2023 Women's World Cup Japan vs. Zambia start time, odds, lines: Expert picks, FIFA predictions, bets
Zambia will look to stun Japan when these Group C opponents square off in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Saturday's showdown will be played at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand. Japan enters the match ranked 11th in the FIFA world rankings, while Zambia sits in the 77th spot. Japan has won three of their last four international matches. Zambia has put the ball in the back of the net eight times over the past three outings.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3 a.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Japan as the -360 favorite (risk $360 to win $100) in its latest Zambia vs Japan odds. Zambia is a +800 underdog, a draw is priced at +450, and the over/under for total goals scored is 3.5. Before making any Japan vs. Zambia picks or Women's World Cup picks, you need to see the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup predictions and best bets from SportsLine soccer insider Brandt Sutton.
Sutton, a former collegiate soccer player, has been SportsLine's top soccer editor for more than five years. He has followed soccer closely for much longer and factors in managerial tactics, projected lineups and past performances to make the most informed decisions possible, keeping his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Sutton finished 2022 as SportsLine's top soccer expert with a 165-130-2 mark, returning nearly $2,200 for $100 players. Anybody following those picks saw huge returns.
Now, Sutton has broken down the Zambia vs. Japan match from every angle and locked in his picks and 2023 Women's World Cup predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are the betting lines and trends for Japan vs. Zambia:
- Zambia vs. Japan money line: Japan -360, Zambia +800, Draw +450
- Zambia vs. Japan spread: Japan -1.5 (-135)
- Zambia vs. Japan over/under: 3.5 goals
- Zambia vs. Japan picks: See picks at Sportsline
Featured Game| Zambia vs. Japan
Why you should back Japan
Japan hasn't lost an opening match at the Women's World Cup since 1995. They've been in plenty of meaningful games on this stage, including being the 2011 winners in Germany. The identity of this team revolves around playing superb and tough defense. They have allowed eight goals over their last 10 international games, with four being clean sheets.
Forward Mina Tanaka is an experienced goal scorer who can create offensive opportunities. Tanaka does a good job setting up her teammates, logging two assists over the last two matches. Midfielder Yui Hasegawa owns the skillset to constantly score, tallying two goals in the July 14 win over Panama. See which team to pick here.
Why you should back Zambia
Zambia rolls into the Women's World Cup excited and thrilled as they make their debut. The offense has been fun to watch, logging eight goals over their last three outings. On July 7, Zambia knocked off Germany 3-2, holding them scoreless until the 90th minute. Forward Barbra Banda owns superb offensive firepower and can strike with either foot and from great length.
The 23-year-old captain led the team in goals (four) during the past four international matchups. In the win over Germany, she scored two goals on four shots. Forward Racheal Kundananji is another outstanding attacker who was the top goal scorer (25) for Madrid CFF during the 2022-23 season. Additionally, the 23-year-old can set up fellow teammates up due to the attention drawn from other defenders. See which team to pick here.
How to make Zambia vs. Japan picks
Sutton has analyzed this 2023 Women's World Cup match from every angle and he's locked in his confident best bet for Japan vs. Zambia. He's only sharing his 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup picks at SportsLine.
