The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup "dark horses" possess the potential to make a deep run in the tournament and create upsets along the way.
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 getting underway today, fans and pundits are closely watching the favorites. However, some teams fly under the radar amidst the well-known powerhouses, ready to surprise the world with their skills and team spirit.
The “dark horses” possess the potential to make a deep run in the tournament and create upsets along the way. Let’s take a closer look at four such teams.
Australia: The Matildas Ready to Roar
Hosting the tournament on home soil, Australia’s national team, affectionately known as the Matildas, will be fuelled by the crowd’s energy. Ranked 10th in the FIFA world rankings, they boast an impressive squad led by their star striker, Sam Kerr.
With an incredible tally of 63 goals in 120 international appearances, Kerr is widely regarded as one of the best goal-scorers in the world.
The team’s solid defensive line-up, featuring players like Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley, adds stability to their game.
Having reached the knockout stages in the last four World Cup editions, Australia is no stranger to the pressures of high-stakes matches. Their recent victories over strong opponents, including England, indicate their potential to go further in the tournament. As the Matildas embark on their World Cup campaign, their eyes are set on progressing beyond the quarterfinals and making history for Australian women’s football.
"For 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 to come, this'll be talked about - 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 to come." 💛💚
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 19, 2023
Sam Kerr hopes #FIFAWWC will emulate the legacy England achieved with their 2022 Euros victory.
Watch the full press conference 📺 https://t.co/40jglp1cQd#OptusSport pic.twitter.com/c1dAbR2eAi
Brazil: Marta’s Quest for Glory
For Brazil, the 2023 World Cup carries special significance, as it may mark the last appearance of their iconic forward, Marta. Marta’s illustrious career has garnered her six FIFA World Player of the Year awards. With 115 goals in 174 appearances for her country, Marta’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly inspire her teammates.
Ranked 8th in the world, Brazil faces a challenging path in Group F alongside France, Jamaica, and Panama. However, the team’s depth of talent must be considered. Alongside Marta, players like Andressa Alves, Ary Borges, and Debinha possess the skill and flair to turn the tide in Brazil’s favor. ‘
Despite their Round of 16 exits in the past two editions, Brazil has the potential to surprise the tournament favorites and make a deep run into the tournament.
The top scorer in World Cup history (man or woman) reigns from Brazil. 🇧🇷
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 18, 2023
Marta is forever a football legend. 😎 #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/RJdRhpmEdk
Canada: Rising Expectations
Fresh off their gold medal win at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Canada enters the World Cup with high expectations. Led by the legendary Christine Sinclair, who holds the record for the most international goals scored, the Canadian team is determined to build on their recent success. Sinclair’s presence alone provides a tremendous boost, but the squad also features promising talents like Jessie Fleming and Adrian Leon.
Canada’s past World Cup performances have been solid, with a quarterfinal finish in 2015 and a Round of 16 exit in 2019. Ranked 7th in the world, they have the potential to go even further this time.
Their victory over Brazil earlier this year demonstrates their capability to compete against strong opponents. In a challenging Group B alongside Nigeria, the Republic of Ireland, and Australia, Canada will rely on their collective strength to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
Zambia: A Rising Force in African Women’s Football
Zambia stands out as a team on the rise among the dark horses in the tournament. Despite facing numerous challenges in developing women’s football within the country, the Zambia women’s national team, known as the Copper Queens, has achieved remarkable success. As the only African representative at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, Zambia has earned its spot in the World Cup for the first time.
Zambia’s rise has been fuelled by its determined and talented players, many of whom are employed by the air force and army to play for the country’s most prominent women’s military clubs, Red Arrows, and Green Buffaloes. The team’s achievements, which include defeating top-ranked teams such as Senegal, Tunisia, and Nigeria, demonstrate their potential to surprise opponents.
While Zambia faces the challenge of adjusting their playstyle and integrating key players like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji, who were disqualified from previous competitions due to hormone-related regulations, their recent victory at the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship, with Banda as the top scorer, highlights their resilience and determination.
I believe that these four teams—Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Zambia— are tipped to cause a stir on the global stage. With a combination of talented players, collective strength, and the desire to achieve the extraordinary, these teams have the potential to create memorable moments and shake up the tournament hierarchy.
