The Women’s World Cup has been expanded to 32 teams for the first time and Banyana Banyana will be among those in Australia and New Zealand. Nick Said takes a group-by-group look at the teams competing down under.
GROUP A: NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, PHILIPPINES, SWITZERLAND
Co-hosts New Zealand will feel they have a real shot at advancing with just about the best group they could have hoped for.
Norway, with their prolific striker Ada Hegerberg (right), are the real danger, but Switzerland will also be a tricky opponent and are ranked five places above the Kiwis.
Philippines are making their debut and are not expected to offer much resistance, so with the Norwegians expected to advance, it could all come down to New Zealand’s game with the Swiss on 30 July to decide second place.
GROUP B: AUSTRALIA, REPUBLIC OF IRELAND, NIGERIA, CANADA
Co-hosts Australia will be well and truly favourites in this pool as the only side from it in the top 10 in the world and with a plethora of stars, not least Sam Kerr (left).
Whether the pressure of a home World Cup will get to them remains to be seen, and all three of their opponents will be tough in their own way.
Nigeria have been to every World Cup played, but made little impact, while Canada are Olympic champions and Ireland are always a worthy opponent with former Banyana Banyana coach Vera Pauw in charge.
GROUP C: SPAIN, COSTA RICA, ZAMBIA, JAPAN
The two big favourites to advance in this pool are Spain (right) and 2011 World Cup winners Japan, with debutantes Zambia and Costa Rica, whose only previous showing was in 2015, there to make up the numbers.
That is not to say they will not believe they can make an impact, but Spain, ranked seventh in the world, and Japan (11th) should have far too much quality in their squads.
At number 77 in the world, 41 positions below Costa Rica, Zambia are the lowest-ranked side in the competition.
GROUP D: ENGLAND, HAITI, DENMARK, CHINA
European champions England might feel this is their year on the global stage as they look to improve on their best finish at the World Cup, which was third in 2015.
They have all the tools to do that and go all the way, but face a tricky little group that also includes China and Denmark. Both are very beatable from England’s point of view, but will provide a contest.
Haiti is the other team in the pool and is not expected to pose a threat, but with the likes of Pernille Harder in their side, watch out for the Danes.
GROUP E: UNITED STATES, VIETNAM, NETHERLANDS, PORTUGAL
No need to look far to see which two teams will advance from this pool: The United States and Netherlands are the overwhelming favourites.
Vietnam should be easily shaken off, while Portugal are a threat but should be no match for the two giants in the pool.
The USA are the top team in the world, despite what the English will tell you…
GROUP F: FRANCE, JAMAICA, BRAZIL, PANAMA
France now have Hervé Renard in charge of their side after some off-field clashes between the players and former coach Corinne Diacre.
They should be more settled and have threats everywhere on the pitch, which will make them many people’s dark horses for the title.
Brazil, who have recently been stuck without Marta, Debinha (right) and Ludmila – but still managed to defeat Germany – will most likely join them out of this pool, with neither Jamaica or Panama having the quality to match them.
GROUP G: SWEDEN, SOUTH AFRICA, ITALY, ARGENTINA
South Africa have been drawn in something of a Group of Death that includes Sweden, who are ranked number three in the world, Italy and Argentina, who are both also well ahead of them in the global rankings.
Sweden were runners-up at the 2003 World Cup and have won bronze on three other occasions, including last time out in France in 2019. They have also won the silver medal at the two most recent Olympic Games.
Italy are ranked number 16 in the world and were quarter-finalists four years ago, though perhaps Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane, who has been based in that country for the past few years, will be able to add some insight.
Argentina are appearing at a fourth World Cup, but have yet to get past the group stages, so may be the team Banyana should target. They are ranked 28 in the world, still well ahead of South Africa’s 54.
GROUP H: GERMANY, MOROCCO, COLOMBIA, SOUTH KOREA
Two clear favourites in this pool, as Germany (right) should easily take top spot, with South Korea joining them in the next stage.
The Koreans scored 10 goals over two games against Zambia in the March FIFA window and there is no sign that the Colombians or Morocco will be much better than the Copper Queens.
Morocco are on debut after losing to Banyana in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations last year.
