MONTREAL - Canada will host the largest Women's World Cup in history over the next month where the neighboring United States is a hot favorite to snap a 16-year title drought at soccer's showpiece event. With a legal fight over the use of artificial turf now in the rear-view mirror, Canada will kick off the June 6-July 5 tournament against China in the first international competition to be played entirely on plastic pitches. Eighth-ranked Canada qualified as host and is hoping the backing of a passionate fan base and the experience of winning a bronze medal at the London Olympics can carry it deep into the tournament. The United States will face stiff European opposition led by continental champion and top-ranked Germany, as well as an Asian challenge spearheaded by holder Japan, who beat the Americans on penalties in the 2011 World Cup final. Taking place for the seventh time, the Women's World Cup will feature an expanded field of 24 teams, twice as many as when it started back in 1991 and eight more than in the last three tournaments. The 24 nations will be divided into six groups of four, with matches taking place in six cities across Canada. The top two teams in each group will make it through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the four best third-placed teams, and all eyes will be on Canada's near neighbor, which is hotly-tipped to win a third world title. The Americans will cross the border having won the last two Olympic gold medals, but despite the growing popularity of the sport in the United States, it is without a World Cup win since securing its second title in 1999. The heartbreaking loss on penalties to Japan in 2011 will loom large in the minds of those who took part, but Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan are likely to team up again up front as they look to avenge that loss. Though the Americans are a popular pick to take the trophy, it is European champion Germany which is ranked No. 1 in the world, with the United States just behind it in second. Anchored by Nadine Angerer in goal, the German side is full of pace and power, and with the potent duo of Anja Mittag and Celia Sasic up front, it will be a handful for any side. The Germans are part of a wave of European teams all in with a realistic shot of making the semifinals. European runner-up Norway will provide a physical test for its opponents, and in teenage striker Ada Hegerberg it has one of the rising stars of the game. Sweden is well-organized by former US coach Pia Sundhage but will have to be more clinical in front of goal if it is to survive a ‘Group of Death' featuring the United States, 10th-ranked Australia and African champion Nigeria. Slick, tough and skillful, France will also be aiming to go deep in this tournament, and even if England, Netherlands, Switzerland and Spain lack the depth to go all the way, all are capable of causing an upset in the knockout stages. Asian champion Japan arrives to defend its World Cup crown with a strong squad that may be short on well-known names but is bristling with speed and passing ability. Australia is still smarting from a 1-0 defeat to Japan in the Asian Women's Cup final a year ago, and the Matildas will be looking for another strong showing in Canada. There are however problems in terms of opening up the tournament to 24 teams. Despite the presence of a skillful Brazil side, the South American contingent is perhaps not as strong as they could be. At 33 in the world, Nigeria is Africa's top-ranked contender, and there is a risk that smaller nations such as Thailand, Ecuador and Ivory Coast could all be on the end of some hidings in the group stage. — Reuters
