The 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand finally kicks off early Thursday morning. Thursday features a three game slate for those of us here in America; with the hosts kicking off at 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. respectively, and another match later at 10:30 p.m.. It should be a packed day of football, with probably at least one or two lopsided score lines. Currently, the favorites in all three matches have moneyline odds of -300 or greater, which shows the obvious skill disparity in the group stage. With that being said, let’s get right into the best Women’s World Cup bets with our predictions for Australia-Ireland and Nigeria-Canada.
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Women’s World Cup Day 1 Odds: Australia-Ireland Odds
| Australia Moneyline | -330 |
| Ireland Moneyline | +850 |
| Draw Moneyline | +425 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: -130, Under: -105 |
| Location | Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia |
| Time | 6 a.m. ET |
| TV | FOX/Telemundo |
Australia-Ireland Prediction
While New Zealand are the underdog hosts, Australia has plans to go deep into this 2023 Women’s World Cup. First, they have to get through Group B which features Ireland, Nigeria and Canada. While the Matildas have not won their opening match at the World Cup in their last three tries, they are on a tremendous run of form. In fact, Tony Gustavsson’s side has won nine matches from their last ten, with six shutouts along the way. On top of that, the hosts have won their first match in the last six Women’s World Cups, which is a stat you have to put in their favor.
For Ireland, this is their first appearance in the competition. They have conceded eight in their last four matches and could have trouble containing Sam Kerr, who has scored 13 goals in her last 13 appearances. The Chelsea forward will want to make a big impact in front of her home fans on the first day of the tournament. Ireland may also see trouble in the offensive third, having failed to score in four out of their last five; this take will not be easier against the Matildas. As a result, I am riding with Australia -1.5 and Kerr to score anytime, with respective odds of -110 and +100
Final Australia-Ireland Prediction: Australia -1.5 (-110, DraftKings)
Kerr to Score (+100, DraftKings)
Women’s World Cup Day 1 Odds: Nigeria-Canada Odds
| Nigeria Moneyline | +950 |
| Canada Moneyline | -320 |
| Draw Moneyline | +390 |
| Over/Under 2.5 Total Goals | Over: -170, Under: +125 |
| Location | Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia |
| Time | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX/Universo |
Nigeria-Canada Prediction
In the later contest, Nigeria will try to challenge Canada in what could be a pivotal match come the end of the group stages. In Group B, Australia are frankly the expected winners. Most people think that Canada will slot into second place and qualify for their third consecutive knockout round. However, if Nigeria were to flip this contest, or even earn a draw, the outcome of this group would be up in the air.
Nigeria and Canada actually met recently too, drawing 2-2 in a 2022 friendly. Canada won the two prior friendlies by respective 2-0 and 2-1 score lines, while Nigeria won their 2011 World Cup duel thanks to a narrow 1-0 finish. The Super Falcons have also rattled off three warm-up victories against Costa Rica, Haiti and New Zealand. So, while Canada are -320 favorites, with a 76% implied win probability, the odds might be overstated.
In reality, expect Nigeria to keep this match within reach. You can get great value on Nigeria +1.5 at -115. As a second play, you can also back Nigeria by testing the both teams to score market. Nigeria have scored in nine of their last twelve and should find the back of the net in arguably the biggest game of their tournament.
Final Nigeria-Canada Prediction: Nigeria +1.5 (-115, DraftKings)
Both Teams to Score (-110, DraftKings)
