Group F features two traditional powers, the lone Caribbean nation in the tournament and a World Cup debutante in Panama, setting up a series of intriguing matchups. In February, Panama edged Paraguay 1–0 to land the 32nd and final qualifying spot, while Jamaica returns after a winless showing four years ago. France is the favorite, but after significant national team turmoil, it likely won’t be smooth sailing for Les Bleus.
In late February key forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani and captain Wendie Renard stepped down, citing subpar conditions and management issues. Then the French Football Federation ousted longtime coach Corinne Diacre and appointed former Saudi Arabia men’s national team coach Hervé Renard (no relation) to take over, leading to Wendie’s return. Katoto and fellow star forward Delphine Cascarino will miss the World Cup with knee injuries.
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On the pitch, Les Bleus will look to avenge a disappointing quarterfinals exit as hosts in 2019. They will get a good test from Brazil. In her sixth—and last—World Cup, 37-year-old Marta headlines a roster that also includes explosive and effective finishers in Kansas City Current star Debinha and North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin. And a familiar face will star on the sidelines: Manager Pia Sundhage, who coached the USWNT from ’07 to ’12, has Brazil using a more organized and restrained style of play, which led to a fourth consecutive Copa América title in ’22—without conceding a goal. To emerge on top, the Seleção will have to strike the right balance of discipline and zeal.
Projected Group Finish
- France
- Brazil
- Jamaica
- Panama
Breakout Star
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw, JamaicaA striker for Manchester City, the 26-year-old is Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer with 56 goals in 38 appearances. She’s adept at punishing defenses, which helped her become the first Caribbean woman to win Concacaf Player of the Year, in 2022. Growing up, Shaw, the youngest of 13 siblings, had a love of carrots that earned her the nickname “Bunny”—and it’s stuck until today, as seen on the back of her No. 21 City jersey.
IMAGO
Wild Card
Under the leadership of coach Lorne Donaldson, who led USWNT star Sophia Smith’s youth club in Colorado, speedy Jamaica should not be overlooked. The Reggae Girlz can wreak havoc on even the sturdiest of defenses.
Game of the Group
France vs. Brazil, July 25Can Brazil’s stingy defense halt France’s world-class attack? The last time they faced off in a World Cup, France pulled off a 2–1 win in extra time.
