We’re officially just one day away from the beginning of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Australia and New Zealand will play host to the prestigious tournament, which runs from July 20th to August 20th. This is the first time two countries will hold the World Cup, with the final set to take place at Sydney Olympic Stadium. Heading into the event, the USWNT is the slim favorite to make history and win their third straight title with +225 odds at BetOnline. England (+475), Spain (+475), Germany (+800), and Australia (+1000) round out the top five. Below, we’ll dive into the FIFA Women’s World Cup futures, which can offer a whole lot of value for bettors.
The Americans won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019, solidifying themselves as the powerhouse of women’s international football. However, capturing a third won’t be an easy task. Just a handful of players return from their 19′ squad, with several others missing out due to injury including Christen Press, Mallory Swanson, Catarina Macario, and Becky Sauerbrunn. There are also many newcomers in the squad, including youngsters Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson. Veteran Alex Morgan will need to be at her absolute best if the USWNT is going to make a deep run in the tournament considering the key pieces missing. The States should win their group with ease though, sitting alongside Vietnam, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
England (+475)
Let’s set the record straight right now. England is no pushover. The Lionesses won the 2022 Euros in dramatic fashion at Wembley and have a plethora of talent throughout their squad. 16 of the players selected for the European Championships will also suit up Down Under, while seven return from the 2019 World Cup roster, who lost to the US in the semifinals. Ella Toone and Alex Greenwood are two players to watch for England, with Toone starring in the showpiece against the Germans. England should be able to beat Haiti, China, and Denmark in the group stages. Oh, and they’ve reached the last four in two consecutive World Cups. Can the Brits get over the hump? It’s possible. Keep an eye on them in the FIFA Women’s World Cup futures.
Spain (+475)
The Spaniards are always seen as a contender, but their best player, two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, left training early this week which has raised concerns about her fitness ahead of the tournament. The Barcelona star has only played six matches this year after recovering from ACL surgery. Spain was knocked out in the Round of the 16 in the 2019 edition by the USWNT. If Putellas isn’t healthy, it’s hard to imagine Espana doing well here. Plus, two important players in Mapi Leon and Patri Guijarro are missing, too.
Germany (+800)
Germany has reached the semifinals in five of the past eight World Cups and has no shortage of quality in their squad. They’re currently ranked second in the globe heading into the tournament and as previously mentioned, were on the brink of a Euro title before England bested them on the grand stage in London last summer. Leading the way is veteran Alex Popp, Wolfsburg’s No. 11 who always turns up for her country. Lena Oberdorf is another budding star for the Germans who showcased her immense talent in the Euros, too.
Australia (+1000)
The Matildas don’t just happen to be the hosts, they’re also a strong team. Sam Kerr is one of the best strikers in the sport and truly a ruthless finisher, whether it’s with Australia or Chelsea. Kerr has netted 63 times for her nation and could honestly be the best player in this entire tournament. Whether she’s banging in goals or providing assists, the Blues talisman is absolutely crucial to the Aussie’s success. While a ninth-place finish in the last World Cup wasn’t ideal, the Matildas have more depth four years later and the home crowd behind them. Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria join them in Group B.
Picks
When looking at the FIFA Women’s World Cup futures, it’s likely best to put a bit of money down on a couple of different sides. To me, those two are the US and England.
Quinn Allen is a journalist who specializes in writing sports betting previews. He holds a senior editor position at ClutchPoints. He has been contributing to Vegas Betting as a writer since 2022.