Poised For Growth

THE NEXT BOOM IN WORLD FOOTBALL OVER THE COMING 10 YEARS WILL SURELY BE IN THE WOMEN'S GAME, LARGELY BECAUSE THE POTENTIAL IS SO GREAT. AND THE IMPACT THE AFRICAN SIDES CAN MAKE.

- Nick Said

Africa will send a quartet of teams to the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time, which includes two debutants at the tournament to be staged in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20.

It will be a month-long celebration of football and the great strides the women's game has made in recent years to create a product that has a growing army of fans and admirers.

Just what impact the African sides can make remains to be seen. Nigeria have appeared at every tournament played since 1991, while continental champions South Africa will play their second finals having debuted in 2019.

North African side Morocco and southern African nation Zambia take their places for the first time, but are packed with potential.

The World Cup has been expanded from 24 teams to 32 this year, providing an extra spot for the continent.

South Africa have been drawn in something of a Group of Death that includes Sweden, who are ranked number three in the world, Italy and Argentina, who are both also well ahead of them in the global rankings.

Sweden were runners-up at the 2003 World Cup and have won bronze on three other occasions, including last time out in France in 2019. They have also won the silver medal at the last two Olympic Games.

Italy are ranked number 16 in the world and were quarterfinalists four years ago, though perhaps Banyana midfielder Refiloe Jane, who has been based in that country for the last few years, will be able to add some insight.

Argentina are appearing at a fourth World Cup but have yet to get past the group stages, so may be the team Banyana should target. They are ranked 28 in the world, still well ahead of South Africa's 54.