Assessing the 2027 World Cup dark horses, one year away – Equalizer Soccer

Credit: Aaron Meullion | USA Today Sports

With one year to go before the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off, now is the time to assess the contenders. We at The Equalizer went through the favorites earlier this week, so here we shall take a look at the outsiders: Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands and Sweden.

Australia

The Matildas enjoyed their best-ever World Cup performance on home soil in 2023, reaching the semi-finals with wins over France, Canada and Denmark. Since then, head coach Tony Gustavsson has moved on to be replaced by Joe Montemurro, formerly of Arsenal, Lyon and Juventus. Montemurro has a good track record and guided the team to the final of the Asian Cup as the host nation earlier this year, navigating a tricky route past North Korea and China before losing to Japan.

Overall, results under Montemurro have been fine, but not eye-catching. The same can be said of his selections, which has been critiqued at times for a lack of fresh ideas. Known from his Arsenal days for fluid pass-and-move soccer, Montemurro has struggled to establish that identity with Australia, who are renowned for a more up-and-at-them, physical game. It’s tough to gauge exactly where Australia are at right now, but they will be desperately hoping Sam Kerr, national icon and essential striker, will be fully fit and raring to go next summer. Without her, the attack can lack cutting edge.

Canada

A run of five straight defeats without a goal last year was not a good look for a Canadian side still finding its feet under Casey Stoney. However, there has been a slight uptick in goals per game this year, with comfortable wins over solid opposition including Colombia, South Korea and Costa Rica. Stoney, who established Manchester United as a serious force before leading the San Diego Wave to the National Women’s Soccer League Shield, as well as two playoff appearances, is not a coach to be underestimated.