The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is about to begin with the first game starting on Thursday, July 20. After examining the odds for each Group and potential sleepers to win the biggest soccer tournament in the world, we’re now turning our attention to some of the most notable individual awards: the Golden Boot and the Golden Glove.
The Golden Boot is awarded to the top goal scorer for the World Cup, while the Golden Glove is given to the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Let’s take a look at the latest odds for these World Cup awards, courtesy of the best FIFA Women’s World Cup betting sites, and make our predictions as to which superstar will win the Golden Boot and the Golden Glove for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
2023 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot Contenders
Odds provided by BetUS
| Player | Odds | Player | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Morgan | +450 | Sophia Smith | +650 |
| Rachel Daly | +800 | Sam Kerr | +800 |
| Jennifer Hermoso | +1000 | Alexandra Popp | +1100 |
| Esther Gonzalez | +1200 | Alexia Putellas | +1500 |
| Salma Paralluelo | +1600 | Alessia Russo | +1600 |
| Trinity Rodman | +1800 | Kadidiatou Dian | +1800 |
| Megan Rapinoe | +2000 | Eugenie Le Sommer | +2000 |
Sophia Smith – USA (+650)
There isn’t a more dominant player in all of women’s soccer right now than the USA’s Sophia Smith. The 22-year-old has simply dominated the NWSL this past season, and her ability to score in the air, or with both feet, makes her as lethal of a finisher as we’ve seen in years.
Smith looks likely to be the primary penalty-taker after filling the net during qualifying. She will start up front in all group stage matches. There are some juicy matchups against porous Portugal and Vietnam defenses that should put Smith in a position to thrive.
New Sophia Smith Nike Ad 🔥💨 pic.twitter.com/Z9TyFp4ndJ
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 15, 2023
The Portland Thorns’ forward scored 10 goals in just 13 games and is the reigning MVP of the NWSL. Smith has yet to have a marquee moment on the global stage, but look for the talented finisher to use the 2023 Women’s World Cup to announce her arrival as one of the sport’s top scorers.
With these individual awards, you want to try and find teams that can go deep into the tournament, and backing an American is certainly the way to go.
The USA is favored to win the World Cup, according to sports betting sites. They are the two-time defending World Cup champions and, with their blend of skill, cohesion, and talent, Smith will be the catalyst for the Americans to make a run at winning a third World Cup.
Sam Kerr – Australia (+800)
The prolific Australian striker will be ready to go with many of the host nation’s matches taking place in her backyard of Brisbane. Kerr is a talented scorer, blending elite deception and pace. She has scored 63 goals in 120 games for her country and found the net an impressive five times at the 2019 World Cup.
Kerr will have a better supporting cast this year than she did in the last World Cup. Additionally, she’ll play up front as opposed to deeper in the midfield. Kerr also enters in great form, having won two Golden Boot trophies for her club (Chelsea) in recent seasons.
SAM KERR NIKE AD 🇦🇺🤸♀️ Every reason to celebrate one of the world’s most versatile and dangerous attackers, playing in a World Cup on home soil. Yet another compelling storyline heading into the start of Australia-New Zealand.pic.twitter.com/mbHgJ0BiMh
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 18, 2023
The Australians have a relatively easy group and should be in line to advance out of Group B. This team has a chance to make a deep run and Kerr has a real chance to be the top goal scorer, especially with a matchup against the lowly Nigerian squad.
Alessia Russo – England (+1600)
England’s Alessia Russo is our longshot choice for this award. The talented youngster made a summer move from Manchester United to Arsenal just a few weeks ago, and is coming off of a dominant season in the WSL.
David Beckham with a huge thank you for Alessia Russo ❤️
[🎥] @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/Qb8xTHgWGX
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) July 17, 2023
Russo is strong and carries great pace chasing the ball. She won the most possessions in the entire WSL this past campaign, despite reduced playing time. England coach Sarina Wiegman is a huge fan of Russo’s ability in the box, and her expected goal metrics indicate one of the world’s best at generating individual chances.
England has relatively easy matches against both Haiti and China in the group stage. In fact, these two games should be blowouts.
Look for Russo to pad her stats in the group stage. With a deep run in the cards for the English team, Russo is certainly excellent value hovering around +1600 odds to finish the World Cup with the most goals.
2023 Golden Boot Prediction: Sophia Smith (+650)
Given her current impressive form in the NWSL, this will be Smith’s first real opportunity to showcase her vast skill set on the world stage.
The United States boast an impressive amount of scoring options, but Smith will be at the center of any offensive success. With this team being one of the best in the field, look for Smith to lead the charge towards another potential championship and snag this prestigious award along the way.
2023 Women’s World Cup Golden Glove Contenders
| Player | Odds | Player | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alyssa Naeher | +350 | Mary Earps | +450 |
| Misa Rodriguez | +600 | Merle Frohms | +700 |
| Zecira Musovic | +1000 | Pauline Peyraud-Magnin | +1000 |
| Lydia Williams | +1600 | Cecilie Fiskerstrand | +1800 |
| Barbara | +2000 | Kailen Sheridan | +2000 |
| Akaya Yamashita | +1800 | Trinity Rodman | +2500 |
| Lauren James | +2800 | Lene Christensen | +3300 |
Mary Earps – England (+450)
After fierce competition for the role of keeper for the Lionesses, Mary Earps has prevailed and enters the 2023 Women’s World Cup riding a wave of confidence. She starred for team Manchester United last season and won the best goalkeeper award, which was presented by FIFA.
Earps is an excellent shot-stopper and has proven to be consistent and vocal when on defense. In a few short years, she has built great rapport with her defensive back-line. With some easy opening matches, look for Earps to dominate the group play.
However, the Golden Glove award doesn’t go to just the keeper who allows the fewest goals, it goes to the best one. As a result, Earps will need to be challenged. The knockout rounds should allow Earps to really showcase her talent, length, and ability.
What a save from Mary Earps 👏pic.twitter.com/v1WnpItMVW
— Paul, Manc Bald and Bred (@MufcWonItAll) April 15, 2023
England’s path is an intriguing one and will likely feature a Round of 16 showdown against Canada. The Canadians are the reigning Olympic champions and ranked seventh in the world.
They’re a talented offensive group that will certainly test Earps. If she can get past Canada, the path to a World Cup title is very doable for the England squad. Backing Earps at +400 is a solid wager that still provides value for one of the best goalies in the tournament.
Kailen Sheridan – Canada (+2000)
If you’re looking for an intriguing longshot, as well as an undisputed number one keeper between the pipes, look no further than Canada’s rising star, Kailen Sheridan.
Sheridan has burst onto the scene and wrestled the starting role away from trusted veteran goalkeepers. She is incredibly talented and very likely one of the best in the world at her position.
Don’t let the long odds fool you, Sheridan is capable of taking Canada deep into the 2023 World Cup. If Canada rediscovers its Olympic glory from just two summers ago, it will be largely due to Sheridan.
The 28-year-old is a leader for Canada and was the Goalkeeper of the Year last season in the NWSL with San Diego.
Kailen Sheridan showcasing her hockey goalie skills.
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) July 19, 2022
She is also insulated by a talented defense. Team Canada will not see much of the ball in potential games against England, Australia, Spain, and the United States. If Sheridan manages to keep those games tight, and potentially stars in a penalty shootout or two, the longshot Canadian is full value at juicy +2000 odds entering this competition.
2023 World Cup Golden Glove Prediction: Mary Earps (+350)
Earps is coming off a season which saw her named as the world’s best goalkeeper. Her shot-saving metrics are impressive and her ability to propel this English squad to glory cannot be understated.
She is the vocal and spiritual leader of the Lionesses, and they’ll go as far as Earps can take them. Given England’s strong defensive structure, organization, and path to the knockout stages, Earps shows good value at soccer betting sites for this award.
