Who will lift the World Cup trophy in 2025?
The 2025 World Cup is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the women’s game, with some of the top teams vying for the coveted trophy.
The tournament, hosted in England, kicks off on August 22, with the level of competition expected to be intense – unlike previous editions.
This time around, there are several contenders, with a few emerging teams also keen to produce a surprise or two.
With this in mind, Rugby365 delves into the favourites to be crowned champions on September 27, 2025.
New Zealand: The Reigning Dynasty
One can’t talk about World Cup contenders without placing New Zealand at the top of the list.
The Black Ferns, boasting a strong line-up and experienced players, look primed for World Cup success.
The side has a rich history at the showpiece event, securing six titles – the most of any men’s or women’s team – a true dynasty.
They have heaps of experience in their 33-player squad. Kelly Brazier will play in her fourth World Cup, while Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Theresa Setefano, and Stacey Waaka will attend their third.
Sixteen players from the 2022 World Cup-winning squad return, including co-captains Ruahei Demant and Kennedy Tukuafu.
Leading up to the tournament, the Black Ferns secured the Pacific Four Series, with Woodman-Wickliffe scoring seven tries against the USA (79-14) and three against Australia (37-12) – showing no signs of slowing down.
The team will attempt to secure a seventh title and give some of its legendary players a perfect farewell.
However, they face stiff competition in the shape of England.
*Article continues below…
England: Home-Soil Determination
It’s all about home-ground advantage for the Red Roses as they look to finally end the Black Ferns’ reign.
England head into the showpiece with incredible Test form, winning 55 of their last 56 matches. They’re currently on a remarkable 25-match winning streak under coach John Mitchell.
Their only defeat came in the 2022 World Cup Final – against New Zealand.
However, while they’ve enjoyed remarkable consistency, the side has only lifted the trophy twice — in 1994 and 2004.
They’ve been runners-up on six occasions, all losses to New Zealand except in 1991.
In 2024, they finally got their revenge, beating the Black Ferns 24-12.
This year, the Red Roses dominated the Six Nations, recording their seventh consecutive title and fourth Grand Slam, beating France at Twickenham.
The side will be hoping to be victorious again at Twickenham come the World Cup Final.
They have heaps of experience in their set-up, with 24 of the 32 chosen players featuring in previous tournaments – including Marlie Packer and Alex Matthews, both making their fourth appearances.
One player expected to make a big impact is Ellie Kildunne. She was named World Women’s 15s Player of the Year 2024 and continues to shine as a centre and fullback for Harlequins and country.
France: The Breakthrough Beckons?
Regarded as a dark horse, France has emerged as a serious contender for the World Cup.
France has competed in nine World Cups since 1991 and finished third on seven occasions. However, the crown has always eluded them.
The side heads into the World Cup on the back of some impressive performances. One highlight was their narrow two-point defeat to England in the Six Nations Final at Twickenham.
They’ve shown they have the talent to finally make a breakthrough. However, they need to fine-tune their clinical edge and composure if they want to survive the semifinals.
Co-captains Marine Ménager and Manaé Feleu will need to put in solid performances and lead with precision, while Morgane Bourgeois, France’s primary kicker, will want to add to her already incredible record-breaking points tally. The fullback also has a formidable boot.
Canada: Quiet contenders
Canada will look to make its mark in the 2025 edition.
Canada has participated in every World Cup since 1991, never finishing lower than sixth.
They’ve reached the semifinals four times and played in four 5th-place playoffs, winning two.
There’s certainly no lack of talent in their setup, but financial strain has been the team’s Achilles’ heel.
They launched a fundraising initiative, “Mission: Win Rugby World Cup”, to help grow depth.
And indeed, winning the title doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
They are currently ranked second and look like a team to watch.
Canada claimed their first Pacific Four Series title in 2024 and were runners-up in 2025, including a 27–27 draw with New Zealand.
Canada boasts veterans and will be captained by 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year nominee, Alexandra Tessier.
Twenty-one players return from the 2021 World Cup team, including veterans Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia DeMerchant, and Karen Paquin, all representing Canada for the fourth time.
Emerging Forces to Watch
Ireland, USA, Australia, and South Africa are some of the teams to keep an eye on.
Ireland stunned the world champions, New Zealand, with an impressive 29–27 win in WXV 1 last year. They also produced a strong Six Nations performance, highlighting their World Cup preparation progress.
One standout in the Irish set-up is Aoife Wafer, who was crowned Player of the Tournament in the 2025 Six Nations — the first Irish winner of the award.
The USA won the inaugural World Cup in 1991 and have yet to repeat that success.
They’ve been runners-up twice (1994 and 1998).
The side faces a difficult challenge, grouped with England, Australia, and Samoa in Pool A.
However, with tactical adjustments and consistent physicality, they could reach the knockout stages and reclaim their once-dominant status on the global stage.
Grouped with the USA is Australia, another dark horse with the potential to shake things up.
Coached by Jo Yapp, the side claimed their first silverware last year at the WXV 2 hosted in Cape Town.
Their best World Cup result came in 2010, when they secured third place by defeating France in the bronze final.
Keep a close eye on Desiree Miller, who has quickly become the cornerstone of their attack.
Certainly one of the most unpredictable teams at the World Cup, South Africa has the potential to emulate their male counterparts and finally shine on the global stage.
South Africa has never made it past the quarterfinals and has appeared in four editions since 2006.
While qualifying from a pool with France and Italy will be challenging, the Springbok Women have shown discipline, set-piece quality, and sevens-honed athleticism that could lead to upsets.
Nadine Roos, Byrhandre Dolf, and Aseza Hele will be key to the Springbok Women’s success.
