The USWNT didn’t drop a single match in 2018.
In 2019, they’ve played five matches, going 2-2-1.
On the surface, that doesn’t look too bad. However, the team got blown off the field by France. They were leaky on defense in draws against Japan (giving up a lead twice) and England, and haven’t defeated any opponent by more than a goal.
The two opponents they did beat, Brazil (1-0) and Spain (1-0 off a Christen Press stunner), are 10th and 12th in FIFA’s latest rankings. The loss to France (#3), and draws to England (#4) and Japan (#8) have them winless against the top competition they’ve faced.
Should the USWMNT Still Be Considered World Cup Favorites?
Based on their 2019 SheBelieves Cup performance, no.
The USWNT finished second place in the Cup, but throughout the tournament, England (the winner) looked like the superior squad. They’re hungrier. According to their coach, Phil Neville, they don’t want “semi-final” trophies any more. Their target is solely set on first place finishes. That showed in their final SheBelieves Cup match against Japan, a 3-0 walloping.
From the loss to France, to the recent performances of England and continued steady showing of Germany (#2 FIFA), at best, the USWNT should be even odds as those squads.
2019 Women’s World Cup Odds
Nothing has changed yet for 2019 Women’s World Cup odds. The US is still +250. Some books have moved England from +1100 to +900. As DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel NJ, and BetStars NJ list odds, we’ll update the site and provide insight leading up to the Cup in June.
