U.S. favored for WWC 3-peat, but plenty of strong compeition

(Photo credit: Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup will kick off on Thursday with Australia and New Zealand both playing, but the host countries aren't considered strong threats to prevent the United States from claiming a third consecutive WWC.

The U.S. has rebounded from a three-match skid against strong Europeancompetition last fall and will begin the competition on a nine-match winning strea