Forwards to Watch in the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Image: Emily Osman / Just Women’s Sports
After highlighting a handful of goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders, we’re moving up to the forwards. As we head toward the Women’s World Cup, several forwards stand out from the rest.
Alexandra Popp (Germany)
She may be a five-time Frauen-Bundesliga champion, but the trophy that Popp will desire most of all is the Women’s World Cup. She scored 16 goals in 21 matches in the Frauen-Bundesliga this season. Will this be the summer that Popp adds a Women’s World Cup to her trophy cabinet?
Khadija “Bunny” Shaw (Jamaica)
The Reggae Girlz’s leading striker, Shaw was a dominant force for Manchester City this season, scoring 20 goals and providing seven assists in 22 games. She won Concacaf Women's Player of the Year for Jamaica in 2022, becoming the first Caribbean player to win the award. Expect Shaw to score plenty of goals for Jamaica this summer.
Alessia Russo (England)
With Beth Mead missing the tournament due to injury, Russo will need to step up to help lead England’s attacking line. Russo and England will be hoping to build on their momentum and win a Women’s World Cup.
Sophia Smith (United States)
She might not be Alex Morgan or Megan Rapinoe, but Smith has the capability to become the United States’ next leading striker. Still only 22 years old, Smith has a bright future ahead of her and will only get better.
Image: Richard Heathcote / Getty Images
Megan Rapinoe (United States)
Speaking of Rapinoe, she has announced that this would be her last Women’s World Cup, and that she would be retiring at the end of the current NWSL season. After winning numerous trophies throughout her career, can she finish with a third Women’s World Cup title?
