We’re back supplementing your betting needs for this week’s elite-level soccer fixtures across the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Continue reading our betting previews and FIFA odds from the World Cup 2023 opening fixtures involving Australia vs. Ireland, Nigeria vs. Canada, and more.
Best Women’s World Cup Bets
Australia vs. Ireland
Thursday, July 20, 2023 – 06:00 AM EDT at Stadium Australia
Australia
As competition co-hosts, Australia holds a huge advantage, with most of their fixtures taking place down under. And with a debutant side in Ireland scheduled for the opening game, aspirations for a nation that’s progressed beyond the group stage of their last four World Cups will be high.
A recent 1-0 success over France was the perfect World Cup warm-up and confidence boost. With nine wins from their previous ten meetings overall, Tony Gustavsson’s squad will hold a huge advantage in Group B.
Ireland
Ireland positively reached their first major tournament with an instant classic playoff meeting versus their neighbors Scotland. However, since that clash, they’ve recorded just two wins in a stretch of six games that involved three defeats.
More worryingly, the Girls in Green are big underdogs, having faltered to score a single goal in 4 of their previous 5 games in all competitions. A typical defensive focus from this squad must open up their attack to stand a chance at reaching the Round of 16.
Group B Prediction, Odds, & Trends
The Women’s World Cup betting odds naturally favor the Aussies. Although the Irish have a strong backline, we believe the competition’s co-hosts will outclass them and struggle to find goal-scoring inspiration with too much focus on defense.
Score Prediction: Australia 2 – Ireland 0
Supporting Trends
- Australia has reached the WC Round of 16 in the previous four editions of the competition.
- Ireland are making their World Cup debut.
- Australia has won 9 of their previous 10 games in all competitions.
Soccer Pick: Australia To Win Nil (-110) at Bet365
Nigeria vs. Canada
Thursday, July 20, 2023 – 10:30 PM EDT at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium
Nigeria
As the lowest-ranked team in Group B, the Super Falcons enters this competition with low expectations. Their semi-final appearance at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations was a valiant effort. Still, a 40th place in the FIFA World Rankings doesn’t present much hope for this team’s chances versus American and European nations.
However, recent victories over New Zealand, Haiti, and Costa Rica provide Randy Waldrum’s side with hope that a few surprise results are on the cards. Furthermore, a clash with Canada in 2022 delivered a 2-2 draw, and a similar goal fest this Friday is possible.
Canada
Canada will hold their heads high and believe in their chances of overcoming group favorites Australia to the No.1 place in the table. They’re the reigning Olympic champions and have notably won their previous two World Cup opening games.
World Cup success in the past hasn’t been great for Canadian women. So, they will have a point to prove after failing at the Round of 16 during the 2019 edition of this competition.
Group B Prediction, Odds, & Trends
Top online sportsbooks believe Canada is the rightful favorite, and it’s hard to disagree. That said, they’ve lost 4 of their previous 5 games in all competitions and could be susceptible to a goal or two from Nigerian native and Barcelona’s prolific goal scorer Asisat Oshoala.
Canada should have enough to take all three points, but with a juiced Canada moneyline and capable goal scorers at each end, the over 2.5 goals are where the betting value lies.
Score Prediction: Nigeria 1 – Canada 3
Supporting Trends
- Nigeria has played in every World Cup since the competition’s inception.
- Nigeria has scored 6 goals in their previous 3 games.
- These sides drew 2-2 the last time they met in 2022.
Soccer Pick: Over 2.5 Goals (-175) at Bet365
Extra Women’s World Cup Best Bets
Group A – Thursday, July 20
- Over 2.5 Goals (-175) at Bet365
USA vs. Vietnam
Group E – Friday, July 21
- Under 6.5 Goals (-110) at Bet365
