Women's World Cup - Group F guide: no shock to see champs USA at top of market

USA

The defending champions gained their first crown for 16 years in Canada four years ago and they have never failed to reach the semi-finals since becoming the inaugural winners in 1991. The have lost just once in their last 38 matches and despite a disappointing SheBelieves Cup campaign, when they drew with Japan and England, it is no surprise to see them at the head of the market.
Coach Jill Ellis
Key player Alex Morgan

Chile

La Roja finished second at the Copa America Femenina last year on their own patch and this will be their first World Cup. However, no member of their squad has more than 25 caps as the team did not play any games between 2014 and 2017, so getting past the group stage would be a massive achievement.
Coach Jose Letelier
Key player Christiane Endler

Sweden

The Swedes have never won the World Cup but they have qualified from the group stage in all but one of their seven appearances in the competition and they should be confident having gained a silver medal at the Rio Olympics. However, the retirement of star striker Lotta Schelin is a blow and, while they should qualify, others will have to step up in the later stages.
Coach Peter Gerhardsson
Key player Caroline Seger

Thailand

Chaba Kaew claimed a victory over Ivory Coast in Canada four years ago but they were put firmly in their place by both Norway and Germany and they look up against it again in only their second World Cup. The took Australia to penalties in the Asian Cup but the lack of a fully functioning domestic league since 2013 is a handicap.
Coach Nuengruethai Sathongwien
Key player Kanjana Sungngoen

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