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While the eyes of the footballing world are pretty firmly fixed on all the drama unfolding in the men's Euro 2024 tournament, the women's game is quietly writing its own script. The road to the women's World Cup is heating up with the event set to take place in 2027 with FIFA recently announcing Brazil as hosts, making this the first time the tournament will be held in South America.
Recent qualifying matches have delivered what can only be described as a rollercoaster of emotions. The stakes really couldn't be higher; the World Cup represents the summit of achievement in the sport in both the men's and women's games. Meanwhile, the qualifying process serves as a proving ground for teams to test their metal and show their rivals the competition they'll face for the title.
As the list of UK bookmakers offering odds for the Women's World Cup continues to grow, it's clear that the women's game is attracting increased attention and investment. Many of the best bookmakers are also offering odds up alongside bonuses and other promotions for gambling fans who want to start the party early. Inevitably, fans, as well as pundits, are eager to see how the tournament unfolds, with the qualifying matches offering a tantalizing glimpse of the drama and excitement that awaits us in little under 3 year's time.
The Qualifier Games
South America's powerhouse, Brazil (5/1 odds), continued their dominant run with a 4-0 thrashing of Argentina. This victory was a masterclass in attacking football, with Brazil's players displaying their exceptional skill and flair. The iconic Brazilian striker Marta further cemented her legacy with a brace, reminding the world of her unparalleled ability and her team's ambition. Okay, so Brazil's qualification for the World Cup was never in doubt, but their performance against Argentina served as a warning to their rivals that they are still the team to beat.
North America witnessed a fierce battle between the United States (3/1 odds) and Canada which ended in a 1-1 draw. The match was a physical and tactical encounter as both teams admirably showcased their resilience. The United States took an early lead, but Canada fought back and equalized in the second half.
In Asia, Japan (16/1 odds) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Australia with clinical finishing and tactical acumen. The match was a back-and-forth affair and both teams created numerous scoring opportunities - though it was Japan's ability to capitalize on their chances that proved decisive.
Thus far, the African qualifiers have been characterized by their unpredictability. The qualifying campaign is still underway, with Nigeria (50/1 odds) leading the charge as the reigning African champions. The Super Falcons, as they are known, have a solid history in women's football and seem more than determined to make their mark on the global stage once again. South Africa with 80/1 betting odds and Cameroon (100/1 odds) are also vying for qualification, so it promises to be a thrilling race to the finish.
The qualifying matches have not only determined which teams will compete in the World Cup, but they have also helped to elevate the visibility surrounding women's football.
Overshadowed By The Euros
However, there's still a way to go. It comes at a time when the achievements in women's football are still suffering from taking a back seat to the men's game. England's men's team captain, Harry Kane, recently sparked controversy with comments suggesting England hadn't "won anything as a nation for a long, long time." While attempting to defend the team's performance at Euro 2024, Kane's words seemingly overlooked the Lionesses' triumphant victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Kane's statement, while intended to highlight the challenges faced by the men's team, inadvertently disrespected the remarkable achievement of the Lionesses. Their historic win, only a year ago, brought immense pride to the nation as well as overall visibility for the sport in general. It also not only marked a significant milestone for women's sports but also served as an inspiration for countless young girls aspiring to pursue careers in football.
Kane's oversight, however unintentional, shows that there are still hurdles faced by women's sports in gaining recognition and respect. Despite their remarkable achievements, female athletes often find their accomplishments overshadowed or marginalized by the dominant narrative surrounding men's sports.
One thing, however, is for certain: Women's football is not a niche sport. Today, it reels in bigger audiences than ever worldwide and shatters viewership records. The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, proves this in abundance. The competition garnered a staggering 2 billion viewers across various platforms, nearly doubling the figures from the previous edition in 2019.
In particular, the final match between England and Spain attracted whopping audience figures, with over 75 million viewers tuning in from around the globe. This made the game the most-watched women's sporting event in history, surpassing even some men's sporting events.
Now being hailed by many as a mainstream phenomenon, there's still a way to go, and the attention the men's Euros are receiving proves it. But, change is coming, and by 2027, let's hope that the women's World Cup - and the players - get all the attention it (and they) deserve.
Brazil 2027
So what could the 2027 World Cup hold for England's women's team? Key players like Lucy Bronze and Ellen White are nearing the twilight of their careers, and questions are already being asked about who will fill their shoes. There are new, emerging talents like Lauren James and Alessia Russo that can offer the side a lot of hope, but only time will tell whether their development and consistency will be enough to make the cut.
And then there's, of course, the tough competition to contend with: nations like Spain and Brazil are already demonstrating significant growth and ambition.
