USA vs. Sweden Women’s World Cup odds: Americans are favoured in heavyweight battle

After narrowly escaping catastrophe in the group stage, USA will face a capable Sweden team in the round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup.

The latest: A shot off the post in added time of the USA/Portugal match keep things scoreless, which allowed USA to hold on for a draw to advance to the knockout stage. The two-time reigning champs are favourites against Sweden

USA vs. Sweden Women's World Cup odds

Soccer odds as of 11:25 a.m. ET on 08/05/2023.

USA vs. Sweden preview

The USWNT was favoured to win its third consecutive World Cup before the tournament began. Some shakiness has bumped them out of the frontrunner’s spot, but they are still among the shortlisted favourites.

Perhaps an early-tournament scare or two will be to the Americans’ benefit.

Then again, a 1-2-0 record in Group E forced USA to have to face a group winner at the start of the knockout stage. Enter, Sweden.

The Swedes defeated Italy, Argentina and South Africa with a +8 goal differential to breeze into the round of 16. Based on Football Reference's expected goals, Sweden held a 7.7-2.2 advantage over its opponents.

For what it’s worth, the Americans held a 7.7-0.7 advantage in expected goals during group play, per Football Reference.

Sunday marks the first matchup for USA vs. Sweden since their friendly in April 2021. Sweden took a first-half lead on home soil in that one, but the Americans levelled it late for a 1-1 draw.

Based on the latest FIFA rankings — updated as of June — USA and Sweden are ranked Nos. 1 and 3, respectively, in the world.

It’s feasible to believe that the winner of this match has the inside track to win the tournament.

Prop odds

USA has five players with odds to score inside of 3-to-1, while Sweden only has one player in that range.

Soccer odds as of 11:25 a.m. ET on 08/05/2023.

The shortest odds belong to Morgan (+188) who has 13 shot attempts so far but no goals to show for it. Morgan led the NWSL in goals last year (15) and has five so far through 11 matches.

Rolfö (+320) leads all Swedes with eight goals across 14 matches with the national team this year. That includes a goal in both of her starts in this tournament.

Keep in mind that these teams only conceded one goal apiece in group play.