Underdogs of the World Cup

08/04/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

World Cup Long-Shot Morocco In, Germany Out as Underdog-Filled Knockout Stage is Set

The World Cup underdogs strike again! In Thursday’s final group of the Women’s World Cup (Group H), the 72nd-ranked country in the world did the unimaginable. Morocco, clinging to a glimmer of hope, threw a one-goal punch at Colombia for three points in a much-needed group finale. Meanwhile, Germany — the 2nd-ranked team in FIFA, holding the advantage in group play — suffered a stunning draw against South Korea. Germany entered the tournament as the No. 3 favorite to win it all (+650). The Moroccans (+75000) were 29th out of 32 teams. Morocco didn’t know they moved on until watching the final minutes of the Germany-South Korea match standing on the pitch, and the reaction was priceless. Colombia won Group H outright, but Morocco joins South Africa, Jamaica, and Nigeria as the four incredible World Cup underdogs to reach the Round of 16.

Group H Highlights

Morocco def. Colombia (1-0)

Germany draw South Korea (1-1)

*Colombia (1st) & Morocco (2nd) Advance

Underdogs Advancing (World Ranking)

Nigeria: 40th

Jamaica: 43rd

South Africa: 54th

Morocco: 72nd

*FIFA Pre-Tournament World Rankings

Knockout Bracket Revealed

The 16 teams who advanced out of the Round of 32 (Group Stage) are pegged in a knockout bracket (single elimination) the rest of the way with group winners facing the second-place finishers of the group stage. The U.S. Women’s National Team will get Sweden on Sunday morning (5:00 am ET). And after three matches of group play, the oddsmakers have reshuffled the favorites.

Reset Odds to Win 2023 Women’s World Cup

England (+300), Spain (+400), USA (+450), France (+650), Japan (+750), Netherlands (+1000), Australia (+1200), Sweden (+1800), Colombia (+3500), Norway (+5000), Nigeria (+8000), Denmark (+8000), Switzerland (+10000), Jamaica (+20000), Morocco (+25000), South Africa (+25000)

Knockout Stage Breakdown by Continent

Europe: 8 Teams

Africa: 3 Teams

North America: 2 Teams

South America: 1 Team

Asia: 1 Team

Australia: 1 Team

Knockout Schedule (Round of 16)

Switzerland vs. Spain (Sat. 1:00 am)