All eyes will be on Group E, as the favored United States looks to make it three World Cup victories in a row and five overall.
Making this group all the more interesting is that the U.S. is paired with Netherlands, who it beat in the final of the 2019 World Cup. But while the Dutch may be thinking revenge, the group also includes a pair of World Cup debutants, with Portugal and Vietnam each qualifying for the first time. And the former has built some serious momentum coming into this summer.
But does anyone in the group have the potential knock off the U.S.?
Odds
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To win Group E:
- United States -310
- Netherlands +260
- Portugal +3800
- Vietnam +10000
To win the World Cup:
- United States +240
- Netherlands +2300
- Portugal +10000
- Vietnam +43000
Favorites
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USWNT
With +240 odds to win the entire tournament, the U.S. isn’t just favored to win this group, they’re favored to win the whole thing. As the two-time defending champions with more World Cup wins than any nation and an awesome blend of experience and youth, it makes sense.
Sleepers
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Netherlands
It’s hard to think of Netherlands as a sleeper considering it was a runner-up to the U.S. at the 2019 World Cup, but when one team in the group is a massive favorite, and the other two teams are making their World Cup debuts, we have no choice but to label the Dutch as the sleepers.
Key players to know
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Sophia Smith, USA: This may be the 22-year-old forward’s first World Cup but if her recent play is any indication, she’s more than ready for it. Smith, the NWSL’s leading scorer, had 11 goals through 17 games for the USWNT in 2022, and she’s also the reigning NWSL Championship MVP.
Jessica Silva, Portugal: Playing her club ball for Benfica, Silva is an exciting forward deserving of a World Cup stage after winning her 100th game with Portugal in April.
Jill Roord, Netherlands: No player on the roster scored more in World Cup qualifying matches than Roord, who also had a goal against New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup and attempted two shots against the U.S. in the final.
