Group F: USA, Chile, Sweden, Thailand - 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup teams

Topics: FIFA Women's World Cup, France, USA, Chile, Sweden, Thailand

Ahead of this summer's FIFA Women's World Cup, Live Soccer TV analyses the strengths and weakness of the members of Group F with an exciting campaign beckoning.

USA

Headlines which emerged after the group stage draw suggested that the USWNT might have possibly been handed the easiest draw among the favorites at this year's Women's World Cup in France. The claims were somewhat justified considering the North Americans are approaching this summer's tournament as the defending champions.

A stellar campaign in Canada four years ago saw Jill Ellis' side secure a record-extending three Women's World Cup titles. Still ranked No.1 on the FIFA Women's World Rankings, the USA - who are looking to conquer France after failing to win the 2019 SheBelieves Cup - will hope to beat off competition in any form starting with their group.

Perhaps, this may be their year to match Germany's feat of winning the inter-continental trophy back-to-back (2003 and 2007). The Americans have featured in the last two finals but have never repeated as champions.

However, the feat is not unattainable with the likes of Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapine all preparing to carry their scoring boots to France.

USA - Champions of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

USA Women's National Team fixtures and broadcast listings

Chile

Chile will be making its first-ever Women's World Cup appearance come this summer in France. The South Americans steadily brushed off challenges at the Copa America Femenina 2018 to reach the final alongside eventual winners Brazil, which, as a result, sealed their historic qualification.

Dubbed as the 'Golden Generation', the current Chilean team is one that will provoke interest. Their collective efficiency was seen at the Copa America where twelve of their 13 goals came from seven of their players (the other was an own-goal).

Although La Roja's inexperience may be a con in the upcoming campaign, its fellow group members should be ready to be taken through their paces.

Chile Women's National Team fixtures and broadcast listings

Sweden

Despite not winning any of the previous editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup, the Swedes have consistently proven to be one of the biggest forces around. They have so far managed to finish on the podium on three occasions: in 1991 and 2011 as bronze winners and in 2003 as runners-up.

At China 2007, Sweden was drawn with the United States in one same group just like in 1991 and 2003 when both made it through. However, this time, the former went home as a negative goal difference penalized them at the expense of North Korea with whom they were joint on 4 points. Back in 2007, the competition counted only 16 participants and no qualifying option for the best third-place group finishers. This incident actually marked the only time Sweden failed to go past the group stage at a Women's World Cup.

Four years later, the Swedes and U. S. were again paired in one same group. This time, the European side got its revenge and topped the table with three wins out of three, forcing North Korea to crash out and eventual champions USA to qualify as runners-up.

For the third time in a row, Sweden and the United States met in the group stages in Canada. Like in China, the Blueyellow placed third in their section whilst the Americans occupied the summit. The difference, however, is that the 24-team format allowed Pia Sundhage and her ladies to grab knockout stage tickets en route to a Round of 16 elimination.

At the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, much is expected from the Blågult who extended their Algarve Cup win to four in 2018. The Europeans beat off competition from the likes of Russia, South Korea and Canada to secure the trophy in March last year.

Sweden Women's National Team fixtures and broadcast listings

Thailand

Thailand are in trouble. The Chaba Kaew could not progress out of the group stage in its maiden World Cup appearance at Canada 2015. They conceded 10 goals but at least exited the tournament with three points in the bag; those were earned in a spirited 3-2 win over Ivory Coast who allowed a total of 16 goals in three matches.

One thing about the Thais is that they will not go down without a fight, even if their low caliber might prevent them from matching their Group F opponents boot for boot. However, they may fancy an upset of giants at France 2019 as they come into the tournament as winners of the 2018 AFC Women's Championship.

Thailand Women's National Team fixtures and broadcast listings

Who will qualify from Group F at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Incredibly, France 2019 pitches Sweden against the USA for the sixth time in eight Women's World Cup tournaments. Both sides are expected to cruise into the Last 16. Their power might be too intense to allow their table to produce a best third-place finisher, with the Chileans lacking ample experience and the Thais poised to collapse defensively.

When USA and Sweden played out a 0-0 draw in the group stage at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup

USA vs Sweden - 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup