But what is different is the growth in women’s football we’ve seen over the past four years and beyond — instead of all the best players in the world hailing from a few top teams, the sport is more competitive than it’s ever been, and that’s apparent in the 2023 edition of ESPN FC’s World Cup Rank. A panel of ESPN experts — including our writers who will be at the tournament delivering daily coverage (Caitlin Murray, Jeff Carlisle, Sophie Lawson, Tom Hamilton, Sam Marsden, Julien Laurens, Marissa Lordanic and Mark Ogden) — selected the top 25 players at the tournament.

– Meet the USWNT: What you need to know about all 23 players
– Group by group predictions, picks
– Women’s World Cup: Schedule | Rosters | News

These players come from all over the world, and they represent not just the best players at the World Cup, but the players who make for appointment viewing. Although someone like U.S. winger Megan Rapinoe is a player the panel considered based on her talent and ability to impact games, she is expected to play a substitute role during this World Cup and thus was left outside of the top 25 for that reason. This list comprises players we felt could make massive contributions if their teams go far this summer. (Editor’s note: All ages are as of the start of the tournament on July 20.)

Sebastian Salazar and Kay Murray analyze the players ranked 11th through 15th on ESPN FC’s list of the 25 best players at the Women’s World Cup.

Country: Sweden
Age: 33
Club: AC Milan
Position: Midfielder/striker

Sweden’s enigmatic veteran, Kosovare Asllani, is set for her third World Cup. After coming so close to glory at the 2021 Olympics, winning silver after losing to Canada, the attacking midfielder hasn’t been shy about expressing her desire to finally win a tournament with Sweden.

Having grown into a leader on the pitch between the 2015 and 2019 editions of the FIFA tournament, Asllani has flourished in her more mature role under manager Peter Gerhardsson. With the focus more heavily on attackers such as Fridolina Rolfö, Stina Blackstenius and Madelen Janogy, Asllani remains key in advancing the ball into dangerous positions for Sweden and taking on players one-on-one to set up her teammates. –Lawson

Group stage games:

• July 23 vs. South Africa (1 a.m. ET)
• July 29 vs. Italy (3:30 a.m. ET)
• Aug. 2 vs. Argentina (3 a.m. ET)

Country: Zambia
Age: 23
Club: Madrid CFF
Position: Striker

While captain and attacking talent Barbra Banda stole the headlines when Zambia made their major tournament bow at the 2021 Olympics, it is Banda’s compatriot Racheal Kundananji who comes into the World Cup after a sensational season with Madrid CFF, scoring 25 times in 29 appearances. Having scored in both of Zambia’s warmup games against Ireland and Switzerland, Kundananji is likely to take up the mantle with Banda and consistently offer a hopeful attacking outlet.

Although Zambia are long shots to progress from their group, which features both Spain and Japan, the Copper Queens are likely to find the back of the net multiple times throughout the group stage. It’s Kundananji who’ll probably be the one celebrating. — Lawson

Group stage games:

• July 22 vs. Japan (3 a.m. ET)
• July 26 vs. Spain (3:30 a.m. ET)
• July 31 vs. Costa Rica (3 a.m. ET)

Country: Colombia
Age: 18
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Striker

Heading into her fourth World Cup in 16 months after outings at the U17 Women’s World Cup in March 2022 and the U20 tournament five months later, attacking sensation Linda Caicedo has been tipped for big things.

She moved to Real Madrid earlier this year, and the goal scorer has been key in revitalising the Colombia senior team since her senior debut in 2019. With a delicate first touch and eye for a goal, the teenager plays with a freedom that her age allows and has rarely looked overawed against top-tier opposition. Drawn into an intriguing group with Morocco and South Korea as well as favorites Germany, there is plenty of room for Caicedo to dazzle and Colombia to progress. — Lawson

Group stage games:

• July 24 vs. South Korea (10 p.m. ET)
• July 30 vs. Germany (5:30 a.m. ET)
• Aug. 3 vs. Morocco (6 a.m. ET)

Country: France
Age: 32
Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Position: Center back