Women’s World Cup Predictions: Who Will Advance From the Group Stage?
This is the first year in Women’s World Cup history that the field has expanded to 32 teams, with eight more teams and eight more opportunities to inspire their nations through the World Cup. Two teams from each group will advance to the Round of 16; who will emerge when the dust settles? Let’s predict who will advance from the Women’s World Cup Group Stage.
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Group A: Norway, Philippines, New Zealand, Switzerland
Teams to advance: Norway and Switzerland
Norway has the most talent and should be the group winners barring an upset to New Zealand or Switzerland. Ada Hegerberg should be one of the favorites to win the Golden Boot based on her goal-scoring record at the club level, and she has two players in Guro Reiten and Caroline Graham Hansen, who can get her the ball.
Switzerland failed to advance from the Group Stage at the Women’s Euro due to a tough group. The Philippines and New Zealand will be slightly easier opponents. The Switzerland/New Zealand game will likely decide who is the second team to advance, and unless New Zealand finds some offense, Ramona Bachmann should carry the Swiss to the Round of 16.
Group B: Australia, Nigeria, Ireland, Canada
Teams to Advance: Australia, Canada
This seemed like a much tougher group when it was announced, but injuries and poor preparations from certain federations changed things. Ireland lost Denise O’Sullivan in a friendly with Colombia that was suspended after 20 minutes and must have been a bloodbath if the refs felt the need to stop the match.
Nigeria’s players are currently in a pay dispute, and while they will still give their all for their country, this is still a distraction their players must overcome. Australia is too deep and has an extra boost in front of their home fans, and Canada is the defending Gold Medalist at the Olympics. Australia and Canada should get it done.
Group C: Costa Rica, Japan, Spain, Zambia
Teams to Advance: Japan, Spain
Costa Rica and Zambia have an outside chance of advancing with their stars on each team. Rocky Rodriguez of Costa Rica and Barbara Banda of Zambia can make a significant impact.
However, Spain and Japan are two of the more tactically sound teams in the field and have experience in big competitions as well. Spain should advance first from the Women’s World Cup group stage, and Japan won’t be far behind as second in the group.
Group D: China, Denmark, England, Haiti
Teams to Advance: England, Denmark
China and Haiti will be fun to watch and should make this group very interesting. However, England shouldn’t have much of a fuss winning this group after being crowned champions of Europe.
Denmark is led by Pernille Harder, who will have to carry this team. It’s no guarantee that Denmark will emerge, but she is one of the best players in the entire group. Denmark versus China could decide who advances. China has World Cup history, but it’s been a long time since their stacked 1999 team. Wang Shuang might be able to lead this team past Denmark, but the Danes are my pick.
Group E: Netherlands, USA, Portugal, Vietnam
Teams to Advance: USA, Netherlands
The USWNT shouldn’t have much trouble in this group, with the Netherlands being their toughest opponent. Portugal will try to make life tough for them by parking the bus and sitting back, but the United States is still expected to win.
Holland versus Portugal should decide who the second team will be, and if the Netherlands don’t advance, it would be very disappointing for them after their performance at the Euro last year. It should be the United States and the Netherlands coming out of this group.
Group F: Brazil, France, Jamaica, Panama
Teams to Advance: France, Brazil
Jamaica and Panama are fun to watch and have some talented stars like Khadija “Bunny” Shaw for Jamaica. However, Brazil and France have pace, flair, and exceptional star power and should overwhelm Jamaica and Panama. France will be expected to top the group, but with how Brazil has been playing the last year with wins over Germany and Japan, they could beat France and win this group. Either way, those two teams should be expected to advance.
Group G: Argentina, South Africa, Italy, Sweden
Teams to Advance: Sweden, Italy
South Africa has a few star players, but their roster isn’t strong enough to contend with a strong Sweden side, and they likely can’t outscore Italy, either.
Argentina’s soccer program is building with this appearance at the World Cup, but sadly haven’t received the backing that the men’s team gets. Consider this growing pains for their team, as Sweden and Italy should be able to match their physicality to go with their elite finishers in attack.
Group H: Colombia, Germany, South Korea, Morocco
Teams to Advance: Germany, South Korea
If the United States doesn’t win the World Cup, then Germany is my next choice. This group will not be much of a challenge for them. Colombia’s last match was suspended, making them a team no one wants to play if the rumors are true, with them putting in some scary challenges.
Morocco has never been here before and has to beat South Korea if they want a chance to advance. The South Koreans have enough talent, especially in the midfield, to be the second team out of this group. Ji So-yun is a player who can carry South Korea into the Round of 16. Germany and South Korea are the most likely teams to be one and two out of Group H.
Let us at GSN know what you think of these Women’s World Cup group stage picks. Who would you swap in or out? Be sure to reach out on socials because we’d love to hear your thoughts. We’ll be back to preview the Round of 16 at the beginning of August.
Featured image via Getty Images
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