Between July 20th and August 20th, 32 nations will fight for their chance to win the 9th Women’s World Cup. This year’s tournament is taking place in Australia and New Zealand, for the first time in the history of either the men’s or women’s World Cups.

Group A (Norway, Switzerland, New Zealand, Philippines): Co-hosts New Zealand has been placed in a tough group. I can’t see a way past the stronger European sides. 

Group B (Canada, Australia, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland): With the home crowd behind them, I could see Australia impress. Canada’s poor showing in the SheBelieves Cup could be a sign of things to come. However, the relatively big gap in quality between the top two teams in the group and the bottom two should be the deciding factor.

Group C (Spain, Japan, Costa Rica, Zambia): Spain and Japan are heavy group favorites, both ranking inside the top 10 nations to qualify. Costa Rica and Zambia will have a tough time getting anything from the group.

Group D (England, Denmark, China, Haiti): The English squad—much stronger than their competitors—will run away with this group, having just won the Women’s EURO last summer. Haiti, in their World Cup debut, will find it hard to stay in games. The biggest toss-up is between China and Denmark. Though the Chinese are ranked higher than the Danes, they have found form hard to come by, so I think the Danes will crawl into the knockout rounds.

Group E (USA, Netherlands, Portugal, Vietnam): Both finalists (USA and Netherlands) from the 2019 World Cup have been drawn together, and will probably fight it out for the top spot.

Group F (France, Brazil, Jamaica, Panama): Same as Group E—there is a real gap in quality between the top two and bottom two.

Group G (Sweden, Argentina, Italy, South Africa): Sweden will win every game and South Africa will lose every game. Argentina and Italy’s respective chances of progressing hinge on the game between the pair, and I think that Argentina will spring a surprise and advance.

Group H (Germany, South Korea, Colombia, Morocco): In what could be an open group, Germany and South Korea’s quality might just prevail. The Germans should dominate the group, but the remaining 3 spaces are really up for grabs. South Korea’s attack could be the key, having scored 14 goals in their last 3 games.

Semifinals: (USA vs Spain):  Although the US has won 2 of the last 3 meetings between the nations, dating back to when they played in the round of 16 of the last World Cup, this Spanish side has developed into one of the most potent offensively and defensively. The USWNT has a nice blend between experience and youth, with players such as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe still very much involved in the squad, as well as exciting young players such as Mal Swanson, Ashley Sanchez, and Trinity Rodman. This game has the potential to be a very exciting watch, but the well-rounded nature of the USWNT should see them through.

(France vs Germany): An all-European semi-final should make for interesting viewing for the neutral. France is unbeaten under their new head coach, Herve Renard, who formerly managed Saudi Arabia to their famous win in the men’s World Cup over Argentina. Their biggest weakness could be defensive, as Les Bleus have conceded at least once in 6 of their last 8 matches, dating back to qualification for the tournament. France will just edge this one.

Final (USA vs France): Both teams’ strength in depth at this stage will be critical to either lifting the cup. The USWNT has stronger players in almost every department. The U.S. holds the key to the three-peat in their hand, and I expect them to lift the trophy come the end of the tournament. The score will be 3-1.