1. United States

The defending champions — and FIFA’s top-ranked team — will look to add an unprecedented fourth world title in France this summer. For all the talk about how other nations have caught up to the U.S., what sets Jill Ellis’ side apart is depth. No other team in the tournament can summon game-changers like explosive youngster Mallory Pugh or 2015 Golden Ball winner Carli Lloyd from the bench.

2. France

Tough, technically gifted and almost as athletic as the Americans, the hosts pose the biggest threat to the USA’s hope’s of repeating. Although France lacks experience, it also boasts top 10 talents in the Lyon trio of forward Eugenie Le Sommer, midfielder Amandine Henry and defender Wendie Renard. Les Bleues also trounced the Yanks 3-1 in La Havre in January.

3. Germany

Don’t sleep on the Germans. A fashionable pick to win it all in 2015 before being eliminated by the U.S. in the semifinals four years ago in Canada, Germany — the 2003 and 2007 champion and the only nation besides the U.S. to win multiple titles — will arrive in France with a deep and battle-tested roster and as FIFA’s second-ranked team.

4. England

The Lionesses came close to reaching the final four years ago, eventually finishing third in Canada. With stout defenders Lucy Bronze and captain Steph Houghton anchoring a stingy backline, six capable forwards to choose from up front, and a good mix of youth and experience, England, which is managed by former men’s World Cup player Phil Neville, is one of the most balanced teams in the tournament.

View photos Mallory Pugh (right) and the United States are considered World Cup favorites along with Amandine Henry and France. (Getty) More

5. Australia

Led by all-planet captain Sam Kerr, the wonderfully named Matildas head to France will a real chance to advance past the quarterfinals, where they went out at the last three World Cups, for the first time.

6. Japan

The losing finalist four years ago after winning it all in 2011, Japan hasn’t quite replaced its golden generation. But with tons of technical ability and defensive organization, they’ll be a tough out for any of the more fancied sides in the knockout phase.

7. Netherlands

Somehow, the 2017 European champion nearly missed out on this World Cup. They beat Switzerland and Denmark in UEFA’s playoffs to claim the continent’s final berth in the end, and boast two of the game’s most dangerous attackers in Barcelona forward Lieke Martens and in-form Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema.

8. Canada

The Canucks may have disappointed on home soil in 2015, getting bounced by England in the quarters, but they did take home the bronze medal in each of the last two Olympic tourneys. They’ll be hoping to replicate that success this summer through Christine Sinclair’s goals; with 181 career strikes, the veteran forward is just three shy of American legend Abby Wambach’s all-time international record.

9. Sweden

The Swedes shocked the United States at the 2016 Rio games, and will have a chance to do it again as the teams square off to close out the group stage. This is a rebuilding squad, though. Peter Gerhardsson replaced Pia Sundhage as manager in 2017, and all-time top scorer Lotta Schelin retired last year.

10. Brazil

Talented enough to win it all, Brazil steamrolled the competition at last year’s Copa America Femenina, which serves as South America’s World Cup qualifying tournament, outscoring foes 31-2 along the way. Legendary striker Marta, playing in her fifth and likely final World Cup, will look to add to her record 15 goals in France.

View photos Brazilian legend Marta hopes to raise the trophy in what will likely be her final World Cup. (AP) More

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