The knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is right around the corner, but before the knockouts get underway, we need to make our Matchday Three picks.
Spain, Japan, Norway and Switzerland have already punched their ticket to the last 16, but the majority of knockout spots are still up for grabs. With 10 matches taking place between Tuesday, August 1, and Thursday, August 3, there is no shortage of Women’s World Cup betting opportunities to take advantage of.
Before we get stuck into my Matchday Three picks and predictions, let’s look back at the tournament so far before assessing the schedule for the remainder of the group stage.
What’s Happened in the Group Stage So Far?
Sadly, co-host New Zealand became one of the first teams to suffer elimination from the 2023 World Cup. The Kiwis took four points from a possible nine, meaning they finished behind Switzerland and Norway in Group A.
In Group C, Japan picked up maximum points to finish three points clear of Spain. The Japanese even managed to thrash Spain 4-0 in their final group game, laying down a marker while sending out a big statement to the tournament’s top teams.
England, Sweden and Colombia are the only other teams with a 100% record ahead of the third round of fixtures, while the United States, Netherlands, France and Jamaica all remain unbeaten after the first two matches.
What a performance from @JFA_Nadeshiko! 👏🇯🇵#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023
FIFA Women’s World Cup Matchday Three Schedule
Before I share my Matchday Three picks and predictions with you, we need to take a closer look at the remaining group games. After all, analyzing the schedule will only enhance your chances of making successful Matchday Three picks.
With four games on Tuesday, four games on Wednesday and two games on Thursday, there are plenty of exciting Matchday Three picks on offer. Accordingly, let’s break down the schedule and find the best games to target from a betting perspective.
- Vietnam vs. Netherlands – Tuesday, August 1 (17:00)
- Portugal vs. United States – Tuesday, August 1 (17:00)
- China vs. England – Tuesday, August 1 (21:00)
- Haiti vs. Denmark – Tuesday, August 1 (21:00)
The United States and the Netherlands will both book their place in the last 16 if they avoid defeat on Tuesday. Vietnam has already been eliminated from the tournament, while Portugal will need to beat the US in order to progress.
Over in Group D, England is favored to defeat China and advance to the knockout phase. Haiti could reach the knockouts with a win against Denmark, although the Danes are expected to punch their ticket to the last 16.
- Argentina vs. Sweden – Wednesday, August 2 (17:00)
- South Africa vs. Italy – Wednesday, August 2 (17:00)
- Panama vs. France – Wednesday, August 2 (20:00)
- Jamaica vs. Brazil – Wednesday, August 2 (20:00)
It is worth noting that all eight teams in Group F and Group G are still in contention for a place in the knockout phase. France and Jamaica are locked on four points atop Group F, while Sweden holds a three-point lead at the Group G summit.
Sweden and Italy are favored to overcome Argentina and South Africa, respectively. Brazil and France are also expected to advance without any major problems, although the Jamaicans have taken four points from their opening two games.
- Morocco vs. Colombia – Thursday, August 3 (20:00)
- South Korea vs. Germany – Thursday, August 3 (20:00)
Finally, Thursday’s games concern Group H. Colombia leads Germany and Morocco by three points, while South Korea sits three points adrift at the bottom. The Colombians claimed a shock victory over Germany last time out, with Morocco stunning South Korea.
Without further ado, it’s time for my Matchday Three picks.
RT if your team hasn't lost a match at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup 🌏 pic.twitter.com/O9qp0NGlrO
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 30, 2023
Top Women’s World Cup Matchday Three Picks
With 10 group games remaining, there are loads of lines and markets to explore. However, some of the upcoming clashes present very little betting value, so it makes sense to steer clear of the one-sided matches.
For that reason, my Matchday Three picks concern the very best bet for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I don’t like recommended picks for the sake of it, so I’ve decided to select only the top wagers for the next three days.
Here are my 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Matchday Three picks. If you like the look of my Matchday Three picks and predictions, why not sign it to access the full range?
China vs. England Prediction
Odds: England (-244); China (+320); Draw (+640)
England is the bookies’ second favorite to win the 2023 World Cup, with only the United States ahead of the reigning European champion. Granted, the Lionesses have not been at their best this summer, but I can see them dispatching China without any real issues.
It is also worth pointing out that England hasn’t conceded a goal since the start of the tournament, claiming 1-0 victories over Haiti and Denmark. Meanwhile, China lost to Denmark before edging Haiti last time out.
Boasting world-class stars like Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze, the Lionesses shouldn’t struggle to maintain their 100% record on Tuesday. Odds of -224 are nothing to write home about, but they are definitely worth taking advantage of.
Best Bet: England (-224)
Jamaica vs. Brazil Prediction
Odds: Brazil (-500); Jamaica (+1200); Draw (+500)
As the moneyline odds suggest, Brazil is heavily favored to get the better of Jamaica in Melbourne. While the Brazilians are priced at -500 to claim all three points on Wednesday, the Reggae Girlz are priced at +1200.
That said, the Jamaicans have enjoyed a hugely impressive tournament up to now. After holding France to a goalless draw in their opening match, they managed to claim a 1-0 victory over Panama last time out.
Brazil, on the other hand, thrashed Panama 4-0 before suffering a 2-1 defeat to France on Saturday. Since Brazil’s moneyline price is extremely low, I recommend exploring the handicaps and goal markets for this contest.
Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK
Morocco vs. Colombia Prediction
Colombia has been the surprise package at this year’s World Cup. Following a 2-0 win against South Korea in their first game, the Colombians showed great determination to secure a famous 2-1 victory over Germany last time out.
Linda Caicedo gave Colombia the lead before Alexandra Popp equalized for Germany in the 89th minute. However, deep into stoppage time, Manuela Vanegas netted a last-gasp winner to cap a memorable triumph for the South American side.
It is worth remembering, however, that Morocco claimed a shock 1-0 win against South Korea on Sunday. Although the Moroccans were thrashed 6-0 by Germany in their opening match, they will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds against Colombia.
Best Bet: SIGN IN TO ACCESS PICK
Get Ready to Place Your Matchday Three Picks
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has already served up plenty of exciting matches, notable upsets and memorable moments. Lucky for soccer fans, the tournament is only just getting started.
With the knockout phase set to kick off on Saturday, August 5, we still have loads of action to look forward to. Better still, the final is scheduled for August 20, so there are lots of Women’s World Cup betting opportunities remaining.
Be sure to lock in your Matchday Three picks before it’s too late. I will be back with more Women’s World Cup picks and predictions later this week.
