FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Preview and teams to watch

The 2023 edition of the football Women’s World Cup is quickly approaching, as teams descend on Australia and New Zealand this summer.

Games will be showcased across both countries, with Sydney the chosen location for the final.

Action commences on 20 July, before concluding exactly one month later, on 20 August.

This year marks the launch of an expanded version of the tournament with 32 nations competing for the trophy. Two additional four-team groups have been added to the tournament.

The United States are undoubtedly the team to watch heading into the tournament, as reigning back-to-back champions with a chance to make history by securing a third successive title.

Previous winners also include Germany (2003, 2007), Japan (2011), and Norway (1995).

As excitement builds for the upcoming showpiece, here is the lowdown on teams you should look out for across the month-long spectacle.

• World at their Feet - Our Original Series about footballers and their journey to the top - Stream now for free
• Here is a look at the full schedule of the FIFA World Cup 2023 and how to watch

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Preview: Favourites to Debutants

We could be in store for one of the most open tournaments to date, particularly if recent results are anything to go by – such as Portugal holding England to a 0-0 draw, and Zambia shocking Germany late on to win 3-2.

But those are ultimately called warm-up games for a reason, and while they won’t provide an insight into how these nations will perform during the competition itself, they can give an insight into which teams - and players - can light up the World Cup.

The USA side that lifted a second successive trophy last time out in 2019 has undergone a relatively new-look transformation under Vlatko Andonovski, who has adopted a more youthful approach compared to his predecessor, Jill Ellis, who favoured an experienced outlook.

With the likes of Naomi Girma at the back and Sophia Smith leading the attack, we’ll soon see whether the new faces on the world stage can emulate the dominance of their predecessors.

Of course, there will be plenty of teams looking to stop them, including last year’s European champions England. The Lionesses have reached new heights under head coach Sarina Wiegman, and she will be hoping to keep that momentum going into another major tournament this year.

• Noami Girma - The USWNT defender destined to shine at the World Cup

Injuries have somewhat derailed them since their winning summer last year, with Beth Mead and Leah Williamson missing out due to ACL injuries, and Fran Kirby unavailable; however, they still have plenty of talent to rely on.

Our reigning Olympic champions, Canada, could also be poised to follow up on their success of Tokyo 2020 by winning yet another major honour. Jessie Fleming was instrumental to their gold-winning run two years ago and is continuing to up her game for a dominant Chelsea side in England.

They will, of course, be spearheaded by one of the biggest legends to grace the game in the form of Christine Sinclair, who could eye even more goals to extend her lead at the top of the charts for most goals scored by an individual player in women’s football. Currently, she has a tally of 190 beating out Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads the way in men’s football.

Germany are also a team that must be in the mix to take home the title, having reached the final of the 2022 Euros last year. While pre-competition warm-up games may not serve them well in terms of results, this is a nation accustomed to turning up when it counts, and there is no reason why this can’t be the same.

With the expansion of the competition now allowing 32 nations to compete, there are plenty of countries making their maiden appearance on the world stage. Vietnam, Zambia, Haiti, Morocco, Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, and the Republic of Ireland will all be making their debut on the global stage down under.

There are plenty of teams who could win this tournament, but here are four in particular to keep a keen eye on…

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Teams to watch

Brazil

Watching Brazil lift the World Cup trophy on 20 August would be something of a fairy tale for those wanting to watch Marta lift the most sought-after prize in international football. It is a tale reminiscent of Qatar 2022, when the world looked on as Lionel Messi led Argentina’s charge to glory, beating France in the final of the men’s World Cup to be crowned champions. Not only are some fans willing Marta and Brazil to go the whole way, but the players themselves are enthused about the prospect of winning the tournament.

Electric forward Kerolin, who plays her football in the NWSL with North Carolina Courage, says she and her team-mates are ‘inspired’ by Argentina and want to win the tournament for her captain.

The South American outfit also has the talent to match their ambitions, Kerolin and Marta included, along with the likes of Geyse, Debinha, and Rafaelle, who excel in their excel in their respective positions. Under the guidance of Swede Pia Sundhage, Brazil could finally unlock their potential and reach the promise land this summer.

• World at their Feet | Our Original Series about footballers and their journey to the top - Stream now for free

Zambia

Zambia are among several debutants in Australia and New Zealand who are hoping to make a splash down under. We first got a glimpse of what this Zambian team is capable of at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Star striker Barbra Banda led the time from the front, etching her name in history by becoming the first woman to score back-to-back hat-tricks at the tournament, one of which came in an enthralling encounter with the Netherlands.

She was also at the heart of their shock win over Germany prior to the tournament kick-off and will no doubt be instrumental in their maiden appearance in this competition.

• Barbra Banda - Zambia's football star on the rise

The Philippines

Another nation making its debut at the 2023 Women’s World Cup is the Philippines who have been on an upward trajectory ever since the arrival of Alen Stajcic, who has helped instil an unwavering sense of belief in the Filipinas.

Last year they won the AFF Women’s Championship on home soil to win their first ever trophy, stunning Vietnam for their first win in 17 attempts against the reigning champion.

While their outing at the Southeast Asian Games wasn’t what they hoped for, the World Cup presents a completely different challenge for the Filipinas - and they are determined to make it out of the group stages, with star goalkeeper Inna Palacios telling local media: “There’s a lot of hope and hard work that we’ll need, but we’re really focusing on that [getting out of the groups].”

• History beckons for the Philippines women's national team

Australia

Last, but by no means least, iwe have one of the hosts: Australia. It is clear to see that head coach Tony Gustavsson is carefully crafting a squad capable of challenging for the most sought-after prizes.

If there was ever any doubt about that, the Aussies' display against the European champions may have made many sit up and take notice as they approach their home tournament. They emerged as 2-0 winners thanks to goals from prolific striker Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant.

However, the most impressive part was the complete performance they demonstrated, putting an end to the Lionesses' 30-game unbeaten run. More specifically, the showing from young midfielder Kyra Cooney-Cross against the Euros-winning duo of Keira Walsh and Georgia Stanway giving her nation the platform to secure victory, was a particular highlight – and she will be a player to watch in the upcoming tournament.

• World at their Feet / Our Original Series about footballers and their journey to the top - Stream now for free