

She’s just 21 years old, but James has had a remarkable season with Chelsea in the WSL. She can play off either flank or through the middle in attack, and has an incredible ability to turn defenders in knots. Her adaptability, finishing and creativity will be essential to England’s hopes. She may be used in the impact-sub role we saw Alessia Russo and Ella Toone perfect last summer, but regardless of whether she’s coming off the bench or starting, she’ll be devastating.

One reason they won’t win: Injuries and absentees

Since England won the Euros, they’ve lost five key players ahead of this summer’s tournament. Ellen White and Jill Scott retired while Leah Williamson, Fran Kirby and Beth Mead are all injured. All are irreplaceable. White and Scott brought leadership, knowledge and humour to the group. Those are the controllable aspects of management for Wiegman, though; she’d have known she’d be without those two indispensable pillars. It’s the others who have the potential to destabilise England’s campaign. Williamson was their captain in the Euros and their anchor at the back, Kirby their brilliant playmaker and Mead so vital upfront. They also have new skipper Millie Bright as an injury concern. It’s far from ideal, but Wiegman will have a plan.

Key stats:

– 20 wins since the start of 2022, second most of any team in the field (United States, 21)
– In five WWC appearances they have never made it to the final (made semifinals past two World Cups)
– Made it past the group stage in each of the past four World Cups, one of five teams to do so (along with Brazil, USA, Australia and Germany)

Realistic chances: Winners

That’s their goal and despite the caveat of those unavailable, they’ll be heading to Australia with the aim of winning the whole thing. If it clicks, they can do it, but they can’t afford any more setbacks in terms of absent personnel, and the new combinations will have to hit the ground running. There are some fearsome tasks in their way, but this team can win the World Cup. — Tom Hamilton

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• Also known as: Les Grenadières

• FIFA world rank: 53

• Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

• Betting line: +40,000 to win the World Cup

• Manager: Nicolas Delepine

Key star: Melchie Dumornay

One of the most electric players in the game, “Corventina” already is established as the