The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand is set to kick off July 20, with the final slated for Aug. 20 in Sydney. It’s the first time the tournament will have 32 nations competing for the world title, and viewers could be in store for the most entertaining matches in the history of the women’s game as the United States defend their back-to-back trophies, England comes off a Euros 2022 win and Haiti, Portugal and Republic of Ireland among eight teams make their World Cup debut.

Can hosts Australia and New Zealand capitalise on home advantage? Will Keira Walsh or Alex Morgan deliver some magic? And can a new coach help France succeed?

ESPN previews each of the World Cup’s 32 teams in the tournament with everything you need to know about the sides, split into the groups they will be in.

GROUP A

New Zealand flag Team: New Zealand

  • Also known as: Football Ferns

  • FIFA world rank: 22

  • Finish in previous World Cup: 20th

  • Betting line: +25,000 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Jitka Klimkova

Key star: CJ Bott

The Leicester City full-back has grown into one of the most important players for the Football Ferns. Plying her trade in the Women’s Super League sees her test herself against the best of the best on a weekly basis, and that in turn has only improved her game. The Ferns are now set to reap the rewards of all the hard work she has put in during her club campaigns.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Milly Clegg

A youngster who turned heads in the most recent A-League Women’s season, Clegg is one to watch. At just 17, she is the youngest member of this Football Ferns squad and will be attending her third World Cup in 12 months having been selected for the U17 and U20 New Zealand squads. She’s fearless and can find the back of the net, which the Ferns need.

One reason they won’t win: Weaknesses in attack and defence

New Zealand have already played nine games so far in 2023. They’ve managed only three goals and conceded 22. They can’t find the back of the net and can’t keep the opposition out of it. The Ferns are unable to hang their hat on having a potent attack or a solid defence, culminating in a worst of both worlds situation. While a 2-0 victory over Vietnam in their send-off game was a much-needed reprieve, it feels more like a flash in the pan rather than the start of a chance in fortunes.

Key stats:

– Will be playing in their sixth World Cup, have yet to register a win in previous five WWCs. They are the only team in WWC who have played 10-plus matches at the World Cup and have not won a game (0W-3D-12L)
– Only eight goals scored at the WWC, second-fewest among all nations with 10-plus matches played; only South Korea has scored fewer (six)

Realistic chances: Out in the groups but with a maiden win

New Zealand have gone to five World Cups and never won a match. Across the 15 group stage games they’ve played, they’ve amassed three draws and 12 losses. While Norway and Switzerland pose two huge obstacles to the Ferns, the Philippines match looms as the one the Ferns could realistically win. While it won’t be an easy game by any stretch, the last time these sides met, New Zealand won 2-1 back in September 2022. — Marissa Lordanic

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Norway flag Team: Norway

  • Also known as: The Football Girls

  • FIFA world rank: 12

  • Finish in previous World Cup: Quarterfinals

  • Betting line: +6,000 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Hege Riise

Key star: Caroline Graham Hansen

As Sam Marsden opined in our World Cup Best 25, Graham Hansen is a force, a quick-thinking and skilled winger whose one-on-one ability is crucial for the attack of whatever team she’s in. If Norway are to go deep, Graham Hansen’s light-footed runs in and around the box to create chances will play a large part.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Sophie Roman Haug

Though not a starter for Norway, Roman Haug could yet make her mark as a bench player with a nose for the goal. Much like compatriot Ada Hegerberg, the 24-year-old frequently makes a nuisance of herself when in the box, thanks to her keen aerial ability. Roman Haug’s goal return, while impressive on its own, could be the difference for Norway should Riise call on her at key times. The attacker is used to delivering a clutch goal.

One reason they won’t win: They’re too conservative

For all the talent Norway boasts in the attack and midfield, the team fails to play with the flair it could show. Despite being coached by a legendary attacker in Riise, Norway still err on the side of stodgy, compact football. The use of Guro Reiten and Frida Maanum — both coming off strong seasons in WSL, with their own attacking diligence vital for Chelsea and Arsenal, respectively — as dual No. 8s highlights the tamer brand of football the team is preaching.

Key stats:

– Leading has been key for Norway, who have never lost a World Cup match when ahead at halftime (19W-2D-0L)
– Norway have failed to qualify from their group only once, in 2011, when they were placed with Brazil, Australia and Equatorial Guinea

Realistic chances: Reach the round of 16

They’re expected to top their group, but unless Norway can pick up a head of steam and gain some much-needed collective confidence, a meeting with a talented Spain or Japan team is the likely path to the last eight. In their current form, that’s not a test the Football Girls would pass. — Sophie Lawson

Philippines flag Team: Philippines

  • Also known as: Filipinas

  • FIFA world rank: 46

  • Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

  • Betting line: +100,000 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Alen Stajcic

Key star: Sarina Bolden

Kiwis will be familiar with Bolden’s exploits from the A-League Women’s where she played last season for Western Sydney Wanderers. With 21 goals in 36 national team appearances, Bolden is a player who always looks dangerous. She provides energy and spark, creating chances.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Isabella Flanigan

The Philippines is a team that has tapped heavily into the nation’s diaspora, particularly in the U.S. and Australia, and Flanigan is one such player. Born in America and playing college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers, Flanigan is only 18, but has already made 28 appearances for the senior national team and scored three goals.

One reason they won’t win: Recent record against European teams

While the Philippines have done a mountain of preparation over the past two years, playing nations from every confederation, their record against European teams is not great. In a group with two European nations, wanting to get out of the group becomes more difficult. Their victories over Europeans in recent times came against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, a team ranked 19 places below them.

Key stats:

– This will be the Philippines’ World Cup debut. Asian Confederation teams have lost the past five matches in their World Cup debut (Thailand in 2015, South Korea in 2003, North Korea in 1999, Chinese Taipei in 1991 and Japan in 1991)
– Heading into this WWC, Philippines has just one loss in their past six matches

Realistic chances: A maiden World Cup win

The Philippines’ strong run in the Women’s Asian Cup could provide a blueprint for more success, but the World Cup brings a new level of pressure. Switzerland and Norway will be difficult opponents and are likely too strong for the Filipinas. However, much like New Zealand eyeing off their matchup with the Philippines, the same is true in reverse. The Philippines have a genuine chance of earning a first-ever World Cup win against the Football Ferns. — Lordanic

Switzerland flag Team: Switzerland

  • Also known as: La Nati

  • FIFA world rank: 20

  • Finish in previous World Cup: Round of 16 (2015)

  • Betting line: +20,000 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Inka Grings

Key star: Lia Walti

A nation without as much depth in quality as their neighbours, when Switzerland do produce standout footballers they rapidly rise into the “world class” bracket and Walti is one of the best examples. A metronome in midfield, the Swiss captain is what keeps the team ticking, her vision and distribution being key for her nation.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Geraldine Reuteler

Still just 24 years old, Reuteler has been a key part of the Eintracht/FFC Frankfurt attack since she moved to Germany in her teens, yet she’s yet to fully announce herself to the wider audience. Still used only sparingly by Switzerland, the forward has a fair return for La Nati, but is a hungry attacker who is always keen to get into dangerous positions and help in shot creation from her deeper position in the Swiss midfield.

One reason they won’t win: Not enough time to gel

Having taken charge only in November, Grings, who is well regarded for her playing career, has also never managed at this level before. Compounded with her limited time with the team to help crystallise her ideas, everything just feels too soon for this particular interaction of La Nati.

Key stats:

– Winless in the past seven matches (five draws, two losses) and since the start of 2022, Switzerland has won only three of their 19 matches in all competitions (3W-8D-8L). Their three wins in that span are against teams that will not be at the WWC
– In the four winless friendlies (three draws, one loss) they’ve played in 2023, Switzerland’s shot conversion rate is just 10.3% while their shots on target percentage is just 28.2%

Realistic chances: Round of 16 exit

Drawn into a favourable group, there is more than enough quality in the Swiss team to help them navigate the first three games in New Zealand, but if they do progress to the knockouts, things are likely to get too tough very quickly. — Lawson

GROUP B

Australia flag Team: Australia

  • Also known as: The Matildas

  • FIFA world rank: 10

  • Finish in previous World Cup: 9th

  • Betting line: +1,100 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Tony Gustavsson

Key star: Sam Kerr

What more can be written about Kerr? Australia’s captain is the face of this team and arguably the face of this tournament. If the Matildas are to do well in their home World Cup — and recent form suggests they will — Kerr will be crucial to that success. Her ability to lead the line, press and close down passing channels, tee teammates up — via assists or dragging defenders away — and score goals means she enters her fourth World Cup with the most well-rounded, complete skill set of her career.

Up-and-comer(s) poised for a breakout: Kyra Cooney-Cross

Cooney-Cross spent the last World Cup on standby, aged just 17. Four years later, the 21-year-old is a starter and key cog in the Matildas’ midfield machine heading into the World Cup. Her partnership with Katrina Gorry has made the centre of the park one of the Matildas’ strongest areas. What Cooney-Cross brings to the duo is strong distribution, a solid engine, an ability to pick out passes and no reluctance in doing the dirty work.

One reason they won’t win: Midfield fatigue

While there is no denying that the Matildas’ depth has increased, there is an area of the field which could cause concern. Gorry and Cooney-Cross’ midfield partnership is special. And it works. So much so, the duo have started every game the Matildas have played in 2023. Gorry has only missed seven minutes, and Cooney-Cross has only missed 35. They are relied on and with good reason. But there is a fear they could be overworked. While Australia has the likes of an Alex Chidiac and Emily van Egmond, what they could do in this midfield from the start of a match is an unknown. Whereas the depth across the rest of the park has been thoroughly tested, the midfield hasn’t.

Key stats:

– Have made it past the group stage four straight World Cups; one of five countries to do so in each (USA, Germany, England and Brazil)
– Seeking to be just the second team to win the World Cup when they are hosting it (1999, USA)
– Kerr: 63 goals with the Australian national team in all competitions; she is the all-time leading goal scorer in men’s or women’s Australian soccer

Realistic chances: Semifinals

Australia is dusting off its highest hopes for the Matildas. After saying for years that he was building the Matildas to peak at the right time, it would appear Gustavsson has done just that. With wins against high-ranking opposition, an attacking style of football and a squad as deep as it is versatile, making the final four doesn’t feel unrealistic. Throw in the support of the home crowd, and the Matildas could well be on their way to a best-ever World Cup finish. — Lordanic

Rep. of Ireland flag Team: Republic of Ireland

  • Also known as: Girls in Green

  • FIFA world rank: 22

  • Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

  • Betting line: +20,000 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Vera Pauw

Key star: Republic of Ireland and Olympic champions Zambia

  • Also known as: The Copper Queens

  • FIFA world rank: 77

  • Finish in previous World Cup: N/A (this is their World Cup debut)

  • Betting line: +30,000 to win the World Cup

  • Manager: Bruce Mwape