FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 - Group F: Preview, schedule and how to watch
An inspired Brazilian side hoping to win the World Cup for legendary teammate Marta will meet France, Jamaica, and Panama in Group F. Here are the key things you need to know about this quartet ahead of the tournament.
Football
As the 2023 Women’s World Cup edges closer, we’re continuing to preview each of the eight groups ahead of the tournament starting on 20 July.
Group F is home to Brazil, France, Jamaica, and tournament debutants Panama.
Qatar 2022 saw us witness one of football’s greatest fairytales, as Lionel Messi captained Argentina to a World Cup win - and perhaps this summer we could witness a similar kind of magic as Marta aims to reach the promise land with her beloved Brazil.
France look rejuvenated under new boss Hervé Renard and will look to maximise the potential of a very talented squad, albeit with a handful of key players missing through long-term injuries.
Jamaica and Panama will be fighting against the odds to make it out of the group – the former looking to better their 2019 showing when they exited at the first hurdle following three successive defeats, while the latter are on the world stage for the very first time.
Ahead of the tournament commencing, here is the lowdown on Group F including players to watch and their complete schedule.
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2023 Women's World Cup: Preview
Given the star-studded names boasted in their squads, Brazil and France are arguably the favourites to make it out of this group as the top two teams.
The Brazilians are likely to be led by the ever-present Marta. A formidable character, the forward has been a mainstay in the South American side since breaking onto the scene. She inspires across the world, but her national teammates are spurred on by her in particular. After watching Argentina go all the way under the leadership of Messi at the 2022 World Cup, the Brazilian team wants to replicate that for their own legend. Talking to Rainhas da Copa, teammate Kerolin said: “We are inspired by Argentina, for what they did for Messi. We are in the position to do the same for Marta.”
The nation itself has participated in every edition of the tournament to date, but are yet to win football’s most coveted final. With Pia Sundhage at the helm, they will be looking to replicate their 2007 run which saw them reach the final of the competition, though instead of being pipped to the post by Germany, they’ll have their eyes firmly fixated on the prize and the talent to match their ambitions.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - NOVEMBER 30: Herve Renard, Head Coach of Saudi Arabia, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
France has entered a new era under the newly appointed Hervé Renard. The 54-year-old was on the touchline in Qatar for the men’s tournament last year, as he led Saudi Arabia to a shock win over eventual champions Argentina. As well as a new coach, they will see the return of key players since their last tournament cycle.
Notably, Amandine Henry and Eugénie Le Sommer have been recalled to the national team under Renard. Not only do they bring a wealth of experience, but Henry in particular is still a dominant figure in the defensive midfielder role. After failing to make a splash on home soil last time out, there is hope that Renard will breathe fresh life into a highly regarded crop of players.
READ MORE: How will France fare under new boss Renard?
Jamaica have qualified for the World Cup for a second successive time, having made their tournament debut in France four years ago. It wasn’t quite the maiden appearance they had in mind on that occasion, with a group stage exit following three consecutive losses, one of which came at the hands of current group opponents Brazil.
Tournament debutants Panama make up the final spot in the group, making their first appearance on the world stage. They did not enter the first three editions of the competition and failed to qualify for the following two. After not entering in 2011 once more, they have been working since to make their maiden showing at the World Cup. Panama would face heartbreak twice more in 2015 and 2019 after missing out, but 2023 has proven to be their year.
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Kerolin of Brazil warms up prior to the Women´s Finalissima 2023 match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on April 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
2023 Women's World Cup: Players to watch
Kerolin - Brazil
Brazil forward Kerolin is currently leading the NWSL scoring charts at the time of writing, with eight goals in 12 games.
Able to play through the middle or on the wing, the 23-year-old poses a constant threat to opposing defenders.
Pacey and good with her feet, she draws plays into her game before outwitting them to either score or create goals for her team.
Kerolin's desire to follow in Argentina's footsteps and help her legendary teammate Marta earn football's most coveted award, matched with her high-flying form of late, makes her one to watch this summer.
Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw - Jamaica
In keeping with the forwards theme, Jamaica’s Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw will be looking to carry her excellent club form into the national team this summer.
Leading the line of Manchester City, Shaw was pipped to the post of Women’s Super League golden boot by Rachel Daly, with the latter’s 22-goal tally bettering Shaw’s own of 20.
The City striker has shown her versalitly along the front line, able to drift out wide and have an impact on play, but her real threat comes inside the box where she has shown a ruthlessness in front of goal that made her one of the Women's Super League's standout players last season.
The 26-year-old will be looking to build on a year that has already seen her crowned CONCACAF W Player of the Year.
READ MORE: Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw: The Jamaican star eyeing success at the World Cup
MONTERREY, MEXICO - JULY 07: Khadija Shaw of Jamaica drives the ball during the match between Jamaica and United States as part of the 2022 Concacaf W Championship at BBVA Stadium on July 07, 2022 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
2023 Women's World Cup: Group F Schedule
Here’s how the group stages are shaping up for these four nations (all local times; AEST–UTC+12)…
23 July: France v Jamaica, 20:00 KO at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
24 July: Brazil v Panama, 20:30 KO at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
29 July: France v Brazil, 20:00 KO at Lang Park, Brisbane
29 July: Panama v Jamaica, 20:30 KO at Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth
2 August: Panama v France, 20:00 KO at Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
2 August: Jamaica v Brazil, 20:00 KO at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne
You can discover how to watch live and find the full list of confirmed broadcasters so far here.