Women’s World Cup Final: Will the Favorites Deliver or Can an Underdog Write History?

8 April 2025

The Women's World Cup is the pinnacle of international football. Every four years, the best teams from across the globe gather to battle it out for the ultimate prize. It’s a stage where history is written, and legends are born. But when the final whistle blows, will the expected favorites walk away with the trophy, or could an underdog pull off the upset of a lifetime? Let’s break it down.

The Stage is Set: A Global Spectacle

There’s something magical about the Women’s World Cup. It’s not just another tournament; it’s a stage for showcasing the best of women’s football, where talent, grit, and determination meet. From the opening matches to the grand finale, it’s a roller-coaster of emotions for fans and players alike.

But let’s be honest—when the tournament starts, everyone has their favorites. Whether it’s the reigning champions or perennial powerhouses, there’s always a shortlist of teams expected to go all the way. At the same time, the underdogs lurk in the shadows, often overlooked, but ready to pounce at the slightest opportunity.

So, when it comes to the final, does history repeat itself with the favorites lifting the trophy? Or do we witness an underdog story for the ages?

The Favorites: Powerhouses with a Point to Prove

Consistency is Key

Every World Cup has its favorites. These are the teams that have dominated the international scene, bringing in a mix of experience, tactical brilliance, and individual talent. Think of teams like the USA, Germany, or Japan. They’ve been here before; they know the drill.

These teams are often counted on to reach the final because they’ve proven time and again that they can handle the pressure. They have depth in their squads, coaches with experience at the highest level, and a winning mentality that’s hard to shake.

But with high expectations comes enormous pressure. When you're the favorite, everyone is gunning for you. There's no room for mistakes, and even a minor slip-up can be the difference between glory and heartbreak.

Star Power Shines

One thing that separates the favorites from the rest is their star power. Teams like the USA have players who are household names—think of Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, or Crystal Dunn. These are players who not only perform consistently but also inspire those around them.

Having a player who can turn the tide of a match with a moment of brilliance is a game-changer. Favorites often have multiple players like this—game-changers who can single-handedly take control of a match. And when the going gets tough, these stars step up.

But does star power always guarantee success? History suggests otherwise. Football is a team sport, and sometimes even the brightest stars can’t carry a team to victory on their own.

The Underdogs: The Beauty of Football's Unpredictability

Why We Love an Underdog Story

If there’s one thing that makes football so exciting, it’s the unpredictability of it all. No matter how much analysis is done, no matter how many stats are crunched, the game is played on the pitch. And that’s where underdogs thrive.

To be an underdog is to be underestimated. These are teams that might not have the same resources, the same star players, or the same track record as the favorites, but what they lack in those departments, they make up for in heart, passion, and sheer determination.

One of the most iconic moments in sports history is when an underdog defies the odds. It’s David vs. Goliath on a global scale, and when an underdog wins, it’s a reminder that in football, anything is possible.

The Power of Team Spirit

Underdogs don’t rely on star power. Instead, they focus on unity, discipline, and a well-drilled system. Every player knows their role, and they stick to the game plan. In many cases, underdogs are teams where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Take a team like Canada, for example. Historically, they haven’t been considered one of the top-tier teams, but over the years, they’ve shown they can hang with the best. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, they shocked the world by winning the gold medal. Their success wasn’t built on individual brilliance but on a collective effort, where every player contributed to the cause.

This is the essence of an underdog story. It’s not about relying on one or two players to deliver; it’s about a team that works together, fights for every ball, and refuses to give up.

What History Tells Us: A Mix of Both

When it comes to the Women’s World Cup final, history has shown that both favorites and underdogs can thrive. In past tournaments, we’ve seen both scenarios play out.

The Dominance of Favorites

Let’s take the 2019 World Cup as an example. The USA came into the tournament as heavy favorites and delivered when it mattered most. They outplayed their opponents, showed tactical superiority, and their star players stepped up when it mattered most. The result? A fourth World Cup title and a confirmation of their dominance on the world stage.

The Rise of the Underdog

But not every final goes according to the script. In 2011, Japan were the underdogs against the USA. The Americans were expected to win, but Japan had other ideas. In one of the most emotional finals in World Cup history, Japan won in a penalty shootout, becoming the first Asian team to lift the trophy.

This was a victory that transcended football. Japan had been devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami just months before the tournament. The team’s triumph became a symbol of hope for an entire nation. It was a classic underdog story—one that will be remembered for generations.

Will the Favorites Deliver This Time?

As we head into another Women’s World Cup, the question remains: will the favorites deliver? The likes of the USA, Germany, and France are once again among the top contenders. They have the experience, the quality, and the winning mentality.

But football is unpredictable. Even the best teams can have an off day, and with the pressure mounting, anything can happen. Favorites might dominate the group stages, but the knockout rounds are a different beast altogether. One mistake, one moment of brilliance from the other side, and the dream could be over.

Or Can an Underdog Write History?

On the flip side, we have the underdogs. Teams like Sweden, Australia, or even newcomers like Nigeria could surprise us all. They may not have the same pedigree as the top teams, but they’ve got nothing to lose—and that makes them dangerous.

When an underdog reaches the final, they play with a sense of freedom. There’s no pressure to win because no one expects them to. This can work in their favor, allowing them to play without fear and capitalize on the mistakes of their more fancied opponents.

And let’s not forget: football history is filled with examples of underdogs shocking the world. The Women’s World Cup is no different.

Conclusion: The Beauty of the Unpredictable

So, as we approach the next Women’s World Cup final, the question remains: will the favorites deliver, or can an underdog write history?

The beauty of football is that we won’t know until the final whistle. It’s a sport where anything can happen—where the expected outcome can be turned on its head in a matter of moments. Whether it’s the dominance of a favorite or the rise of an underdog, one thing is for sure: the Women’s World Cup final will be a spectacle to remember.

In the end, it’s not just about who wins. It’s about the journey, the stories, and the moments that make the Women’s World Cup one of the greatest sporting events in the world.