Women’s World Cup Enters Round of 16

World Cup Favorites

The United States Women’s National Team is the defending World Cup Champions, having taken out Japan 5-2 in the 2015 World Cup. The US entered as the favorite to hoist the cup once again at +300, followed by France +350, Germany +500, and England +600. As of now, the US is sitting at even money.

Since the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, the US has won 3 times, having never placed lower than 3^rd. They’ve won their group in every single appearance.

 

 

This year, the Stars and Stripes went 3-0 to win Group F, scoring a record 18 goals and allowing zero. Thirteen of those goals came against an inexperienced Thailand team. They also took on Chile, who was making their first ever World Cup appearance, and dispatched them easily 3-0. Their most difficult opponent was Sweden but they still won with a solid 2-0. Three years ago, at the Rio Olympics, the Swedish national team knocked out the US in the quarterfinals, so this victory had the sweet taste of revenge for the team.

The USWNT goes up against Spain in the Round of 16, with kickoff set for 11:00 on June 24 in Reims, France. Spain placed second in Group B with 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss. The last time these teams met was a friendly in January, where the US won 1-0. The US has not lost in their last 12 World Cup games, while Spain barely made the cut, so the US is the clear favorite here. Look into handicap betting here to add value when betting on the heavy favorite.

Round of 16 Schedule Strength

One thing to note in this competition is the strength of schedule. The USNWT had a pretty easy run in Group F, with Thailand and Chile posing basically zero threat.

If they prevail over Spain on Monday, they will go up against the winner of France v Brazil. So, we could be seeing two favorites go head to head in the quarterfinals. On the other side of the bracket, Germany looks to have the easiest route, starting against Nigeria then the winner of Canada v Sweden.

Betting Markets

You will be spoiled for choice for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in terms of betting markets. Ladbrokes, Coral, and Bwin are loaded with options from Match and Outright Winners to Totals and Handicaps. Streams are available with Bet365 so you won’t miss a minute of football action. The first game of the Round of 16 is Germany v Nigeria, followed by Norway v Australia.