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Women’s World Cup: Top 5 Games to Watch in Group Stage

Megan Rapinoe, USWNT
"Megan Rapinoe" by JonathanIchikawa is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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Find out the most exciting games to watch from the tournament’s group stage.

The upcoming Women’s World Cup is set to be the most competitive ever, with 32 teams vying for the coveted title.

Divided into eight groups of four, the top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout rounds. With matches taking place across nine different cities in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, fans can expect thrilling encounters from start to finish.

Here are five of the most-awaited group stage matches to watch.

United States vs. Netherlands – July 26

A rematch of the 2019 World Cup final, this clash between the United States and the Netherlands promises to be a blockbuster. Both teams are expected to advance from Group E, but securing the top spot is crucial for a Round of 16 match in Sydney. The USWNT will aim to assert their dominance against the Dutch and reaffirm their position as two-time defending champions.

France vs. Brazil – July 29

A contest between giants, France and Brazil will be a captivating showdown in Group F. As both teams are strong contenders to advance, this match will also serve as a test for France under new manager Hervé Renard. With high-quality players on both sides, this encounter promises skillful football and intense competition.

Canada vs. Australia – July 31

A crucial match that could determine the Group B winner, Canada faces Australia in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair. However, Canada’s long trip from Perth to Brisbane might pose challenges, as fatigue could affect their performance in this decisive group stage clash.

Japan vs. Spain – July 31

The spotlight will be on two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, as fans eagerly anticipate her return to the World Cup stage. Japan, known for their organized and feisty style, will look to take on a potentially depleted Spanish side, affected by injuries and other player absences. This match could provide valuable insights into the teams’ strengths and strategies.

Germany vs. Colombia – July 30

Germany, ranked second in the world, is aiming to make a strong run in the tournament after finishing as runners-up in last year’s Euros. On the other hand, Colombia returns to the World Cup stage after a gap of eight years. This matchup could determine the group winner and set the stage for an exciting Round of 16 clash against one of the giants from Group F.

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