1) England
The European champions’ momentum suffered a blow when defeat to Australia ended their 30-game unbeaten run. In distinction, additionally they added the Finalissima to their ever-expanding trophy cupboard this window. The Lionesses are nonetheless favourites with time to repair any issues.
2) USA
It feels fallacious to knock the back-to-back world champions off the high spot. They are nonetheless a pressure however defeats to Spain, England and Germany at the tail finish of 2022 confirmed there may be work to do. That might already be in progress as they’re unbeaten this 12 months.
3) Germany
Defeat in opposition to Brazil may have shocked many, however Germany undoubtedly stay on observe. Victory over the Netherlands confirmed their capacity. The damage Alexandra Popp picked up in Nuremberg is a fear.
4) France
New-look France, with controversial supervisor Corinne Diacre gone and Hervé Renard in, appear happier. A resilient restoration in opposition to Colombia in Renard’s first sport was adopted by a 2-1 defeat of the Olympic champions, Canada.
5) Australia
Australia completed their abroad tour with optimism. Despite shedding to Scotland, they then beat the European champions England. Their reliance on Sam Kerr staying match could possibly be a priority. But with their captain, the Matildas possess loads of potential.
6) Spain
Despite lacking 15 key gamers after a falling out with the federation over situations, Spain simply maintain profitable. Wins in opposition to Norway and China got here on this window. They could possibly be formidable if the deadlock with the gamers is resolved in time.
7) Canada
How Canada will look this summer season stays unanswered. A pay dispute and accidents have taken their toll. That they misplaced narrowly to France reveals the character of the Olympic champions cannot be discounted.
8) Brazil
Brazil are with out Marta, Debinha and Ludmila, however solely narrowly misplaced to England on penalties in the Finalissima and earned a shock 2-1 defeat of Germany. A staff rising in confidence with every optimistic consequence.
9) Sweden
Peter Gerhardsson’s facet are clearly not the staff they as soon as have been. A loss to Denmark and a dramatic six-goal draw with Norway shall be seen as a setback of their preparations.
10) Denmark
Back-to-back wins in opposition to top-10 nations Sweden and Japan with out influential ahead Pernille Harder is not any imply feat and a turnaround from defeats to Australia and the Netherlands to complete 2022.
11) Japan
Defeat to Denmark may have not been on the playing cards for the 2011 World Cup champions. That loss adopted a 2-1 victory over Portugal. Struggling for consistency in opposition to the high sides.
12) Netherlands
The Dutch are nonetheless looking for the solutions to life with out Vivianne Miedema. A cushty win over Poland may have constructed confidence, however defeat to Germany confirmed they may wrestle in opposition to the greatest.
13) Norway
Came from behind twice in opposition to Sweden to earn a 3-3 draw after a 4-2 defeat to Spain on this window. Influential striker Ada Hegerberg leaving the pitch trying uncomfortable so quickly after her return from damage shall be a priority.
14) China
Defeat to Spain illustrated how a lot China want to enhance, however they’re able to shutting out an assault. England will must be cautious once they meet in Group D.
15) Italy
Have misplaced their manner a little bit since a formidable displaying at their first World Cup in 10 years in 2019. A 2-1 defeat of Colombia was the staff’s solely fixture on this window.
16) South Korea
Colin Bell’s facet put 10 previous Zambia in two matches on this window. They possess high quality in assault, however struggled in opposition to stronger opposition at the Arnold Clark Cup in February.
17) Portugal
A 2-1 defeat to Japan and draw with Wales rounds off the World Cup debutants worldwide break. Before that they have been unbeaten in eight months, with wins over Iceland, Haiti, Costa Rica, New Zealand and Cameroon.
after publication promotion
18) Republic of Ireland
Ireland’s unbeaten run ended with two slim defeats to the USA. The performances greater than the outcomes, nonetheless, confirmed that Vera Pauw’s facet are to not be dismissed.
19) Argentina
After a heavy loss to Spain at the finish of 2022, Argentina have overwhelmed World Cup co-host New Zealand twice and earned a draw and win over Venezuela on this window.
20) Switzerland
Switzerland have struggled to get their World Cup marketing campaign going. They have slumped to 3 attracts and a defeat this 12 months, with a 0-0 draw with China and 2-1 loss to Iceland coming on this worldwide break.
21) Colombia
Colombia misplaced to rance and Italy however the shows confirmed they’ll compete. Their kind is powerful they usually have been solely overwhelmed narrowly by Brazil in final 12 months’s Copa América closing.
22) Nigeria
Nigeria rounded off a profitable worldwide window with a snug victory over New Zealand. They had beforehand overwhelmed Haiti 2-1. After a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations, their progress is evident.
23) New Zealand
The co-hosts are on a dire run of kind. New Zealand haven’t gained in 9 video games, with losses to the USA, Portugal, Argentina and, most not too long ago, Nigeria.
24) Jamaica
Conceded 9 and scored twice in defeats to Spain, Czech Republic and Australia at the pleasant Cup of Nations in February. The staff has one win in seven video games.
25) South Africa
Banyana Banyana have struggled since profitable a primary Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022. A 3-2 defeat to Serbia concluded this window.
26) Costa Rica
Costa Rica endured a tricky window with a heavy defeat to Scotland and slim loss to Poland. Two wins in opposition to the Philippines final 12 months confirmed they’ll compete with these round them.
27) Philippines
Yet to be examined in opposition to top-level opposition. They cruised to wins over Pakistan and Tajikistan of their quest for Olympic qualification. Suffered slim defeats to Scotland and Wales in February.
28) Vietnam
One of the rising nations in Asian soccer. Their focus, nonetheless, has been elsewhere this window with Olympic 2024 qualifying. They beat Nepal twice to progress earlier than their World Cup debut.
29) Morocco
Another World Cup debutant, Morocco suffered back-to-back defeats to Czech Republic and Romania on this window. That was added to a draw and defeat to the Republic of Ireland in November.
30) Haiti
Yet one other debutant, Haiti certified via the intercontinental playoff this 12 months. A slim defeat to Nigeria confirmed promise. They possess one in all the most enjoyable younger gamers in Melchie Dumornay, who will be part of Lyon this summer season.
31) Zambia
Zambia loved a standout 2022, defying the odds to complete third at the Africa Cup of Nations and win the Cosafa Championship. They suffered two heavy defeats to South Korea on this window and are, as but, untested in opposition to high opposition.
32) Panama
Panama beat the Dominican Republic twice on this break. They are coming into their first World Cup after qualifying via the intercontinental playoffs.
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