On Thursday, the most competitive Women’s World Cup in history will begin. It’s also set to be a great venue for some of the world’s top players to demonstrate their abilities. From rookies hoping to establish a name for themselves in Australia and New Zealand to veterans hoping to play their best during the prime of their careers, here’s a look at who is anticipated to make a name for themselves.
1. Sophia Smith, USA
Smith is a World Cup rookie, but she’s anticipated to fly through the learning curve as one of the clear starts in attack for the United States women’s national team. The 22-year-old attacker has progressively won a starting berth over the previous year after excelling for club and country, and he’s on a roll this season, with 10 goals and five assists for the Portland Thorns.
2. Australian Sam Kerr
All eyes will be on Kerr, who seeks to build on her status as one of the world’s finest goal scorers in a World Cup on home territory. The 30-year-old is coming off a 29-goal season for Chelsea in all competitions and will be the deciding factor for the co-hosts, who are regarded a dark horse candidate to win the tournament.
Debinha, Brazil is number three.
While Marta prepares for her World Cup farewell and a slew of newcomers hope to break through, this tournament is Debinha’s chance to shine. The dynamic attacker can be depended on for goals and elegant moves, making her one of the most enjoyable World Cup players to watch. The 31-year-old will be essential to Brazil’s aspirations as they want to improve on their Round of 16 exits in 2015 and 2019, as well as win their first World Cup.
4. Germany’s Lena Oberdorf
The two-time World Cup champions have spent the previous four years updating their roster, with Oberdorf at the helm of the new generation. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder interrupts opponent play and has an exceptional ability to understand the game, all of which can help Germany win another championship. Oberdorf has also played at the highest levels of the game, having been a member of Germany’s World Cup roster in 2019 and the 2022 Women’s Euro squad.
Keira Walsh of England is ranked fifth.
Walsh has been soaring high since signing for Barcelona for a record amount last summer, swiftly establishing herself as one of the game’s greatest centre midfielders. The strategically astute 26-year-old is competent in both defence and offence, making her England’s most crucial player in the World Cup.
Alexia Putellas from Spain
Putellas has won the previous two Ballon d’Or honours and is widely regarded as one of the finest offensive midfielders in the world, although he has missed most of the last year due to an ACL injury. She just returned to the field in April, so fitness is an issue for both her and Spain, but if she is ready to go, she will be a force to be reckoned with. If not, expect Aitana Bonmati to step in, like she did for Barcelona last season.
Zambia’s Barbra Banda
The Zambian attacker impressed in the Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first woman in tournament history to score back-to-back hattricks, and she seems set to give her opponents another run for their money. Just look at her previous performances: she scored twice in Zambia’s 3-2 triumph against Germany earlier this month.
Ada Hegerberg from Norway
The star striker returned to the fold before the 2022 Women’s Euro after missing the 2019 World Cup in order to push for equal treatment from Norway’s FA. She and teammate Caroline Graham Hansen will be anxious to score at 2019 World Cup after failing to do so in last year’s competition, when Norway was ousted in the group round.
9. Japan’s Yui Hasegawa
Hasegawa is a dynamic attacking midfielder with experience on a Japan squad packed of youthful potential. Hasegawa will most likely be the on-field captain who helps Japan re-emerge on the world’s greatest stage if the 2011 winners make a long run Down Under.
France’s Kadidiatou Diani
France has just had three months with new coach Herve Renard, who took over for Corinne Diacre after Diani and two of her colleagues criticised Diacre and the federation for a lack of professionalism. The attacker’s recent form, on the other hand, will serve as a wonderful building block as Renard shoots high with a quality France side; she scored 30 league goals for Paris Saint-Germain last season and is capable of playing both as a winger and a centre forward.
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