The best female footballers on the planet are preparing for the upcoming World Cup 2023. Soon, we'll discover which teams remain the top contenders in women's soccer.
Australia and New Zealand co-host the pinnacle of global competition this year.
With the World Cup 2023 drawing near, let's see which teams strive to maintain their dominance in the sport.
1. The United States
The USA team has consistently dominated women's soccer, boasting four FIFA World Cup titles (1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019) out of the eight tournaments played so far.
They've also consistently topped the CONCACAF Championship and Olympics, winning nine tournaments and four Gold medals, respectively.
Michelle Akers, Mia Hamm, Carli Loyd, Julie Foudy, and today's stars Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan have helped the USWNT retain its dominance in world soccer. These women have also played an instrumental role in securing equal pay for the women's game.
Fresh off their latest victory in 2018, the USWNT are eager to engrave their legacy deeper into the annals of soccer history by securing an unprecedented fifth World Cup trophy.
2. Germany
Germany poses the biggest challenge to US soccer dominance. The “Die Nationalelf” won the FIFA Women's World Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007.
They also boast an impressive track record in the UEFA Women's Championship with eight victories, six consecutive between 1995 and 2013.
Standout players from the DFB team include Birgit Prinz, Sara Däbritz, Célia Šašić, and current stars Alexandra Popp, Sara Däbritz, and rising youngster Lea Schüller.
3. Sweden
Sweden has a strong tradition in women's soccer, with multiple medals in the Women's World Cup, Olympic Games, and European Championships.
However, they still await their first trophy with their best finish at the 2003 World Cup, a runners-up medal. They finished third in the 1991, 2011, and 2019 editions.
Among Sweden's star players are forward Stina Blackstenius, midfielder, and current team captain Caroline Seger.
4. England
The Lionesses truly brought it home when they won the Euros on home soil in 2022, breaking UK viewership records. They finished third in the 2015 Women's World Cup and fourth in 2019.
Given the team's most recent Euro success, England looks primed to compete for their first World Cup trophy this summer in Australia/New Zealand.
Look out for Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby to continue to excel as England's best women's soccer players on the pitch.
5. France
While the French women's national team has yet to secure any silverware internationally, they are showing remarkable development.
They are twice Euros quarterfinalists and finished in the fourth spot at the 2011 Women's World Cup.
Notable players include Eugenie Le Sommer, midfielder and former team captain Amandine Henry, and defender Wendie Renard.
Renard is one of the most decorated players in women's football, securing 14 French league titles with Lyon and a remarkable eight Champions League titles.
6. Canada
Although Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most international goals by a male player, Christine Sinclair of Canada has scored the most international goals of all time (190) for both men and women.
Most notably, Sinclair helped Canada secure the memorable gold-medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Canada's best finish at the World Cup is fourth place, losing to the USWNT in 2003.
7. Spain
Spain is up and comers in the best women's soccer teams, having established one of the best domestic leagues in world football. Barcelona Femení set an attendance record at Camp Nou in 2022 to rave reviews.
The beautiful game is blossoming in Spain, especially with the midfielder Alexia Putellas of Barcelona winning two consecutive Ballon d'Or Féminin.
The Spain team could be the dark horse in this year's World Cup.
8. Holland
The Dutch team has risen in the rankings over recent years, making their mark by winning the UEFA Women's Euro in 2017 and reaching the final of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The “Oranje Leeuwinnen” will look to rebound in the 2023 World Cup, led by veterans Lieke Martens and Vivianne Miedema.
9. Brazil
Brazil boasts many standout players, including forward Debinha, veteran Marta, and defender Tamires.
While Seleção Brasileira has yet to win a World Cup — they've finished third place and runner's up — they dominate their own region. Brazil's won a record 8 Copa América Femenina titles.
10. Australia
The Matildas have to be one of the favorites of World Cup 2023, given their home-soil advantage.
They've consistently qualified for the Women's World Cup and performed well in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, winning one.
Captain and Chelsea forward Sam Kerr, midfielder Emily van Egmond, and defender Ellie Carpenter hope to make their country proud this summer.
Photo: Twitter/AttackingThird
