Coming off wins over Hegerberg's Norway, resurgent Japan, and No. But their group is tougher than it looks. Even without injured stars Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, the Lionesses are one of the favorites to win the tournament. Predicted finish: Japan, Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia

Even if she can't play important minutes at the World Cup, her presence is enough to give Spain a boost, particularly at a time when several experienced players, including club teammate Patri Guijarro, are missing the tournament out of protest over Vilda's management style. The 29-year-old is coming off an ACL tear that ruled her out of the 2022 European Championship and held her to just five league appearances with Barcelona last season.

While Spain is reeling from a string of player protests that have splintered Jorge Vilda's roster at the worst possible time, it still has two-time defending Ballon d'Or Feminine winner Alexia Putellas. Head coach Futoshi Ikeda promoted several of the players who won the U-20 Women's World Cup under his tutelage in 2018, including flashy winger Jun Endo. Must-see match: After winning the 2011 Women's World Cup and finishing as runner-up in 2015, Japan has a new generation of players with even more skill than their predecessors. Predicted finish: Australia, Canada, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria Kerr scored five goals at the 2019 World Cup, including a hat-trick in the group stage, as well as a tournament-leading seven at the 2022 Asia Cup. Naturally, she's one of the favorites to win the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer. Kerr is Australia's all-time leading scorer on either the men's and women's side and a serial winner with Chelsea's decorated women's team. Canada won the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, but Australia has shown more consistency at the World Cup, reaching the knockout round in each of the last five tournaments. But the Matildas have Sam Kerr, one of the best forwards of her generation, and the support of a home crowd. The Canadians have Christine Sinclair, the most prolific scorer in international soccer.

Canada and Australia are both ranked in the top 10 and capable of making deep runs. These two powerhouse nations will meet July 31 with first place in Group B likely on the line. Predicted finish: Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland, Philippines

She's since reconciled her differences with Norway's soccer federation, and after suffering an ACL tear, Hegerberg is finally ready to show her immense talent on the biggest stage. Norway's captain removed herself from international selection between 20 because of what she perceived as inequality between the men's and women's programs in her country. Though the 28-year-old is widely considered one of the greatest women's players of all time, she hardly has any World Cup experience.

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