2023 Women's World Cup Power Rankings: USWNT start out on top, Germany in the mix, Brazil rising
CBSN
United States women's national team stay as the favorites but Germany are close behind
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is officially in full swing, as for the first time the competition is being cohosted in the southern hemisphere in Australia and New Zealand. The tournament has been expanded to 32 participating nations with eight debutant teams. This year's tournament has been billed as the most competitive to date, but there have been some small surprises along the way, including a scoreless draw between France and Jamaica. 1. USWNT Sophia Smith has tossed her hat into the Golden Boot and Golden Ball race with her two goals and one assist in the USWNT's 3-0 against Vietnam. This could be her World Cup. 2. Germany The team is without young phenom Lena Oberdorf due to a thigh strain, but it did not matter. Their six-goal blowout on matchday one is the biggest so far in the entire cup. 3. England The Lionesses were unable to capitalize on their opportunities against Haiti but managed to pick up a narrow win despite the lopsided shot total. Playing with fire early. 4. Spain World's best Alexia Putellas is still working her way back into form and played roughly 15 minutes during Spain's 3-0 win against Costa Rica. When she's fully back, watch out. 5. Sweden They're the only team in the group stage to fail to score first and win. Strong teams find a way, and ultimately Fridolina Rolfo was the catalyst to a comeback win. 6. Brazil Brazil put Group F on notice with their opening game performance. Ary Borges pulled off the first hat trick of the tournament and provided an assist to go along with her breakout game against Panama. This team is full of style. 7. France Head coach Herve Renard may be a master motivator, but he had zero ideas on how to break down Jamaica on matchday one. France struggled, and if they do it again, they are going to risk an early elimination. 8. Netherlands The squad didn't quite rack up the goals against Portugal, but they still got a win to keep them in contention to advance from the group. They may not have Vivianne Miedema, but if they stay lethal on set pieces, they'll give the opposition trouble. 9. Australia The cohosts played an inspired opening match against Ireland and picked up a win without their most famous player, Sam Kerr. She'll also be unavailable for the second group match due to a calf issue, but they'll have confidence knowing they can get wins without her. 10. Japan Nadeshiko put the entire tournament on notice with the first lopsided score line of the group stage. A five-goal onslaught against Zambia means they're direct rivals to Spain to finish Group C in first place.
We ranked our top contenders ahead of the World Cup, so let's see where they've landed a matchday one:
