Women’s World Cup 2023 Group G: Fixtures, results, standings, squads & full details

Led by juggernaut Sweden, Group G in this World Cup is also composed of the defending Africa Cup of Nations’ winners, a 2019 quarterfinalist, and a South American side gunning for its first win.

In two out of the last three Women’s World Cups, Sweden has placed third. A Jackie Groenen goal for the Netherlands in extra-time did the nation in last time around in the semifinals.

Peter Gerhardsson’s team bowed out of the Euros following a emphatic 4-0 defeat at Bramall Lane to the eventual winners, England in the semifinals. With goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl out of the squad, Sweden will have a new stop-stopper between the sticks. Jennifer Falk, and Chelsea’s Zećira Mušović are the two currently battling for the starting spot to open up the tournament. Led by Barcalona’s Fridolina Rolfö, Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius in the goal-scoring department, the Swedish should relatively cruise their way to the top of a group that only has one other team in the top-16.

One of the biggest disappointments during the Euros was Milena Bertolini’s Italy, who mustered just one point in group play. The Italians lost to France 5-1 to open the tournament, and would have made it into the knockout stages with a win over Belgium to close out the group. Tine De Caigny’s left-footed screamer sent Le Azzurre packing in the group stage for the second straight time in the Euros. Even with that setback, this team got back up on its feet, and took care of business to earn a place in the World Cup. The Italians are led in the frontline by Cristiana Girelli, and Barbara Bonansea of Juventus, and Valentina Giacinti of the defending league champions in the Italian top-flight, Roma.

Argentina and Desiree Ellis’ South African side make up the rest of Group G. Both countries return to the field following elimination in group play in France in 2019. Neither nation has won a match at the World Cup yet. With the assistance of 25-year-old Golden Boot winner Yamila Rodríguez, Germán Portanova’s team finished third in last year’s Copa América Femenina. Hildah Magaia’s two goals in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations final propelled Banyana Banyana’s to their first-ever first-place finish in that tournament.

Women’s World Cup 2023 Group G squads:

Argentina

Manager: Germán Portanova

FIFA World Ranking: 28

Goalkeepers: Lara Esponda, Abigaíl Chaves, Vanina Correa

Defenders: Chiara Singarella, Gabriela Chávez, Miriam Mayorga, Sophia Braun, Julieta Cruz, Aldana Cometti, Adriana Sachs, Eliana Stábile

Midfielders: Vanesa Santana, Romina Núñez, Daiana Falfán, Dalila Ippólito, Lorena Benítez, Camila Gómez Ares

Forwards: Paulina Gramaglia, Yamila Rodríguez, Florencia Bonsegundo, Mariana Larroquette, Érica Lonigro, Estefanía Banini

https://twitter.com/Argentina/status/1678908661161242625?s=20

Italy

Manager: Milena Bertolini

FIFA World Ranking: 16

Goalkeepers: Rachele Baldi, Francesca Durante, Laura Giuliani

Defenders: Cecilia Salvai, Martina Lenzini, Lisa Boattin, Benedetta Orsi, Lucia Di Guglielmo, Elena Linari, Elisa Bartoli

Midfielders: Valentina Cernoia, Giulia Dragoni, Arianna Caruso, Giada Greggi, Manuela Giugliano, Emma Severini

Forwards: Annamaria Serturini, Sofia Cantore, Barbara Bonansea, Valentina Giacinti, Cristiana Girelli, Benedetta Glionna

South Africa

Manager: Desiree Ellis

FIFA World Ranking: 54

Goalkeepers: Kebotseng Moletsane, Andile Dlamini, Kaylin Swart

Defenders: Tiisetso Makhubela, Bambanani Mbane, Karabo Dhlamini, Fikile Magama, Lebohang Ramalepe, Bongeka Gamede, Noko Matlou

Midfielders: Nomvula Kgoale, Robyn Moodaly, Kholosa Biyana, Sibulele Holweni, Linda Motlhalo, Refiloe Jane

Forwards: Wendy Shongwe, Melinda Kgadiete, Jermaine Seoposenwe, Thembi Kgatlana, Gabriela Salgado, Hildah Magaia, Noxolo Cesane

https://twitter.com/Banyana_Banyana/status/1678677433036472323?s=20

Sweden

Manager: Peter Gerhardsson

FIFA World Ranking: 3

Goalkeepers: Tove Enblom, Jennifer Falk, Zećira Mušović

Defenders: Nathalie Björn, Amanda Ilestedt, Jonna Andersson, Linda Sembrant, Hanna Lundkvist, Anna Sandberg, Magdalena Eriksson

Midfielders: Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani, Caroline Seger, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Hanna Bennison, Olivia Schough, Elin Rubensson

Forwards: Rebecka Blomqvist, Fridolina Rolfö, Stina Blackstenius, Sofia Jakobsson, Lina Hurtig, Madelen Janogy

Women’s World Cup 2023 Group G fixtures:

Matchday One:

Sweden vs. South Africa

Match info: July 23, 2023, 1:00 am EST, Wellington Regional Stadium

Italy vs. Argentina

Match info: July 24, 2023, 2:00 am EST, Eden Park

Matchday Two:

Argentina vs. South Africa

Match info: July 27, 2023, 8:00 pm EST, Dunedin Stadium

Sweden vs. Italy

Match info: July 29, 2023, 3:30 am EST, Wellington Regional Stadium

Matchday Three:

South Africa vs. Italy

Match info: August 2, 2023, 3:00 am EST, Wellington Regional Stadium

Argentina vs. Sweden

Match info: August 2, 2023, 3:00 am EST, Waikato Stadium

Women’s World Cup 2023 standings prediction for Group G:

1. Sweden – 9 points

2. Italy – 4 points

3. Argentina – 4 points

4. South Africa – 0 points

How to watch: FS1, FOX Sports

The Group G winner will play the Group E runners-up while the Group G runners-up will play the Group E winner in the knockout stages. (Group E: Netherlands, Portugal, United States, Vietnam)