If Group B is the tournament’s so-called “group of death,” Group F is a close second. Amidst a handful of injuries to key players, France looks rejuvenated under new manager Hervé Renard. After failing to make a splash on home soil four years ago, Les Bleues will want redemption — and perhaps take advantage of “new manager bounce” while they’re at it.
But France isn’t the only story this group has to offer. This will be the final tournament for Brazilian legend Marta, whose teammates are hoping to earn their captain the most coveted trophy in football. Adding to the drama is Jamaica, led by one of the world’s best female strikers, and Panama, whose resiliency and defensive abilities should not be underestimated. This adds up to make Group F one of the most exciting and potentially unpredictable quartets this World Cup has to offer.
GROUP D SCHEDULE
July 23: France vs. Jamaica (6 a.m. ET)
July 24: Brazil vs. Panama (7 a.m. ET)
July 29: France vs. Brazil (6 a.m. ET)
July 29: Panama vs. Jamaica (8:30 a.m. ET)
August 2: Jamaica vs. Brazil (6 a.m. ET)
August 2: Panama vs. France (6 a.m. ET)
THE TEAMS
FRANCE
FIFA World Ranking: 5
Odds to win the World Cup: +960 (via Sports Interaction)
Odds to win the group: -200 (via Sports Interaction)
Previous World Cup appearances: 4
Best showing: Fourth place (2011)
2019 World Cup: Quarterfinals
Manager: Hervé Renard
Probable formation: 4-3-3
Probable starting XI: Pauline Payraud-Magnin (Juventus) – Sakina Karchaoui (Paris Saint-Germain), Wendie Renard (Lyon), Elisa de Almedia (Paris Saint-Germain), Eve Perisset (Chelsea) – Grace Geyoro (Paris Saint-Germain), Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid), Kenza Dali (Aston Villa) – Amel Majri (Lyon), Eugenie Le Sommer (Lyon), Kadidiatou Diani (Paris Saint-Germain).
THE BIG QUESTION: Can France push past injuries and turmoil with their federation to make up for their 2019 World Cup disappointment?
THE PULSE: Under the newly appointed Renard, who coached Saudi Arabia at the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup, France will look to enter a new era. They’ll want redemption after falling to the United States in 2019’s tournament, and since then, Les Bleues have been struck with turmoil. Clashes between players and disputes with the federation have led to disappointing results for the French as of late. However, the Women’s World Cup is a chance for the squad to regroup and reclaim their place as one of the top teams in the world.
While key players Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Delphine Cascarino, and Griedge Mbock are out with injury, France will see Eugénie Le Sommer return to the lineup. After two years away, the 34-year-old is France’s all-time leading goal-scorer and has eight Champions League titles to her name. Veterans like Le Sommer, combined with fiery youth, make the French squad a lot stronger than years past. Renard’s squad is aggressive, compact, and technically accomplished, so there will be an expectation for them to finish top of the group. If they can maintain possession, the French should be just fine.
THE X-FACTOR: While Les Bleues often rely on PSG star Kadidiatou Diani to score goals, Wendie Renard is the unsung hero of the squad. The 6-foot-1 captain uses her height and speed in France’s box, making it tough for opponents to create goal-scoring opportunities. In the D1 Arkema (the women’s French first division) last season, Renard won an impressive 39 aerial duels and recorded 154 progressive passes — the most in the league. This proves that she’s not simply a commanding defender, but a player who isn’t afraid to put her body on the line to forward the attack.
However, things have been rocky for the defensive anchor. In February, Renard threatened to retire after disagreeing with the French federation’s management and values. In a statement, Renard threatened to boycott the Women’s World Cup until the French could better support the women’s team. While both parties have seemingly reached a makeshift agreement, it becomes clear that Renard is a leader both on and off the pitch.
BRAZIL
FIFA World Ranking: 8
Odds to win the World Cup: +2473 (via Sports Interaction)
Odds to win the group: +154 (via Sports Interaction)
Previous World Cup appearances: 8
Best showing: Second place (2007)
2019 World Cup: Round of 16
Manager: Pia Sundhage
Probable formation: 4-4-2
Probable starting XI: Leticia Izidore (Corinthians) – Tamires (Corinthians), Rafaelle Souza (Orlando Pride), Lauren (Madrid CFF), Antônia (Levante) – Adriana Silva (Orlando Pride), Kerolin (North Carolina Courage), Ary Borges (Racing Louisville), Geyse (Barcelona) – Debinha (Kansas City Current), Bia Zaneratto (Palmeiras).
THE BIG QUESTION: Can Brazil’s youngsters honour their legendary teammate Marta, and rise above top European sides to clinch their nation’s first Women’s World Cup title?
THE PULSE: Brazil would love to win the Women’s World Cup for their legendary teammate Marta, who’s the competition’s top goal-scorer with 17 goals across five World Cups. As this is Marta’s final bow, manage Pia Sundhage will look to the younger generation to carry them forward. But while the Brazilians are one of the group favourites, the eighth-ranked nation has been lacklustre against top European sides. They often rely on counter-attacks, which doesn’t always deliver results against the world’s best teams.
That said, the Selecao’s strength lies in their pacey and creative frontline, which is one of the best in the tournament. They know how to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, which bodes well for them against tough international competition. While Brazil is hoping to win the group, it will be tough for them to beat France. A second-place spot after the group stage would put them in a good position to draw a favourable team in the Round of 16.
THE X-FACTOR: While Marta is a crucial player for Brazil, she’s one of the tournament’s oldest players and is unlikely to make an impact for the full 90 minutes. This is where 23-year-old Kerolin comes in. The North Carolina Courage star is the NWSL’s third-ranked goal-scorer, who gets the ball in the net through quick runs and incredible ball control. Her ability to create chances and carry the ball across the frontline makes her a threat to opposing defenders.
Additionally, Kerolin’s mentality heading into the tournament is top-notch. She’s been vocal about her desire to earn football’s most coveted award for Brazil and her captain Marta, and has been putting in the reps during training. Able to play on the wings or through the middle, Kerolin is in top form ahead of next week’s matches.
JAMAICA
FIFA World Ranking: 43
Odds to win the World Cup: +48,300 (via Sports Interaction)
Odds to win the group: +5820 (via Sports Interaction)
Previous World Cup appearances: 1
Best showing: They have never won a match
2019 World Cup: Failed to qualify out of group (0-0-3)
Manager: Lorne Donaldson
Probable formation: 4-3-3
Probable starting XI: Rebecca Spencer (Tottenham Hotspur) – Vyan Sampson (Hearts), Satara Murray (Racing Louisville), Allyson Swaby (Paris Saint-Germain), Chantelle Swaby (FC Fleury 91) – Drew Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), Havana Solaun (Houston Dash), Atlanta Primus (London City Lionesses) – Jody Brown (Florida State), Khadija Shaw (Manchester City), Kameron Simmonds (Tennessee).
THE BIG QUESTION: How will Jamaica learn from their disappointing maiden campaign, and utilize star striker Khadija Shaw to earn their first World Cup win the second time around?
THE PULSE: This is Jamaica’s second time competing on the world’s stage. In 2019 they drew a tough group with Italy, Australia, and Brazil, losing all three matches and only scoring one goal. While Group F isn’t exactly a walk in the park, they’ll hope to record better results this time around. But to do so, they’ll have to tighten up defensively. Historically, the Reggae Girlz have struggled on the backline, which is a red flag against teams like Brazil who excel offensively.
If Jamaica wants to make it out of the group stage, they’ll have to forward the attack. The Caribbean nation’s biggest strength is their world-class striker, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw. Kameron Simmonds and Jody Brown are other able scorers and can help feed Shaw the ball. Moreover, Jamaica’s match against Brazil on Aug. 2 will be their final in the group, and it could be an opportunity for the Reggae Girlz to seek revenge after being pummelled by the Selecao in the 2019 tournament.
THE X-FACTOR: There’s no denying that Shaw is Jamaica’s diamond. The striker, who recently won the Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year, is ruthless and versatile in front of goal. She’s the nation’s all-time top goal-scorer, and her leadership and passion for Jamaica earned her the captain’s armband.
Leading the attack for Manchester City, she netted 20 goals, the second-most in the Women’s Super League, and was one of City’s most consistent players. Shaw will look to carry her excellent club form this summer when representing her nation.
PANAMA
FIFA World Ranking: 52
Odds to win the World Cup: +50,000 (via Sports Interaction)
Odds to win the group: +24,900 (via Sports Interaction)
Previous World Cup appearances: 0
Best showing: N/A
2019 World Cup: Did not qualify
Manager: Ignacio Quintana
Probable formation: 5-4-1
Probable starting XI: Yenith Bailey (Tauro FC) – Hilary Jaen (Jones County Bobcats), Wendy Natis (America de Cali), Rebeca Esposina (Sporting SM), Yomira Pinzon (Saprisa), Katherine Castillo (Tauro FC) – Schiandra Gonzalez (Tauro FC), Laurie Batista (Tauro FC), Desire Salazar (Tauro FC), Marta Cox (Pachuca) – Karla Riley (Sporting FC).
THE BIG QUESTION: How can Panama use their resiliency and “nothing to lose” attitude to catch their group mates off guard?
THE PULSE: Debutantes Panama are the second lowest-ranked CONCACAF nation at the tournament, and are projected to finish last in Group F. But that won’t stop them from attempting to make an impact on the world’s stage. Las Canaleras are resilient in nature and strong on defence, which is compact and consistent. In the inter-confederation playoffs, they didn’t concede a single goal, which helped them qualify for the Women’s World Cup.
However, Panama is inexperienced in major international competitions and isn’t used to competing against top teams. They recently lost 7-0 to Spain in a friendly, which suggests they aren’t so watertight. Additionally, Panama relies on its younger athletes to make a difference, and many players aren’t competing for top-level clubs on a regular basis. This will surely be a good learning experience and a wake-up call for Quintana’s squad.
THE X-FACTOR: Marta Cox has become a rising star in women’s football over the past couple years. The 25-year-old, who alternates between attacking midfield and forward, has been consistent for Panama in crucial matches. During the playoff tournament for the Women’s World Cup, she hammered home the game-winning goal against Trinidad and Tobago to secure Panama’s spot in Australia and New Zealand. She’s a leader both on and off the pitch, and will be vital in making Panama’s maiden campaign one to remember.
