The 2023 Women’s World Cup begins Thursday, and FantasyAlarm is thrilled to bring you coverage for the next month. Following the success of our Men’s World Cup coverage in the winter, it only seemed fitting to bring our same discerning analysis to the women’s game. We will do our best to provide DFS content for all the big slates as well as the Women’s National Team in addition to betting content, but if there is anything we have missed, or if you have any questions, please let us know on the Soccer channel of the FantasyAlarm Discord server. That is a great source of information not only during the Premier League season but we have also answered plenty of questions regarding the Champions League, the World Cup, and other soccer competitions. I would love to talk some NWSL or WSL there, as well.

The World Cup kicks off early Thursday Morning with both hosts in action. New Zealand hosts Norway in the first game while Ireland is at Australia in the later game. Both Norway and Australia are big favorites to win their groups, but it remains to be seen how home field advantage will play into that mix. Australia can expect a raucous home crowd but there is also added pressure that comes with being a big home favorite. If Ireland can keep the game tight in the first half, who knows how Australia and their fans will respond?

In the other game, New Zealand will need to use home field to their advantage if they are to finally make some noise in this tournament. This is New Zealand’s fifth consecutive World Cup, but they have never advanced out of the group stage or even won a single match. I don’t think that will change now but Norway’s defense is its Achilles heel and for a New Zealand side that often struggles to find the back of the net, this could be the perfect matchup to steal a draw.

That being said, I think I’m actually more likely to bet the draw in Australia vs. Ireland at +425. I also like Norway to Reach the Quarter-Final at +110.

 

Women's World Cup DFS Playbook July 20:

Goalkeepers
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Aurora MikalsenNORNZL5900013 
New Zealand has never won a game in the World Cup and even though they are at home, it would be truly shocking if it happened Thursday. Mikalsen is a good bet to get a win and given New Zealand's offensive struggles at times, a clean sheet would not be a surprise, either.
Courtney BrosnanIRLAUS380007 
Fading Australia's attack is not for the faint of heart, but they are far from settled behind Sam Kerr. I think Australia will probably come out on top but they could feel some pressure in front of their home fans and Ireland is no pushover. If you don't want to play an expensive keeper, Brosnan is your best bet.
        
Forwards
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Ada HegerbergNORNZL10700018 
I'm considering betting Hegerberg for top goalscorer in the tournament, so I have no clue why she is so cheap on FanDuel, but I'm not going to overthink it.
Mary FowlerAUSIRL5400016 
Lately Fowler has paired with Sam Kerr at the top of Australia's 4-4-2 formation, and I like her ability to take advantage when opposing defenses focus on Kerr. Australia scored three goals in its last two friendlies and Fowler scored one of them, the same as Sam Kerr. If you cannot afford Kerr, Fowler is a strong alternative on both sites.
Katie McCabeIRLAUS6500014 
McCabe created the second-most chances in the WSL last season, and she should play a similar role for Ireland. They could face an uphill battle against the hosts, but if Australia plays tight in front of its home crowd, McCabe is the best bet to take advantage. McCabe averaged 1.22 goals plus assists per 90 minutes in qualifying, second on the team. I like her on both sites but the chances are quite valuable on FanDuel.
Sam KerrAUSIRL1190002345.63
Every opposing defense will be focused on stopping Sam Kerr, but I'm not sure it will matter. She scored five goals in four games in the 2019 World Cup, with 21 shots (12 on goal) and seven chances created. If you're paying up, may as well go all the way.
        
Midfielders
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Julie BlakstadNORNZL4800014 
I would like it better if she was listed as a defender, but I can't complain too much about a relatively cheap midfielder. Blakstad was impressive with Manchester City before going to Sweden this year. Norway is a great offensive team and Blakstad may be the cheapest way into their attack.
Emily Van EgmondAUSIRL520001114.45
I would consider Van Egmond for a punt play on FanDuel but I love her on DraftKings. She had 17 crosses in four games at the last World Cup, including eight against Jamaica. Like that game, Australia should dominate possession, which should lead to a lot of crosses for Van Egmond.
Frida MaanumNORNZL43000155.85
Maanum was the only player to create more chances in the WSL than Katie McCabe last season. Ada Hegerberg and Graham Hansen get all the headlines for Norway but Maanum is a good bet to lead them in assists at a bargain price.
        
Defenders
PlayerTeamOpp.DK $DK FPPGFD $FD FPPG
Ali RileyNZLNOR410001312.90
Riley is a bit risky, especially on FanDuel, but if New Zealand is able to mount much of an attack, Riley will likely be involved. She is capable of sending in crosses with either foot, and that could be quite valuable on DraftKings.
Ellie CarpenterAUSIRL360001313.18
Carpenter was great for Australia four years ago as a 19-year-old, and since then she has broken out for her club team, Lyon. Carpenter is excellent at carrying the ball down the flank and picking out Sam Kerr on crosses. I like her on both sites, though she is risky on FanDuel.
Louise QuinnIRLAUS3300010 
Quinn averaged 5.55 clearances and 2.64 tackles + interceptions per 90 minutes for Birmingham City last season. She also averaged 0.55 goals + assists per 90 in World Cup Qualifying. She is mostly on this list because central defenders trying to defend Sam Kerr tend to rack up defensive stats, but it is nice to know she will get involved in the attack on occasion as well.
Rebekah StottNZLNOR300001217.80
Stott racked up defensive stats in the previous World Cup and there is no reason to think this will be any different. Norway is one of the best attacking teams in the world and Stott should get pleanty of clearances and tackles as a result.

Core Plays:

Draftkings Core Plays
Top TierAda Hegerberg$10,700
Sam Kerr$11,900
Mid TierMary Fowler$5,400
Emily Van Egmond$5,200
Value TierFrida Maanum$4,300
Ellie Carpenter$3,600
   
Fanduel Core Plays
Top TierAda Hegerberg$18
Sam Kerr$23
Mid TierKatie McCabe$14
Frida Maanum$15
Value TierLouise Quinn$10
Courtney Brosnan$7