The squads

[Sam]

I remarked on this at the time, but as of last year, men's teams who qualify for the Copa Libertadores, but don't have a women's team (or a close affiliation with a women's club, to allow for differences in resources across a continent where a lot of clubs have basically no money) aren't allowed in to the Libertadores. Oddly in a continent where machismo is such a huge problem in daily life, it's not come even close to being an issue. It would be great if UEFA would do the same, and I said that even before Manchester United finally resurrected their women's side. Now that Madrid are the only continental giants who'd be affected, I'm an even more enthusiastic supporter of the idea. I have to admit I'd forgotten about their lack of a women's team, though (I did know about it before!), and had assumed that the 'Madrid CFF' one or two of Argentina's ladies play for was the Real Madrid women's side.

[Janik]

That situation appears similar to Leicester City Ladies FC, who claim to be the oldest currently active Women's club in the UK. Their name, colours and badge are all extremely similar to the Men's club, but there is no actual link between the two. It's all close enough that the Men's side could probably issue copyright infringement action or whatever the equivalent is in Spanish, something they are likely choosing to avoid as that would be a bad look, an elephant casually stepping on a mouse. It would also draw attention to the lack of women employed by Real Madrid C.F. as Footballers...

There is probably a long-term hope that the big club will eventually come knocking and incorporate the other one in as a ready-made Women's side, but an outcome like Leicester is at least as likely. Which was the Men's club founded their own Women's team in competition, Leicester City Women as opposed to Leicester City Ladies, creating the situation where there were two Leicester Citys, both wearing blue shirts with a fox on their badge, in the league structure at the same time. They even shared a Division for a number of years, but recently the big club associated entity has moved up the leagues whilst the long-standing grassroots one has slid down. Of course. The big club arm are much better resourced.


I think you have mentioned that Libertadores rule before. It's an intriguging and progressive one. One might think the FA Premier League could adopt a similar rule now that a significant member wouldn't be instantly non-compliant.

[Janik]

Brasil

Goalkeepers: Aline (Granadilla, ESP), Bárbara (Kindermann), Letícia Izidoro (Corinthians)
Defenders: Camila (Orlando Pride, USA), Érika (Corinthians), Fabiana (Internacional), Kathellen (Bordeaux, FRA), Letícia Santos (SC Sand, DEU), Mônica (Corinthians), Tamires (Fortuna Hjørring, DEN), Tayla (Benfica, POR)
Midfielders: Andressinha (Portland Thorns, USA), Formiga (Paris SG, FRA), Luana (Hwacheon KSPO, KOR), Thaisa (Milan, ITA)
Forwards: Andressa Alves (Barcelona, ESP), Bia Zaneratto (Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels, KOR), Cristiane (São Paulo), Debinha (North Carolina Courage), Geyse (Benfica, POR), Ludmila (Atlético Madrid, ESP), Marta (Orlando Pride, USA), Raquel (Sporting Huelva, ESP)

Coach: Vadão (♂)


Either wikiepdia has the main positions of some of these players very wrong, or Vadão is solely going to play 4-2-4 and is something of a gambler. As there are only four midfielders listed, and one of those is in her 40s...

[Nesta]

Brazil are on an abysmal run, losing their last 9 games. Mostly narrow defeats against strong opposition, but still.

[Janik]

Scotland

Goalkeepers: Lee Alexander (Glasgow City), Jenna Fife (Hibernian), Shannon Lynn (Vittsjö, SWE)
Defenders: Chloe Arthur (Birmingham City, ENG), Jennifer Beattie (Manchester City, ENG), Rachel Corsie (Utah Royals, USA), Nicola Docherty (Glasgow City), Sophie Howard (Reading, ENG), Hayley Lauder (Glasgow City), Joelle Murray (Hibernian), Kirsty Smith (Manchester United, ENG)
Midfielders: Lizzie Arnot (Manchester United, ENG), Leanne Crichton (Glasgow City), Kim Little (Arsenal, ENG), Joanne Love (Glasgow City), Christie Murray (Liverpool, ENG), Caroline Weir (Manchester City, ENG)
Forwards: Fiona Brown (Rosengård, SWE), Lana Clelland (Fiorentina, ITA), Erin Cuthbert (Chelsea, ENG), Claire Emslie (Manchester City, ENG), Lisa Evans (Arsenal, ENG), Jane Ross (West Ham United, ENG)

Coach: Shelley Kerr


Just two home clubs represented. But from memory Glasgow City and Hibs are the dominant sides in Scotland, with only Celtic really challenging them for trophies.

[Janik]

Argentina

Goalkeepers: Vanina Correa (Rosario Central), Gabriela Garton (Sol de Mayo (SL)), Solana Pereyra (UAI Urquiza)
Defenders: Agustina Barroso (Madrid CFF, ESP), Gabriela Chávez (River Plate), Aldana Cometti (Sevilla), Virginia Gómez (Rosario Central), Natalie Juncos (unattached), Adriana Sachs (UAI Urquiza), Eliana Stábile (Boca Juniors)
Midfielders: Estefanía Banini (Levante, ESP), Lorena Benítez (Boca Juniors), Ruth Bravo (Tacón, ESP), Mariela Coronel (Granada, ESP), Dalila Ippólito (River Plate), Miriam Mayorga (UAI Urquiza), Vanesa Santana (Logroño, ESP)
Forwards: Florencia Bonesgundo (Sporting Huelva, ESP), Sole Jaimes (Lyon, FRA), Mariana Larroquette (UAI Urquiza), Milagros Menéndez (UAI Urquiza), Yael Oviedo (Rayo Vallecano, ESP), Belén Potassa (UAI Urquiza)

Coach: Carlos Borrello (♂)


UAI Urquiza seem to be bucking the dominance of the traditional big two. I guess there is money behind them. If you want to buy success for your smallish club with a very run-of-the-mill male team and have only some money, pumping that into the Women's side instead is a much more sure-fire way to make a splash (I am right that this is what has occured with UAI Urquiza, Sam?). Displacing River and Boca's men's teams would be astronomincally expensive, not just in comparison.

[Janik]

Chile

Goalkeepers: Natalia Campos (Universidad Católica), Christiane Endler (Paris SG, FRA), Ryann Torrero (unattached)
Defenders: Valentina Díaz (Colo-Colo) Su Helen Galaz (Zaragoza, ESP), Carla Guerrero (Rayo Vallecano, ESP), Camila Sáez (Rayo Vallecano, ESP), Rocío Soto (Zaragoza, ESP), Javiera Toro (Santiago Morning)
Midfielders: Karen Araya (Sevilla, ESP), Elisa Durán (Colo-Colo), Ana Gutiérrez (Cáceres, ESP), Francisca Lara (Sevilla, ESP), Yessenia López (Colo-Colo), Daniela Pardo (Santiago Morning), Cluadia Soto (Santos, BRA)
Forwards: Yanara Aedo (Valencia, ESP), Rosario Balmaceda (Colo-Colo), Javiera Grez (Curicó Unido), Yessenia Huenteo (Cáceres, ESP), María José Rojas (Slavia Praha, CZE), María José Urrutia (3B da Amazônia, BRA), Daniela Zamora (Unversidad de Chile)

Coach: José Letelier (♂)

[Janik]

Sweden

Goalkeepers: Hedvig Lindahl (Chelsea, ENG), Jennifer Falk (Kopparbergs/Göteborg), Zećira Mušović (Rosengård)
Defenders: Jonna Andersson (Chelsea, ENG), Linda Sembrant (Montpellier, FRA), Hanna Glas (Paris SG, FRA), Nilla Fischer (Wolfsburg, DEU), Magdalena Erikkson (Chelsea, ENG), Amanda Ilestedt (Turbine Potsdam, DEU), Nathalie Björn (Rosengård)
Midfielders: Lina Hurtig (Linköping), Kosovare Asllani (Linköping), Julia Roddar (Kopparbergs/Göteborg), Caroline Seger (Rosengård), Anna Anvegård (Växjö), Elin Rubensson (Kopparbergs/Göteborg)
Forwards: Madelen Janogy (Piteå), Sofia Jakobsson (Montpellier, FRA), Stina Blackstenius (Linköping), Julia Zigiotti Olme (Kopparbergs/Göteborg), Fridolina Rolfö (Bayern Munich, DEU), Mimmi Larsson (Linköping), Olivia Schough (Djurgården)

Coach: Peter Gerhardsson (♂)

[Janik]

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Alaba Jonathan (Bayelsa Queens), Chiamaka Nnadozie (River Angels), Tochukwu Oluehi (River Angels)
Defenders: Ngozi Ebere (Arna-Bjørnar, NOR), Onome Ebi (Henan Huishang, CHN), Faith Michael (Piteå, SWE), Osinachi Ohale (Växjö, SWE), Chidinma Okeke (Robo Queens)
Midfielders: Halimatu Ayinde (Eskilstuna United, SWE), Rita Chikwelu (Kristianstads, SWE), Ogonna Chukwudi (Djurgården, SWE), Evelyn Nwabuoku (River Angels), Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Eskilstuna United, SWE), Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Avaldsnes, NOR), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Henan Huishang, CHN), Anam Imo (Rosengård, SWE), Uchenna Kanu (Southeastern Fire, USA), Alice Ogebe (River Angels), Desire Oparanozie (Guingamp, FRA). Francisca Ordega (Shanghai, CHN), Asisat Oshoala (Barcelona, ESP), Chinaza Uchendu (Braga, POR)

Coach: Thomas Dennerby (♂, SWE)

I'm guessing we are seeing the influence of Dennerby in the club sides some of these players represent, i.e. he has helped connect them and get contract with clubs he knows from back home. Alternatively, he is focusing his scouting for Nigerian players on places with a days drive of his house. Let's believe the less cynical version, shall we?
Also, unusual to have two goalies from the same club in a squad.

[Janik]

Italia

Goalkeepers: Laura Giuliani (Juventus), Chiara Marchitelli (Florentia), Rosalia Pipitone (Roma)
Defenders: Elisa Bartoli (Roma), Lisa Boattin (Juventus), Lara Fusetti (Milan), Sara Gama (Juventus), Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Elena Linari (Atlético Madrid, ESP), Linda Tucceri Cimini (Milan)
Midfielders: Valentina Bergamaschi (Milan), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus), Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Guigliano (Milan), Alice Parisi (Fiorentina), Martina Rosucci (Juventus), Annamaria Serturini (Roma)
Forwards: Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Cristiana Girelli (Juventus), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Daniela Sabatino (Milan), Stefania Tarenzi (ChievoValpo)

Coach: Milena Bertolini


The recent influx of money from the big men's sides is very evident there, isn't it? Just one player, the goalie at the other Florence club (Florentia), who bucks the trend.

[ursus arctos]

Very much a reflection of the table

[Janik]

Reggae Girlz

Goalkeepers: Yazmeen Jamieson (Papakura City, NZE), Nicole McClure (Sion Swifts, NIR), Sydney Schneider (University of North Carolina Willmington, USA)
Defenders: Deneisha Blackwood (unattached), Dominique Bond-Flasza (PSV Eindhoven, NED), Toriana Patterson (Pink Bari, ITA), Konya Plummer (University of Central Florida, USA), Lauren Silver (Trondheims-Ørn, NOR), Allyson Swaby (Roma), Chantelle Swaby (Rutgers University, USA)
Midfielders: Chinyelu Asher (Stabæk, NOR), Sashana Campbell (Maccabi Kishronot Hadera, ISR), Trudi Carter (Roma), Chanel Hudson-Marks (unattached), Cheyna Matthews (Washington Spirit, USA), Ashleigh Shim (unattached), Havana Solaun (Klepp, NOR), Marlo Sweatman (Szent Mihály, HUN)
Forwards: Jody Brown (Montverde Academy High School, USA), Olufolasade Adamolekun (Univeristy of Southern California, USA), Tiffany Cameron (Stabæk, NOR), Kayla McCoy (Houston Dash, USA), Khadija Shaw (unattached)

Coach: Hue Menzies (♂)


Are Jamaica the first squad without a single player at a home club?
Havana Solaun only received clearance from FIFA to change her allegiance from the US, with whom she played at up to U-23 level, to her mothers country a few days ago.
And yes, that is the correct nickname.

[ursus arctos]

There are no "home clubs".

The league was disbanded in 2014 and the women have constantly struggled for recognition by the FA.

[Janik]

Cameroon

Goalkeepers: Isabelle Mambingo (Sunshine Queens, NGR), Annette Ngo Ndom (Amazone FAP Yaoundé), Marthe Ongmahan (Awa Girls Football de Yaoundé)
Defenders: Aurelle Awona (Dijon, FRA), Augustine Ejangue (Arna-Bjørnar, NOR), Estelle Johnson (Sky Blue, USA), Yvonne Leuko (Strasbourg, FRA), Christine Manie (Nancy, FRA), Cluadine Meffometou (Guingamp, FRA), Ysis Sonkeng (Amazone FAP Yaoundé)
Midfielders: Ninon Abena (Louves Miniproff de Yaoundé), Raissa Feudijo (Granadilla, ESP), Charlène Menene (Louves Miniproff de Yaoundé), Genegieve Ngo (Amazone FAP Yaoundé), Marlyse Nog Mdoumbouk (Nancy, FRA), Jeannette Yango (Saint-Malo, FRA)
Forwards: Michaela Abam (Paris FC, FRA), Henrietta Akaba (Amazone FAP Yaoundé), Marlyse Nog Mdoumbouk (Nancy, FRA), Gaëlle Enganamouit (Málaga, ESP), Ajara Nchout (Vålerenga, NOR), Madeleine Ngono Mani (Ambilly, FRA), Gabrielle Onguéné (CSKA Moscow, RUS), Alexanda Takounda (Eclair Filles de Sa'a)

Coach: Alain Djeumfa (♂)

[Janik]

There are no "home clubs".

The league was disbanded in 2014 and the women have constantly struggled for recognition by the FA.

Why am I not surprised by that? It explains why girls who show talent end up at private High Schools in Florida and US universities; there is nowhere else for them to learn the sport. Congratulations to the Jamaicans for qualifying in such circumstances, really.

[ursus arctos]

They really should be "everyone's second team" in France. It is remarkable that they qualified from such a strong region given the massive structural barriers they faced.

[Janik]

Canada would thank you not to ask about the Whitecaps scandal, please

Goalkeepers: Stephanie Labbé (North Carolina Courage, USA), Kailen Sheridan (Sky Blue, USA), Sabrina D'Angelo (Vittsjö, SWE)
Defenders: Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash, USA), Kadeisha Buchanan (Lyon, FRA), Shelina Zardosky (Orlando Pride, USA), Rebecca Quinn (Paris FC, FRA), Jayde Riviere (Markham), Ashley Lawrence (Paris SG, FRA), Shannon Woeller (Eskilstuna United, SWE), Lindsay Agnew (Houston Dash, USA), Jenna Hellstrom (KIF Örebro, SWE)
Midfielders: Julia Grosso (Univeristy of Texas, USA), Desiree Scott (Utah Royals, USA), Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash, USA), Gabrielle Carle (Florida State University, USA), Jessie Fleming (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)
Forwards: Deanna Rose (University of Florida, USA), Jordyn Huitema (Paris SG, FRA), Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns, USA), Nichelle Prince (Houston Dash, USA), Janine Beckie (Manchester City, ENG), Adrianna Leon (West Ham United, ENG)

Coach: Kenneth Heiner-Møller (♂, DEN)


No professional teams in Canada at the moment either, I'm guessing. Given the issues we know about the player pathway and rotten coaching appointments when it was limited to essentially one channel, no bad thing...?

[Janik]

Yet to announce/confirm final 23s, at least according to Wikpedia:- China, Thailand
Both have named provisional squads of 26 and 25 players respectively

[Janik]

China

Goalkeepers: Xu Huan (Beijing Phoenix), Peng Shimeng (Jiangsu Suning), Bi Xiaolin (Dalian Quanjian)
Defenders: Liu Shanshan (Wuhan Jianghan University), Lin Yuping (Wuhan Jianghan University), Han Peng (Guangdong Huijun), Li Jiayue (Shanghai), Wang Ying (Wuhan Jianghan University), Luo Guiping (Guangdong Huijun)
Midfielders: Lou Jaihui (Henan Huishang), Wang Shuang (Paris SG, FRA), Wang Yan (Beijing Phoenix), Li Wen (Dalian Quanjian), Gu Yasha (Beinjing Phoenix), Tan Ruyin (Guangdong Huijun), Zhang Rui (Changchun Zhuoyue), Yao Wei (Wuhan Jianghan University), Liu Yanqiu (Wuhan Jianghan University)
Forwards: Yang Li (Jiangsu Suning), Li Ying (Guangdong Huijun), Wang Shanshan (Dalian Quanjian), Song Duan (Dalian Quanjian)

Coach: Jia Xiuquan (♂)

[Janik]

Thailand

Goalkeepers: Waraporn Boonsing (BG Bundit Asia), Sukanya Chor Charoenying (Chonburi), Tiffany Sornpao (Kennesaw State University, USA)
Defenders: Kanjanaporn Saengkoon (BG Bundit Asia), Natthakarn Chinwong (BG-College of Asian Scholars), Duangnapa Sritala (Bangkok), Ainon Phancha (Chonburi), Warunee Phetwiset (Chinburi Sriprathum), Sunisa Srangthaisong (Dhurakij Pundit), Khwanrudi Saengchan (BG Bundit Asia), Pitsamai Sornsai (Chonburi), Phornphirun Philawan (unattached)
Midfielders: Pikul Khueanpet (BG Bundit Asia), Silawan Intamee (Chonburi), Sudarat Chucheun (unattached), Rattikan Thongsombut (BG Bundit Asia), Orapin Waenngoen (BG Bundit Asia), Wilaiporn Boothduang (Dhurakij Pundit), Kanjana Sungngoen (Chonburi)
Forwards: Suchawadee Nildhamrong (unattached), Orathai Srimanee (BG Bundit Asia), Saowalak Pengngam (Chonburi), Taneekarn Dangda (Chonburi)

Coach: Nuengruethai Sathongwien


And that should be all 24 of them.

[Doraemon]

Yes, all the squads now officially submitted.

Youngest player - Mary Fowler of Australia - only 16
Oldest player - Formiga of Brazil - only 41

Some interesting stats on the Wikipedia page:

USA is the only team whose league provides all their squads players and as noted above Jamaica supplies none of theirs.

The US is the League with most representatives, but next comes Spain (ahead of France and England).

Lyon and Barcelona are the most represented club sides with 15 players each, although Nikita Parris is still listed at Man City, but will be heading for Lyon next season.

[Janik]

9 female coaches/head coaches/managers. 15 male. I wonder if the ratio is getting better?

[Posty Webber]

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi!

Goalkeepers: Lydia Williams (Reign, USA), Teagan Micah (UCLA, USA), Mackenzie Arnold (Brisbane Roar)
Defenders: Gema Simon (Newcastle Jets), Clare Polkinghorne (Houston Dash, USA), Laura Alleway (Melbourne Victory), Steph Catley (Reign, USA), Alanna Kennedy (Orlando Pride, USA), Ellie Carpenter (Portland Thorns, USA), Teigen Allen (Melbourne Victory)
Midfielders: Aivi Luik (Levante, ESP), Chloe Logarzo (Washington Spirit, USA), Elise Kellond-Kinght (Reign, USA), Emily van Egmond (Orlando Pride, USA), Tameka Yallop (Klepp, NOR), Katrina Gorry (Brisbane Roar), Amy Harrison (Washington Spirit, USA)
Forwards: Caitlin Foord (Portland Thorns, USA), Lisa De Vanna (Sydney), Emily Gielnik (Melbourne Victory), Hayley Raso (Portland Thorns, USA), Mary Fowler (Bankstown City), Sam Kerr (Chicago Red Stars)

Coach: Ante Milicic (♂, CRO)


Over half the squad play in the States. Based on this, I am assuming if you happen across an athletic young woman in the US, there is a 50/50 chance she is an Australian Soccer player.
The most intersting player to watch might be Mary Fowler. She is only 16, and is the youngest player named to a squad so far.
And, obviously, the coaching thing. Milicic is on a hiding to nothing with how he came into the Matildas job.

Sam Kerr is probably in the top 10 women’s players on Earth so enjoy her exploits, and I’m a fan of Gielnik who plays at 100% while she’s on the pitch.

I cant believe I’m about to see both Oz and Scotland at a World Cup! Pumped!!!

[ursus arctos]

I'd put her in the top five and potentially top three.

A remarkable talent.

[Posty Webber]

(Me too but I didn’t want to brag!)