Even if it doesn’t feel like the last four years have flown by, the FIFA Women’s World Cup is back this summer. The United States is the defending champion, having defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the 2019 World Cup final. Will the United States win again for 3 World Cup championships in a row, bringing its overall tally to 5 titles?
Current Women’s World Cup futures odds suggest the United States women’s national team is most likely to win +225, followed by England +300. Germany and Spain are tied for third, sitting at +600. France is a distant fourth at +900.
Women’s World Cup Betting Is Legal
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One of the major differences between the 2023 World Cup and the 2019 World Cup is that this year many Americans will be able to bet on the U.S. Women’s National Team. Legal sports betting in the U.S. was just getting started just four years ago.
Things have changed dramatically since then, as the fallout for the US Supreme Court’s 2018 overturn of PASPA has allowed states to consider whether or not to legalize sports betting. Now, according to USALegalBetting, sports betting is legal in 37 states, with mobile sports betting allowed in 28 states. Every US state that has legalized sports betting allows betting on soccer, including MLS soccer, European club leagues like the Premier League, and major international soccer competitions like the men’s World Cup, UEFA Euro, and CONCACAF Gold Cup.
That means a big chunk of the country can bet on the Women’s World Cup from their phones using one of many legal sports betting sites and applications. Customers can deposit using a variety of convenient payment methods, including credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. Other popular methods include Paypal and bank transfer.
2023 Women’s World Cup Overview
When it comes to the 2023 Women’s World Cup, this is the deepest field we’ve ever seen. With 32 teams entered into the tournament and several international powerhouses in the mix, a win for the United States isn’t a complete lock by any stretch.
2023 Women’s World Cup Location and Dates
Australia and New Zealand will co-host the 2023 Women’s World Cup. The opening match will take place on July 20, 2023 at New Zealand’s Eden Park. The final will be on August 20, 2023 at Stadium Australia.
Each host nation will share the group play stage. Groups A, C, E, and G will play in New Zealand, while groups B, D, F, and H will play in Australia. Similarly, knockout stage games will occur in both nations. The last game in New Zealand will be one of the semifinals in Auckland set for August 15, 2023.
Keeping the schedule and entries in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the top favorites.
Americans Going for Three-Pete
After winning the last two World Cups, the Americans are the betting favorite to win their third in a row and fifth overall World Cup in 2023. However, the U.S. isn’t an overwhelming favorite. The team isn’t the same as it was four years ago.
The US Soccer roster revealed that several key veterans won’t be a part of the team, or will have reduced roles. Also, other important players will be out due to injury. One big name on the disabled list is Mallory Swanson. Her teammates will certainly notice her absence when they face their biggest rivals. Many consider Swanson to be one of the best players in the world.
Despite these apparent setbacks, the US women’s national team possesses more than enough talent to win another World Cup.
Euro Champs England Hope to Bring It Home
Fresh off a European championship last summer, England is arguably the biggest threat to the U.S. The Lionesses were close to perfect while hosting the Euros a year ago and hope to parlay that into their first women’s World Cup trophy.
In their last 20 games, England has 16 wins, three draws, and just one loss. On paper, they look like the total package. Yet, their final FIFA ranking has them at a tentative 4th, trailing behind the U.S., Germany, and Sweden. They’ll need to stay injury-free and play smart in order to defeat a strong contingent of teams from the UEFA and CONCACAF nations, all of which will be their strongest competitors.
Spain Boasts Both Talent and Uncertainty
The last year has been a tumultuous one for the Spaniards. Last September, 15 players – including several of the team’s best players – requested not to be called into the team, strongly indicating they wanted the federation to get rid of coach Jorge Vilda. Since then, the Spanish FA (RFEF) and various women’s team players have offered conflicting stories about how the players feel about Mr. Vilda.
The RREF has publicly stated that it was asked by several players to sack Mr. Vilda. However, the players themselves released a statement claiming they never made that demand.
To date, the situation is far from settled. It’s still unclear whether Spain’s best players will play in the World Cup under Jorge Vilda. That being said, Spain’s “B-Side” has had some impressive results over the last few months, including a win over the U.S. in October. It’s clear they have both the talent and the depth to hang with best in the world.
Needless to say, a Spanish side at full strength would put them among the most likely contenders for the title. Keep tabs on this important subplot.
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Redemption for Germany
Germany has long been a proud soccer nation. However, a quarterfinals loss in the 2019 Women’s World Cup was a big disappointment. Can they avenge this untimely exit and win the 2023 Women’s World Cup Final?
Germany has shown some signs of a resurgence as the runners-up at last year’s Euros. Despite some inconsistent results against the other top teams in recent international friendlies, Germany is not to be overlooked.
Captain Alexandra Popp has 61 career international goals. Her offensive abilities alone could carry the Germans to a World Cup victory, which would most likely be her last outing on the national team.
Last Chance for France’s Golden Generation?
A decade ago, it seemed impossible that France would not have won a major tournament by now with the emergence of a golden generation. But Les Bleues are still searching for that elusive trophy. They’ll need to summon all their strength and a bit of luck if they want to win their first World Cup against some of the most formidable competition in history,
Hervé Renard, who coached the Saudi Arabia men’s team to a shocking upset over eventual champ Argentina at the men’s World Cup last fall, took over the French women’s team in March. He helped bring veterans Eugénie Le Sommer and Amandine Henry back into the fold.
The likes of Le Sommer, Henry, Wendie Denard, and others are all approaching the end of their careers. This could be their last shot at a title after so many close calls, including third place at the Euros last year. But has France’s time come and gone? Will an aging golden generation have enough in reserve to win it all?
Co-Hosts Australia a Potential Dark Horse
As one of the co-hosts of the tournament, Australia faces a lot of national pressure to reach the tournament’s later stages. But the encouragement of their home fans could also help propel the team forward. The Matildas boast recent wins over Spain and England earlier this year. With continued momentum, the Australia women’s national team could be a surprise contender than nobody foresaw.
Overall, Australia doesn’t have the same amount of talent as the top World Cup favorites. FIFA last ranked them at #10, immediately behind the Netherlands and just ahead of Japan. That puts them solidly mid-pack, making it clear they can hold their own. They have a world-class striker in Sam Kerr who is capable of rising to the occasion and has proven to be a reliable offensive weapon in recent appearances. Odds for the Australian Women’s team could improve if other key players step up.
Conclusion
With betting on the Women’s World Cup now legal across much of the United States, legal US sportsbooks are anticipating increased betting handles and wagering activity as the U.S. women’s national team attempts to win 3 titles in a row.
However, the United States will face stiff competition in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, comprised of 32 of the world’s best teams including co-host nations Australia and New Zealand. Other hopefuls include England, Spain, France, and Germany, all of whom are eager to win soccer’s most important title.
The 2023 Women’s World Cup runs from July 20, 2023 through August 20, 2023. Be sure to visit our Women’s World Cup betting odds page to see the latest odds to win the Women’s World Cup, plus lines and odds for each match throughout the tournament.