The most competitive The Women’s World Cup kicks off on Thursday. It is also poised to become an ideal stage for some of the world’s best players to show off their skills. From newcomers ready for a breakaway tournament to veterans looking to play at their best during the prime of their careers, here’s a look at the players expected to make a name for themselves in Australia and New Zealand.
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1. Sophia Smith, United States
Smith may be a newcomer to the World Cup, but she’s expected to skip the learning curve as one of the undisputed starters on the US women’s national team offense. The 22-year-old forward has been steadily earning a starting spot over the past year after impressing for club and country, and is on a hot streak — Smith has 10 goals and five assists for the Portland Thorns so far this season.
2. Sam Kerr, Australia
All eyes will be on Kerr, who hopes to continue her reputation as one of the best goalscorers in the world at a World Cup home. Coming off a season of 29 goals in all competitions for Chelsea, the 30-year-old will be the deciding factor for the co-hosts, who are regarded as a contender to win the whole game.
3. Debinha, Brazil
As Marta embarks on her World Cup swan song and a crop of up-and-coming talent hopes to break out, this tournament is Debinha’s time to shine. The versatile striker can be counted on for goals and classy moves that will make her one of the most entertaining players to watch at the World Cup. The 31-year-old will be critical to Brazil’s chances as they aim to improve on their round of 16 exits in 2015 and 2019 and potentially win their first World Cup.
4. Lena Oberdorf, Germany
The two-time World Cup winners have spent the past four years refreshing their squad, with Oberdorf leading the new guard. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder skillfully disrupts opposition play and boasts an impressive ability to read the game, which will serve Germany well in their pursuit of a new title. Oberdorf also boasts extensive experience at the highest level of the game — she was a member of Germany’s 2019 World Cup squad and the 2022 Women’s European Championship squad.
5. Keira Walsh, England
Walsh has been flying high since Barcelona signed her for a record transfer fee last summer, quickly developing a reputation as one of the best central midfielders in the game. The tactically proficient 26-year-old is adept at both defending and attacking, making her arguably England’s most important player at the World Cup.
6. Alexia Putellas, Spain
Putellas has won the last two Ballon d’Or awards and is arguably one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, but has spent much of the past year recovering from an ACL tear. She didn’t return to play until April, so fitness is a concern for her and Spain, but when she’s ready to go she’ll be a force to be reckoned with. If not, expect Aitana Bonmati to pick up some of the slack, just like she did for Barcelona last season.
7. Barbara Banda, Zambia
The Zambian striker shone at the Tokyo Olympics when she became the first woman in the tournament’s history to score back-to-back hat-tricks, and she looks poised to once again make her opponents run for their money. Just look at the recent results: she scored twice as Zambia recorded a shock 3-2 victory over Germany earlier this month.
8. Ada Hegerberg, Norway
After skipping the 2019 World Cup while fight for equal treatment of the Norwegian Football Association, the star striker returned to the squad for the 2022 Women’s European Championship. She will be eager to score at this World Cup after failing to do so last year when Norway was knocked out in the group stage along with teammate Caroline Graham Hansen.
9.Yui Hasegawa, Japan
The creatively-minded Hasegawa has exactly what a team is looking for in an attacking midfielder and can boast experience in a Japanese team full of young talent. If the 2011 champions make a deep run Down Under, Hasegawa will most likely be the leader on the field to help Japan reemerge on the world’s biggest stage.
10. Kadidiatou Diani, France
France have had just three months to work with new coach Herve Renard, who replaced Corinne Diacre after Diani and two of her teammates criticized Diacre and the federation for a lack of professionalism. However, the striker’s recent form will serve as a nice building block as Renard aims high with a talented France squad. She scored 30 league goals for Paris Saint-Germain last season and is proficient as a winger and striker.