The 2027 Women`s World Cup, though still two years away, is already a focal point for national teams worldwide. Preparations are actively underway to ensure a formidable performance in Brazil.
This early focus is particularly true for the U.S. Women`s National Team (USWNT), which has utilized its competitive downtime this year to integrate new talent and explore innovative tactical approaches. Following their Olympic gold medal in Paris last year and regaining the top spot in FIFA rankings, the four-time world champions are once again strong contenders for the sport`s ultimate prize. Coach Emma Hayes`s period of tactical experimentation has reinforced this confidence, as numerous new players have impressed, strengthening their case for inclusion in the 2027 World Cup squad.
Hayes`s primary mission involves evolving the USWNT amidst the rapid global expansion of women`s football. The 2023 World Cup and, to a lesser extent, the 2025 Women`s Euro, clearly demonstrated the escalating competitiveness of the game, with several realistic contenders now vying for the 2027 World Cup title. While the USWNT undeniably belongs to a select group of elite teams in this four-year cycle, they are certainly not alone. England`s victory over Spain in the recent Women`s Euro final underscores this point, with other teams globally also presenting strong arguments for contention.
As the countdown to the 2027 Women`s World Cup intensifies, here’s an overview of the teams most likely to challenge the USWNT for the championship.
England
As back-to-back European champions, England is an undeniable inclusion. Under Sarina Wiegman, who assumed coaching duties after the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the Lionesses have consistently emerged as genuine contenders. Their squad boasts impressive talent, featuring players like Alessia Russo, Lauren James, and the promising Michelle Agyemang. Wiegman has proven adept at major tournaments, guiding her teams to five of the last six finals she has participated in, demonstrating a versatile winning approach. This was evident in their resilient and sometimes unglamorous Euro campaign this summer, particularly against Spain in the final, balancing tenacity with a remarkable ability to recover from deficits in three of their six games in Switzerland. This perfect blend of skill and resolve positions them as a serious contender for their first World Cup title in 2027.
Spain
Completing the trio of elite teams alongside the USWNT and England are Spain, the reigning World Cup winners. Their recent loss in Switzerland may have been a minor setback, but it doesn`t diminish their status as one of the world`s premier teams. Their signature possession-oriented style makes them one of the most captivating teams to watch and is highly effective, propelling them to the Euro semifinals before encountering challenges. The Euro tournament offers valuable lessons, particularly concerning how to overcome defensively rigid opponents, which are certainly addressable issues. Given their strong foundation to resolve these challenges, Spain could realistically arrive in Brazil as favorites to secure the World Cup title again in two years.
Germany
The two-time World Cup champions will likely arrive in Brazil motivated by a desire for redemption after their surprising group stage exit in the 2023 edition. Their recent performances instill confidence: they earned bronze in Paris last year and reached the semifinals of the Euro this summer, an achievement made even more improbable given the significant injury crisis and suspensions that plagued their campaign in Switzerland. Their ability to advance to the penultimate stage of the Women`s Euro serves as a strong indicator of Germany`s competitive strength. If they compete at the World Cup at full strength, they are expected to be serious contenders for their first title since 2007.
Brazil
While home-field advantage can significantly boost a team regardless of its inherent potential, Brazil`s prospects as the host nation are notably higher than average. Similar to Hayes with the USWNT, head coach Arthur Elias is ushering in a new generation of players, already evidenced by an Olympic medal. Though much of their preparation will involve friendly matches, they already have a noteworthy 2-1 victory over the USWNT from April to their credit. Should they accumulate more significant results and successfully claim a fifth consecutive Copa America Femenina title this summer, Brazil will undoubtedly be a team to closely watch in 2027.
