The Women’s World Cup has never been bigger or better. As the women’s game continues to surge in popularity around the globe, this year’s tournament will feature an expanded bracket of 32 teams for the first time.
And could it also be the first time we see a three-peat champion? The U.S. women’s national team is looking to win a third straight title (and its fifth overall) as the world’s greatest squads head Down Under. But as other squads follow the U.S.’s lead in securing equality from their federations—and as the Americans navigate an era of transition—the competition will be fierce.
Here are five teams looking to steal the World Cup title from the USWNT.
