China to win Women’s World Cup 2023 odds: Predicted squad, best players, line-up and form
China will be looking to reach the knockout stages for the third consecutive World Cup this summer.
China have now qualified for the last three World Cup tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in 2015 and the last-16 in 2019, as they aim to make it a hat-trick of knockout round appearances. You would have to go all the way back to 1999 for China’s best showing at the tournament, where they reached the final, losing on penalties to USA.
Latest China odds to win the Women’s World Cup
| Betting Market | Odds |
| China to win the Women’s World Cup | 100/1 |
| China to beat Denmark | 6/1 |
*You have to be 18+ to gamble. All odds within this article are accurate at the time of writing (13:30, 16/06/2023). GambleAware.
Our recommended China bet for Women’s World Cup
China’s route to the Women’s World Cup Final
Group Stage fixtures
| Fixture | Stadium | Date |
| Denmark vs China | nib Stadium | 22 July, 1pm BST |
| China vs Haiti | Hindmarsh Stadium | 28 July, 12pm BST |
| China vs England | Hindmarsh Stadium | 1 August, 12pm BST |
Who could China meet in the knockout rounds?
If China win Group D, then they will face the runners-up of Group B, which includes host nation Australia, Republic of Ireland, Canada and Nigeria. After that, it’s either the Group H winners or the runners-up of Group F, most likely to be Germany.
If they were to make it all the way to the semi-finals, then their most likely opponents will be the winners of Group B or Group F, where France are to be expected. And then the final, where reigning champions USA will be hoping to defend their crown.
| Route as Group D winners | Potential Opponent |
| Round of 16 | Australia |
| Quarter-Final | Germany |
| Semi-Final | France |
| Final | United States |
Predicted China Women’s World Cup squad
| Player Name | Position | Age | Club |
| Xu Huan | Goalkeeper | 24 | Jiangsu |
| Zhu Yu | Goalkeeper | 25 | Wuhan Jianghan University |
| Zhao Lina | Goalkeeper | 31 | Shanghai Shengli |
| Li Mengwen | Defender | 28 | PSG |
| Gao Chen | Defender | 30 | Changchun Dazhong Zhuoyue |
| Wang Xiaoxue | Defender | 28 | Jiangsu |
| Li Jiayue | Defender | 33 | Shanghai Shengli |
| Chen Qiaozhu | Defender | 23 | Meizhou Hakka |
| Wu Haiyan | Defender | 30 | Wuhan Jianghan University |
| Wang Shuang | Defender | 28 | Racing Louisville |
| Yao Lingwei | Midfielder | 27 | Jiangsu |
| Zhang Rui | Midfielder | 34 | Shandong Sports Lottery |
| Yang Lina | Midfielder | 29 | PSG |
| Zhang Linyan | Midfielder | 22 | Grasshoppers |
| Wang Shuang | Midfielder | 28 | Racing Louisville |
| Tang Jiali | Midfielder | 28 | Madrid CFF |
| Xiao Yuyi | Midfielder | 27 | Shanghai Shengli |
| Yao Wei | Midfielder | 25 | Wuhan Jianghan University |
| Wu Chengsu | Midfielder | 26 | Jiangsu |
| Zhao Yujie | Forward | 24 | HB Koge |
| Wurigumula | Forward | 26 | Changchun Jiuyin Lions |
| Li Ying | Forward | 30 | Shandong Sports Lottery |
| Wang Shanshan | Forward | 33 | Tianjin Shengde |
China players to watch at this year’s Women’s World Cup
China World Cup Golden Boot contender – Wang Shanshan
Wang Shanshan was named the 2022 Chinese Footballer of the Year after her excellent performances helped China win the Asia Cup. She has scored 55 goals in 146 appearances for the national side and is looking for her third World Cup to be her best yet.
Unlike other forwards however, she can also play at CB, playing there at both the Asian Cup semi-final and final.
China player to watch – Wang Shuang
Wang Shuang starred at the 2022 Asian Cup, as she scored five times on the way to China winning the tournament. Her direct style and her impressive close control and dribbling skills make her such a threat from out wide and that doubled with her goalscoring abilities, make her one of China’s most important players.
She has 43 goals in 121 international appearances and has scored goals everywhere she has gone, including seven in 18 league appearances for PSG in 2018/19.
China emerging player to look out for – Zhang Linyan
Zhang Linyan has impressed since leaving China for Grasshoppers in Switzerland, scoring eight times in 19 league appearances this term. At just 22-years-old it was a tough choice to move to a new country and a new league, but she has taken to it instantly.
With 10 caps already under her belt, her next step will be to break into the starting XI and keep her spot. Although, two goals in her first 10 isn’t a bad return for the midfielder.
China tactical analysis & formation at the World Cup
Qingxia favours a 4-4-3 formation, but has been known to switch to 4-4-2.
In the midfield, Yao Lingwei shields the defence, allowing Zhang Rui or Tang Jiali to play more advanced, while Li Ying either partners Shanshan up top or drifts wide, with Wang Shuang and Zhang Linyan also able to play on the wings.
In defence, PSG’s Li Mengwen and Chen Qiaozhu are first choice at full-back, while Li Jiayue and Wang Xiaoxue should start in the middle of the back four.
Where are China in the FIFA world rankings?
China are currently 14th in the FIFA world rankings, recently dropping below group rivals Denmark.
Who is the China manager?
Shui Qingxia is in charge having led them to Asia Cup glory last year.
Who is the current China captain?
Wu Haiyan is the current China captain.
How many times have China won the World Cup?
China have never won the World Cup, but did finish as runners-up in 1999.
How many times have China competed in the World Cup?
This will be China’s eight time at the World Cup, qualifying for each of the last three tournaments.
Who has scored China’s most goals in World Cup tournaments?
Sun Wen is China’s all-time goalscorer at the World Cup, scoring 11 times, including seven in 1999, where she finished as the joint top goalscorer and won the Best Player award.
