The Women’s World Cup begins Friday at the Parc des Princes in Paris, where hosts France will tangle with South Korea to kick off a month-long chase for the honor of being crowned the best team in women’s football.
Here’s the lowdown on half of the field.
Group A
The inside track: Hosts France are hoping for a title, or at least a Top Three finish for the first time in history. The French have lost just once since the start of 2018 and have Eugenie Le Sommer leading the line. Norway would present a genuine title threat were it not for the continued boycott of national team duty by Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Ada Hegerberg, who is protesting for equality. South Korea is hoping for a knockout round game, while Nigeria is hoping its dominance of Africa can translate past the group stage for just the second time in eight tries.
Game schedule
Friday, June 7: France v. South Korea
Saturday, June 8: Norway v. Nigeria
Wednesday, June 12: Nigeria v. South Korea
Wednesday, June 12: France v. Norway
Monday, June 17: Nigeria v. France
Monday, June 17: South Korea v. Norway
Three star players to watch
1) Eugenie Le Sommer, France (below)
2) Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria
3) Maren Mjelde, Norway
Prediction
France and Nigeria win their openers, meeting for the Group A winners’ path on the final day. The hosts get it done.
Group B
The inside track: Two-time World Cup champions Germany are serial EURO winners and a tournament favorite on home continent soil. Once runners-up to the USWNT, China is seeking to reclaim its status as a threat on the world stage. PSG midfielder Wang Shuang should help that along a bit. Spain’s first World Cup saw a winless 20th place finish, so almost anything would be an improvement. South Africa has not won this year.
Game schedule
Saturday, June 8: Germany v. China
Saturday, June 8: Spain v. South Africa
Wednesday, June 12: Germany v. Spain
Thursday, June 13: South Africa v. China
Monday, June 17: South Africa v. Germany
Monday, June 17: China v. Spain
Three star players to watch
1) Alexandra Popp, Germany
2) Patricia Guijarro, Spain
3) Wang Shuang, China
Prediction
Germany cruises through the group stage, and the final day’s meeting between China and Spain sorts the second slot.
Group C
The inside track: Australia has a puncher’s chance in any game, especially given Sam Kerr’s potential to do something wonderful at any given moment. Brazil is on an almost-absurd nine-match losing run, all matches coming away from South America. The Italians have fared well in the run-up, without testing themselves much. Khadija “Bunny” Shaw will bring a prolific goal scoring record to France for the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica.
Game schedule
Sunday, June 9: Australia v. Italy
Sunday, June 9: Brazil v. Jamaica
Thursday, June 13: Australia v. Brazil
Friday, June 14: Jamaica v. Italy
Tuesday, June 18: Jamaica v. Australia
Tuesday, June 18: Italy v. Brazil
Three star players to watch
1) Sam Kerr, Australia
2) Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, Jamaica
3) Marta, Brazil
Prediction
All four teams remain alive on the final day, with Australia and Brazil earning places in the knockout rounds.
