Tokyo Olympics women's soccer: Which teams are most likely to beat the USWNT, and who won't stand a chance?

The women's soccer tournament has finally arrived at the Tokyo Olympics. Over the next several weeks, twelve teams from across the world will compete for a chance to represent their country on the Olympic podium, each seeking to win the gold medal.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the current Olympics, which are being hosted amid an ongoing outbreak, the USWNT remains one of the most in-form teams, and soccer betting favourites coming into the event. So, who can dethrone this unstoppable force? Let's take a look at some of the teams competing in the Olympics and rate them to see who could cause problems for the USWNT.

The Netherlands (Group F)

On paper, this is the European squad that can cause the greatest problems for Team USA. The Netherlands are the reigning European Champions and were in second place in the 2019 World Cup, although they are making their Olympic debut. They have a roster that can compete with the finest in the world, including the United States Women's National Team. 

Vivianne Miedema is probably the finest player on the globe right now, capable of scoring major goals while also serving as a crucial facilitator for the rest of this explosive offensive unit. Prepare your Betway betting slips early as this promises to be tight.

Canada (Group E)

Canada, a long-time Concacaf adversary of the USWNT, is in Group E with the United Kingdom, Japan, and Chile. If the Canadians are to meet the Americans in a knockout game, they will have to work hard in their own group, and if the opportunity arises, the game will almost certainly be a battle. 

The squad has a long Olympic history with the United States, as Alex Morgan scored a game-winning goal in second extra time in the 2012 London semifinal to knock Canada out of contention for the gold medal match. This team has gone a long way since that game, winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and Christine Sinclair, their star striker, is the all-time leading international goal scorer.

Sweden (Group G)

The Swedish women's national team, longtime European opponents of the USWNT, is famous for ousting the USWNT from Rio Olympics in 2016. Following the historic shock, the team advanced to the Olympic final, where they finished second behind Germany and took home the 2016 silver medal. They're a seasoned squad that has previously had deep tournament runs in the 2017 Euros and the 2019 World Cup semifinals.

Brazil (Group F)

Brazilians have always delivered exciting soccer on the field at international competitions. The squad is led by Marta, the best female footballer in the world, and Debinha, another top ten worldwide talent, is on the rise. Both athletes have played club soccer in the National Women's Soccer League and are familiar with the USWNT.

Zambia (Group F)

Zambia is the only African team competing in women's soccer at the Summer Olympics, and they are making their Olympic debut in Tokyo. Everyone likes a good underdog tale, but the squad has a long way to go and is unlikely to face the USWNT in a knockout round since they'd have to first get out of a group that includes the Netherlands, Brazil, and China. Can Zambia pull an upset? All the matches are available for betting on the Betway betting platform.