Group B at the 2023 World Cup is a story of two all-time superstars.
There’s Sam Kerr with joint host Australia — a perennial Ballon d’Or Féminin finalist since the award’s inception in 2018. And there’s Christine Sinclair with Canada — perhaps the most prolific international soccer player ever, now entering her sixth World Cup at the age of 40.
In a group also featuring Nigeria and Ireland, Kerr’s Australia and Sinclair’s Canada rightfully enter as the presumed favorites to advance to the knockout stages. But this is international soccer. A surprise or two is never out of the question.
Here’s a look at everything you need to know about Group B — a true tête a tête of heavyweights. All odds and ends courtesy of FanDuel.
Group and overall tournament odds
Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
To win Group B:
- Australia (-185)
- Canada (+200)
- Ireland (+1900)
- Nigeria (+3500)
To win the World Cup:
- Australia (+1100)
- Canada (+3400)
- Ireland (+10000)
- Nigeria (+19000)
The favorites
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Australia
Usually, hosting status offers a bit of an advantage if the nation is a juggernaut. Australia, led by Kerr and perhaps its best-ever team on paper, is no exception. That home cooking boost should mean a ton here. The Aussies are not only favored to advance out of Group B, they are one of the prime contenders to win the entire tournament.
Sleepers
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I only characterize Canada as a “sleeper” because even though they have Sinclair, most won’t see them toppling Kerr and Australia for the group win. That aside, Sinclair and Co. have the 2020 Tokyo gold medal to boast about and are a squad no one should be surprised to see making a deep run.
Key players to know (not including Kerr and Sinclair)
Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria: A five-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and the first African woman to ever win the Champion’s League (with Barcelona in 2021), Oshoala enters this tournament with the hopes of her country on her back. Chances are, she’s up to the task.
Caitlin Foord, Australia: Kerr will get most of the attention up front, but it’s supplementary forwards like Foord who need to play up to par for Australia to win the World Cup. Foord has 28 goals in 20 career international appearances.
Katie McCabe, Ireland: The Irish captain is a versatile player who can anchor a defense and even moonlight as a brilliant midfielder and winger. McCabe will have to use her versatility to Ireland’s hopeful advantage.
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