By OkayGoal 
There is a certain lack of enthusiasm being shown among soccer fans for the 2026 Men’s World Cup, which will be held across North America in June and July. That will probably change once the tournament gets underway, but for now, all the talk is of extremely expensive tickets, problems with VISAs to enter the United States, the removal of Iran from the tournament, and the overall quality of a competition that has increased the number of teams by 50%. It casts a shadow over the tournament.
In the women’s game, there are no such issues. Many fans will be looking forward to seeing the Women’s World Cup held at the home of Samba Soccer, Brazil, next June. FIFA has wisely kept the number at 32, which helps maintain high quality, and Netflix has made a broadcasting commitment to show the games in the US. There is a good feel about the tournament, and that will build over the next fifteen months.
Spain and England clashed in a qualifier
We have also seen some of the contenders making their plays in recent weeks, not least a pulsating tie between the reigning World champions, Spain, and the runners-up in 2023, England. The Lionesses came out on top of that qualifying game, taking a big step toward stamping their ticket for the Finals next summer. Spain will likely be there, too, though there is a chance the champions will need the Playoffs to get there.
There has also been a fascinating three-game friendly series in April between the perennial contenders, the USA, and Japan, a team that has been growing in stature once again. Throw in Brazil, a team that will be keen to succeed on home soil, and you arguably have the five best teams in the world in women’s soccer.
Indeed, the betting odds have that quintet as the most likely to lift the World Cup trophy. New online prediction markets for sports will likely also place those five, with perhaps the addition of France, as the teams to beat in the tournament.
USWNT remains the betting favorite
As you might expect, sportsbooks have placed the USWNT as the favorites. It’s certainly not a given, yet the US team remains the dominant force in women’s soccer. Still, it is very, very tight at the top of the betting markets, and we would expect things to change in the coming months. England, Spain and Brazil are right on the heels of the US, and, as mentioned, Japan looks like the nation with the most potential to keep improving.
There are plenty of games to sort through, and we only know about eight of the 32 teams that have definitely qualified at the moment. Yet, it is going to be interesting to see the marketing for this tournament, especially as FIFA has struggled to be coherent with its marketing for the men’s tournament this summer. Again, that’s not a criticism, and we think the soccer will do the talking come June, but there is every chance that the 2027 World Cup becomes the most eagerly anticipated tournament in women’s soccer history.
Right now, though, it’s worth keeping an eye on how the top teams are shaping up. There are several narratives bubbling under the surface, and they should all add up to a fascinating build-up. The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will get underway on June 24th, climaxing with the World Cup Final in Rio at the iconic Maracanã on July 25th. It’s probably a little too early to get excited, but the anticipation will start building over the coming weeks and months.