2025 Women's Rugby World Cup Preview

The 10th edition of the Women’s Rugby World Cup kicks off in Sunderland, UK, on Friday with England facing the USA.

England, two-time champions, are the overwhelming betting favorites for the tournament, and enter as the clear world number one in the world rankings. The last World Cup final is their only defeat in their last 58 matches.

New Zealand, the most successful team in the competition’s history, are in Pool C along with Ireland, Japan, and Spain. Canada is the second-best team on the planet according to the rankings and have the best shot at breaking England and New Zealand’s dominance over the sport, while Brazil, the tournament’s only debutants, feature in Pool D.

Can Anyone Stop the Hosts?

England have been irresistible in recent years. Their loss to New Zealand at Eden Park is all that stops this from being one of the most dominant runs in all of team sport. You have to go back to 1998 for the last time the Red Roses didn’t reach the World Cup final.

England take on the USA in the opening match, which, according to our England vs USA prediction, will be an uphill battle for the stars and stripes. 

The only question surrounding England is whether they have been tested enough in preparation for this tournament. France and Spain were steamrolled, while New Zealand got itself up to speed with more challenging matchups in the form of Canada and Australia.

Still, the host nation have the most talented roster, plus a mix of open-field dynamism and brutal physicality. They can win games in a number of different ways and will be roared on by passionate home crowds as they look to capture the nation as the women’s soccer team did a few summers ago.

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USA’s Credentials

The USA might only be 10th in the world rankings, but they are a legitimate threat in this tournament. Led by Ilona Maher, who has been dubbed rugby’s biggest breakout star since Jonah Lomu, the USA have beaten Australia and Japan since the last World Cup.

Maher has over five million Instagram followers, has appeared on reality TV, and has an audience far beyond rugby diehards. Not only is she known all over the world, but she has also helped the Americans compete, including a bronze medal at last year’s Olympics.

Narrow losses to Canada and Australia in May give the US something to build on. A rivalry clash with the Canadians in the second round beckons if the US manages to take second spot in Pool A, presenting a serious upset opportunity. In a very favorable group, the Canucks might be short of their best by the time the knockout rounds begin.

What is the Women’s Rugby World Cup Format?

This World Cup sees the return of a 16-team format after the competition featured only 12 nations between 2006 and 2021. It’s a simple format of four pools of four teams, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the quarterfinals.

The winner of Pool A faces the runner-up from Pool B, the runner-up from Pool A faces the winner of Pool B, and the same for Pools C and D.

Pool matches will be held at the Stadium of Light, Salford Community Stadium, Franklin’s Gardens, York Community Stadium, the American Express Stadium, and Sandy Park.

Sandy Park in Exeter and Ashton Gate in Bristol are sharing the quarterfinals, with both semi-finals being played at Ashton Gate. The final and third-placed playoff will take place at Twickenham.

Women’s Rugby World Cup Winner Odds

• England -245
• New Zealand +275
• Canada +660
• France +1100
• Australia +3000
• Ireland +3500
• USA +5500

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

Teams Competing

Pool A

• England
• Australia
• USA
• Samoa

Pool B

• Canada
• Scotland
• Wales
• Fiji

Pool C

• New Zealand
• Ireland
• Japan
• Spain

Pool D

• France
• Italy
• South Africa
• Brazil

Previous Winners

• 2021 – New Zealand
• 2017 – New Zealand
• 2014 – England
• 2010 – New Zealand
• 2006 – New Zealand
• 2002 – New Zealand
• 1998 – New Zealand
• 1994 – England
• 1991 – USA

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