Team USA has been drawn into Group F at the 2019 Women's World Cup and will face Thailand, Chile and Sweden as they look to reach the knockout stage for the eighth straight time.
In the history of the Women's World Cup, USA have three titles, one second-place and three third-place finishes.
USA are in a solid position to make a run and repeat as champions. They are currently +350 co-favorites with the tournament hosts, France. USA has a balanced roster of experienced players like Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe, as well as talented, young up-and-comers like Rose Lavelle and Mallory Pugh.
Since the start of 2017, USA have dropped just one match while outscoring opponents 83-16 over the span. They did lose a friendly to France, 3-1, in January of this year, but that defeat may actually be a positive as they head to France for the World Cup.
The first group match for USA will be played against Thailand on Tuesday, June 11th at 3 p.m. ET in what should be a lopsided affair. USA are currently -4.5 on the goal-line and -5000 on the moneyline while the Over/Under has been set at 5.5 goals. Anything short of a 3+ goal victory would be disappointing.
Odds aren't out yet for subsequent matches but expect USA to be north of -1000 against Chile on June 16th and in the -250 range against Sweden for the final group game on June 20th.
Chile qualified for the World Cup after finishing second in the Copa America Femenina last year but have yet to win a match through nine games in 2019.
Sweden will clearly be the USA's toughest competition in the group stage as they've progressed to the knockout round in six of seven World Cups while reaching the final in 2003 (2-1 loss to Germany).
One thing the U.S. will need to be prepared for is teams putting everyone behind the ball and shortening the field. Few countries can compete with USA's roster and ball movement, so you'll likely see their opponents approach matches as if they are Manchester City on the men's club side.
I bet USA to win it all at +350 odds so I clearly think they'll make a deep run in the tournament and don't think they'll have many problems advancing to the Round of 16. They're still available at -350 to win Group F and that's definitely got some value even at the steep price since they should win their first two matches with ease.
