Olympic Women’s Soccer: Who Are The Favorites and Underdogs?
Some of the best fun in watching the Olympics is an upset. There’s just something about the nail-biting that happens when an underdog gets the better of a favorite. It’s all part of the thrill of competition. With the face of women’s soccer changing so much so fast, let’s see who some of this Olympic women’s soccer tournament’s favorites and underdogs are.
Favorites
USA
Despite being ranked lowest in recent history, the USWNT can never be counted out. In these last few friendlies with Emma Hayes leading the team we’ve seen a new life breathed into the lineup. The USA has the most decorated program in history and some of the finest players in the world. And now, more than ever, they have something to prove.
Spain
As the reigning world champions, Spain is an easy team to root for. They are riding high at number one in the FIFA rankings. Spain has never even medaled at the Olympics before, but all eyes will definitely be on them and their performance. Their World Cup win was muddled by their coaching staff controversy, so seeing them do well at the Olympics would be even more significant.
Canada
Canada is the current defending Olympic champion. After winning gold in 2021, they had a misstep in the last World Cup so they’re looking to come back strong. This will be their first Olympics without Christine Sinclair, but their showing at the CONCACAF Gold Cup gave us a glimpse of the strength they’ve gained.
Underdogs
Aotearoa (New Zealand)
We were all thrilled to see Aotearoa get their first World Cup win as one of the host nations. They are in a really stacked group, but we’ve seen what this group can do. And with Ali Riley as the captain, we are sure to get the best out of this team.
Australia
Another Oceania team, the Matildas, has been going through it over the last year or so. They finished fourth in the World Cup and have all kinds of buzz around them. But they will also be missing their all-star and captain, Sam Kerr. Obviously, no team is built on one player, but Kerr is a huge loss, so we’ll have to wait and watch.
Nigeria
Nigeria is slotted for what could easily be seen as this tournament’s Group of Death matched up against Japan, Brazil, and Spain. But Nigeria is always one that we have our eyes on. They’ve got charisma and style, not to mention a new coach in Randy Waldrum from Pitt. There will even be some familiar NWSL faces like Thorns Nicole Payne, Louisville’s Uchenna Kanu, and Bay FC’s Asisat Oshoala. They have missed out on the last four Olympic tournaments which means they’re ready to come out guns blazing.
Featured image via Getty Images
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