The teams
Netherlands
Previous World Cup appearances: 2015, 2019
Best finish: Runners-up (2019)
Group stage schedule: vs. Portugal (July 23), vs. USA (July 26), vs. Vietnam (Aug. 1)
Portugal
Previous World Cup appearances: None
Best finish: N/A
Group stage schedule: vs. Netherlands (July 23), vs. Vietnam (July 27), vs. United States (Aug. 1)
United States
Previous World Cup appearances: 1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019
Best finish: Champions (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019)
Group stage schedule: vs. Vietnam (July 21), vs. Netherlands (July 26), vs. Portugal (Aug. 1)
Vietnam
Previous World Cup appearances: None
Best finish: N/A
Group stage schedule: vs. USA (July 21), vs. Portugal (July 27), vs. Netherlands (Aug. 1)
The names to know
Netherlands - Dominique Janssen (Wolfsburg)
The two-time Bundesliga champion center back did not leave the field at the 2019 World Cup, Tokyo Olympics or Euro 2022. She recorded a goal and an assist in the Olympics and scored at the last World Cup as well. Janssen ranked in the 95th percentile or higher among center backs in pass completion percentage, progressive passes and progressive carries last season.
Portugal - Carole Costa (Benfica)
The only Portuguese player with multiple goal involvements at Euro 2022, Costa has started every game at the two major tournaments her country has participated in (Euro 2017, Euro 2022). She played for multiple teams in Germany before returning to Portugal.
United States - Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)
Smith turns 23 during the tournament and is already the best player in the National Women’s Soccer League. She becomes even more important with someone other than Mallory Swanson playing on the opposite wing.
Vietnam - Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Dung (Phong Phú Hà Nam)
Dung led the way with two goals and two assists at the Asian Cup last year1. She plays her club soccer for Phong Phú Hà Nam in Vietnam.
The big question
Netherlands - Is the run over?
The Dutch won Euro 2017 and reached the 2019 World Cup final but haven’t gotten past the quarterfinals of the two major tournaments since. Are the recent results an aberration or a new reality?
Portugal - Has the defense actually improved?
Portugal conceded 10 goals in the group stage of Euro 2022 and then held England, Japan and New Zealand to a total of two goals in friendlies this year. Those performances have to count for something, even if they were friendlies.
United States - Are the young stars ready?
The team’s best attacker is 22. Its best center back is 23 with a year-and-a-half of professional experience. Someone younger than both of them will probably be starting too. How do they handle the pressure in their first major tournament?
Vietnam - Can they stay organized defensively?
Less than a month ago, they held Germany to just one goal until the 80th minute and ended up losing 2-1. Those are the kind of performances they are going to need to have a chance.
The bottom line
Netherlands
The question is whether they are legitimate contenders or simply a team expected to reach the knockout stage.
Portugal
The team that showed up at the Euros isn’t getting out of this group. The one that played England to a scoreless draw might.
United States
They are not the overwhelming favorites like in years past, but their depth will be a massive advantage in a tournament with so many key players missing.
Vietnam
Their performances in friendlies have been impressive. Who knows if they end up meaning anything at all.