A Growing Field: Countries That Could Halt USWNT's Historic Three-Peat at the 2023 World Cup

The remarkable expansion of women's soccer worldwide is evident in the length of this list. During the previous Women's World Cup in France in 2019, only a handful of teams posed a genuine challenge to the United States' title defense. However, as the top-ranked USWNT prepares for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, where they are favored to secure another championship and make history with a three-peat, they can anticipate a significantly heightened level of competition. With the tournament now featuring 32 nations, here are some of the countries that have the potential to prevent the U.S. from achieving their historic feat this summer.

France  

Anticipated Rematch: France and the USWNT on Course for a Potential World Cup Final Showdown

Although the memorable encounter between Les Bleus and the Stars and Stripes in 2019 felt like a World Cup final, the schedule didn't align that way. However, this year presents a different scenario, as the only opportunity for France and the U.S. to face each other is in the championship match on August 20 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

While France may not possess the same level of potency as before, with the absence of home field advantage this time around, they are led by the commanding presence of captain Wendie Renard, a towering center back. With recently appointed manager Hervé Renard (no relation) at the helm, Les Bleus boast a deep, talented, and experienced roster capable of triumphing in a one-off match against any opponent.

Australia

Home Advantage and Sam Kerr: Australia's Threat to the USWNT at the 2023 World Cup

Despite being ranked 10th in the FIFA rankings, the Australian Matildas should not be underestimated, especially when playing on their home turf. Throughout the tournament, Australia will benefit from the passionate support of their partisan fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums. This advantage would be most pronounced in the final in Sydney, where an attendance of over 83,000 is anticipated. Additionally, with star striker Sam Kerr leading the way, the Aussies possess one of the world's premier players who can single-handedly win matches. While other teams may boast more overall talent, the USWNT would likely prefer to face any other opponent if they were to reach the title game. Should both the U.S. and Matildas advance to that stage, the Americans would not only contend with the 11 players on the field but also the unwavering support of the entire Australian nation, consisting of nearly 27 million people.

England 

England's Evolving Challenge: Obstacle for the USWNT at the 2023 World Cup

Even prior to England's triumph in the 2022 Euros and especially thereafter, the Lionesses have been regarded as a significant threat to the USWNT's pursuit of a third consecutive title. This sentiment was reinforced by the Americans' 2-1 defeat in a friendly match in London last autumn.

While England's prospects have somewhat diminished due to the absence of key contributors Fran Kirby, Beth Mead, and Leah Williamson, who are sidelined with injuries, the team still boasts Lucy Bronze, captain Millie Bright, and most of the roster that secured England's first major trophy in over half a century, whether in the men's or women's game.

Although England lacked championship swagger in 2019, the USWNT required an Alyssa Naeher penalty save in extra time to eliminate them in the semi-finals. If they were to meet in the decisive match in Australia, the scenario would be different, and England would present an even greater challenge.

Sweden

A Repeated Nightmare for the USWNT on the Global Stage

In their quest for World Cup success, the U.S. will likely face Sweden in the quarterfinals or semifinals, setting the stage for another intense showdown. Sweden has proven to be a recurring thorn in the side of the Americans on the global stage.

The Swedes held the U.S. to a draw in the 2015 World Cup and made history by eliminating them from the 2016 Olympics. The most recent encounter occurred at the 2021 Summer Games in Tokyo, where Sweden delivered a stunning blow, defeating the USWNT 3-0 during the group stage.

Armed with players from some of Europe's top clubs, Sweden approaches these matches with confidence. They thrive in the underdog role and relish the opportunity to disrupt the American powerhouse once again.

The Netherlands  

Dutch Determination: A Challenge for the USWNT at the 2023 World Cup

Despite the absence of injured star striker Vivianne Miedema, the Netherlands possesses abundant firepower, led by former UEFA Player of the Year Lieke Martens, to embark on a deep tournament run. The Oranje will undoubtedly be fueled by motivation, eager to seek revenge against the U.S. for their loss in the 2019 final. Their chance for redemption will arrive on July 26 in Wellington, New Zealand.

The USWNT and Netherlands will clash in the second Group E match for both teams. In group play, favorites can stumble, as demonstrated in the men's World Cup last year when Argentina suffered an opening loss to Saudi Arabia but eventually emerged as champions. An upset by the Dutch Down Under could impact the Americans' title aspirations in various ways. It could likely lead to a second-place group finish, setting up a potential encounter with the third-ranked Sweden (more on them below) in the round of 16.

Spain 

Spain's Looming Threat: A Formidable Hurdle for the USWNT's Journey to the Final

The most challenging match for the USWNT at the 2019 World Cup in France didn't occur in the finale, the dramatic semifinal victory over England, or even the memorable quarterfinal triumph against the hosts at the packed Parc des Princes in Paris.

Instead, the trickiest encounter unfolded in the round of 16 against Spain. On a scorching day in Reims, Spain outplayed the Americans for significant stretches of the match, only for Megan Rapinoe to seal the win with a 75th-minute penalty kick.

The message was clear - La Roja was a rising force. Now, four years later, Spain has solidified its position as a legitimate contender. This was evidenced last October when, despite missing injured Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and over a dozen other regular players amidst a dispute with the Spanish Football Federation, they defeated the U.S. 2-0 in a friendly.

With Spain positioned on the same side of the knockout bracket as the USWNT, and with Putellas and most of the squad's regular players back in action, they would relish the opportunity to prevent the Americans from reaching the final once again.