Women's World Cup 2023: only one will remain
The Women's World Cup is fast approaching. From July 20 to August 20, 2023, 32 nations from around the world will compete in Australia and New Zealand to determine the best women's team on the planet. A few months before the competition, a presentation is necessary.
Launched in 1991 in China, the FIFA Women's World Cup will be held for the ninth time next summer. In the last 30 years, only four countries have won the title: the United States, Norway, Germany and Japan. Team USA is the most successful nation with four titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019) while the Germans have won twice (2003, 2007). For the first time in the history of the women's world championships, this edition will have 32 participants, compared to 24 at the 2019 world in France.
A three-way ticket for the United States?
Two-time defending world champions, Team USA is aiming for a third consecutive title this August. The best women's team in history still leads the FIFA rankings, but the gap between them and their rivals has narrowed in recent months. Vlatko Andonovski's team suffered three consecutive defeats to England, Germany and Spain during the fall friendly tour, a series of defeats that is unprecedented for the Americans.
This summer, the European teams will have the knife between their teeth to defeat the United States. The "Nationalelf", unfortunate finalists at the last European Championship, are ranked second in the world and are aiming for a third world championship title after their double in 2003 and 2007. The Three Lionesses, meanwhile, won their first major title against the Germans last summer and have a number of established players at their disposal, such as Beth Mead, Arsenal's star striker and second in the latest Ballon d'Or awards. In addition to Sweden, Canada and Spain, Marta's Brazil will be a team to watch. Orlando Pride's No. 10 is the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history for both men and women, with 17 goals in five editions. In the group stage, the Seleção will face... the French team.
A chance for our Blues?
Fifth nation in the FIFA rankings, the Tricolores are still looking for a first title on the international scene. Last year, Corinne Diacre's players reached the semi-finals of the Euro in England, losing to Germany in the last four (1-2). In the World Cup, the French team has never done better than a fourth place in 2011.
In the last edition in 2019 at home, Wendie Renard and her teammates were taken out by Team USA in the quarter, after having eliminated Brazil in the previous round. On the front of the attack, Les Bleues will be able to count on Delphine Cascarino and Kadidiatou Diani. Marie-Antoinette Katoto, injured since last July, is uncertain. With 10 wins in 10 games during the qualifying phase for the competition, France could offer certainties in the absence of the Paris Saint-Germain star. Enough to dream of a first star on the jersey? Answer from July 20.
