One Year Out: Evaluating the Dark Horses for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup

FolioPitch.com – 27 June 2026 | With just 12 months until the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off, the football world is already buzzing with predictions and analyses. Among the most intriguing narratives is assessing the 2027 World Cup dark horses one year away—teams that could spring surprises and upset the established order. While powerhouses like the United States, Germany, and Japan are perennial favorites, a handful of nations are quietly building momentum. In this review, we look closely at two of the most compelling outsiders: Australia and Canada.

Australia’s Matildas come off a historic 2023 campaign where they reached the semifinals on home soil, defeating France, Canada, and Denmark along the way. Since then, the team has undergone a coaching change, with Tony Gustavsson replaced by Joe Montemurro. Montemurro, known for his fluid passing style at Arsenal and Lyon, has had mixed results. While he guided Australia to the Asian Cup final earlier this year, falling to Japan, his selections have drawn criticism for lacking fresh ideas. The team’s identity under Montemurro remains a work in progress, especially as they try to blend their traditional physical, direct approach with a more possession-based game. A key factor will be the fitness of talismanic striker Sam Kerr, whose absence can blunt the attack. Australia’s path to glory may hinge on her availability and form. Assessing the 2027 World Cup dark horses one year away, Australia’s potential is clear, but consistency remains an issue.

Canada, meanwhile, is rebuilding under coach Casey Stoney. After a dire run of five consecutive losses without scoring last year, the team has shown signs of recovery, with comfortable wins against Colombia, South Korea, and Costa Rica. Stoney, who built Manchester United’s women’s team into a force and later led San Diego Wave to an NWSL Shield, brings a tactical acumen that should not be underestimated. Canada’s defensive solidity has been their hallmark, but they need more attacking fluency to challenge the best. With players like Jessie Fleming and Christine Sinclair (though aging), Canada has experience, but youth integration is crucial. Assessing the 2027 World Cup dark horses one year away, Canada’s progression under Stoney will be fascinating to watch—if they can find goals, they could trouble any opponent.

Other dark horses include the Netherlands, Sweden, Colombia, Denmark, Italy, and Mexico. The Netherlands have a strong core from their 2019 final run, while Sweden consistently reaches the latter stages. Colombia’s flair and Denmark’s organization also make them threats. However, all face challenges of depth and tournament experience. As the clock ticks down, every friendly and qualifier matters. Assessing the 2027 World Cup dark horses one year away reminds us that the World Cup’s magic often lies in the unexpected. While favorites will dominate headlines, these outsiders could write their own compelling stories next summer.

In conclusion, the 2027 Women’s World Cup promises to be one of the most competitive yet. While the spotlight often falls on the traditional giants, the dark horses—Australia with their explosive potential, Canada with their revitalized defense, and others—are building cases for deep runs. How they perform in the next 12 months will determine if they can transition from outsiders to contenders. The countdown is on.