The FootballJOE Women’s World Cup predictions: Winner, golden boot, dark horses and flops

Time to put our knowledge on the line

The festival of football is just one day away and what better way to mark it than our wonderful selves to put our football knowledge on the line (for you all to laugh at when the World Cup is done) and predict what will happen this summer.

If you're not entirely clued up the never fear, our full guide to what to expect down under can be found here.

As for the predictions, some have made deep dives to research thoroughly, others are using gut instinct and some are even basing their decisions off of the look of each kit.

So, without further waiting any longer, here are the FootballJOE Women's World Cup predictions:

Winner

Callum: USA - I think this one might be a running theme in this section. When you have the mindset that the USA squad has, it's very rare you taste defeat. Multiple successes on the world stage and players at the top of their game bodes well however many are pointing out that this could be the last time we see this edition of the squad. Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe are coming towards the end of their careers - the latter retiring after the tournament - and they will want to add another World Cup to their everlasting legacy. They are a real force to be reckoned with.

Hunter: England - I feel like I have to say this? ENGERLAAAAND

Jason: USA - The USWNT aims to make history as the first team, regardless of gender, to win three consecutive World Cups. They enter the tournament on a high note, winning their last nine games by an aggregate score of 21-2 and with Megan Rapinoe playing in her final tournament, it is all set up to be a fairytale ending to their dominant reign in world football.

Jess: Germany – the gorgeous green, black, and gold combo is giving winning vibes all day long.

Victoria: USA - Never finished worse than 3rd and are aiming for a 3rd straight World Cup win. The goals will come from veteran Alex Morgan and breakout star Sophia Smith, playing in her first WC. Megan Rapinoe will be looking to lift the trophy in her last tournament for the USWNT before retirement.

Dark Horse

Callum: Nigeria - One of seven nations to feature at all eight women's World Cup. I'm certainly not saying they'll win it, but they may well surprise one or two. In in those eight outings, they have only reached the knockout stages twice. However, I do think that will change. When you have someone as talented as Asisat Oshoala at your disposal, it can act as a catalyst for the rest of the team to elevate their game to the next level.

Hunter: France - It seems mad saying France are ever a 'dark horse' but with big Hervé Renard at the helm I think they could go all the way.

Jason: France - This year's tournament holds the potential for exciting developments within the somewhat under-the-radar France side, despite a string of disappointing previous tournaments. With new management and a talented group of players, there is a promising chance for big things to happen.

Jess: Japan - no words needed…This away kit is a masterpiece, stunning!

Victoria: Denmark - A highly organised team, with one of Chelsea's standout stars, Pernille Harder. They are more than capable of scoring plenty of goals. Winger Caroline Graham Hansen won the CL with Barcelona last season and will be key to Denmarks hopes of progressing to the latter stages.

Golden Boot

Callum: Sam Kerr- It's hard to run out of superlatives for the Chelsea and Australia star. Unsurprisingly she is the poster girl for the Matildas' World Cup campaign on home soil. She's proved how important she can be at club level, firing Emma Hayes' side to a league and cup double and seems like the sort of player to thrive under pressure.

Hunter: Alexandra Popp - I can't help but feel missing the final against England will drive her on to scoring many, many goals in this tournament. Absolute goal machine.

Jason: Alex Morgan - In the 2019 tournament, Morgan scored six goals tying with Megan Rapinoe and England's Ellen White for the top scorer title. This time around, I reckon the USA are going to go all the way again and she's going to outscore her fellow compatriot.

Jess: Marta, Brazil – final tournament with a fire kit. It’s giving summer beach kick about under the palm trees on Copacabana beach.

Victoria: Sam Kerr - Has scored 54 goals in 67 appearances for Chelsea over the past two years and led them to the double last year. Expect her to continue banging them in on home soil.

Flop

Callum: England - Sorry everyone. This isn't because I think they will underperform or aren't very good, I think it's that missing so many key players is always going to cause issues. The absence of Leah Williamson's leadership qualities are going to be a huge miss and Beth Mead, who was such a threat in front of goal at the Euros, means the pressure is really on Alessia Russo - especially since Ellen White will also not be featuring. There is expectation for the Lionesses to go all the way but I think having so many big hitters unavailable may prove to be their downfall.

Hunter: England - I know this is essentially having my cake and eating it too but the reality is after the massive Euro's win the pressure is on and we're missing some absolutely vital players.

Jason: England - The champions of Europe and the bookies' second favourite to win the tournament. England however aren’t as strong as they were in the Euros. Injuries and the retirement of top scorer Ellen White plus the absence of their top scorer in qualifying Beth Mead could be a recipe for a very disappointing tournament.

Jess: Portugal, away kit looks like the floor of a London tube, not cute.

Victoria: Spain - Current Ballon d’Or holder Alexia Putellas is back after missing Euro 22, but a huge chunk of the squad quit in protest of working conditions under coach Jorge Vilda, who remains in charge. Missing a bunch of players and drawn alongside Japan, I don’t think they’ll top their group and will struggle in the knock-outs.