Germany

Coach: Silvia Neid

Path to World Cup: Reigning European champion (four straight) blazed through World Cup qualifying. Germany won all eight matches by a goal differential of plus 28 to take its group, led by two-time FIFA Player of the Year Birgit Prinz. Twelve players scored.

World Cup history: Defending champion from 2003, which included an upset of the USA in the semifinals. The Germans were fourth in 1991, second in '95 and made it to the quarterfinals in '99.
 

England

Coach: Hope Powell

Path to World Cup: Allowed only two goals while going undefeated during group play in qualifying. The English had a goal differential of plus 17. It was a major turnaround because this same team failed to advance past the group stage in Euro 2005.

World Cup history: In its only appearance (1995) went 2-2, eliminated in the quarterfinals by Germany.

Japan

Coach: Hiroshi Ohashi

Path to World Cup: Failed to qualify through its continent, losing in the semifinals and in the third-place game and missing out on an automatic bid. Had to defeat Mexico in a two-match playoff. Best player is Homare Sawa, who has 60 goals (No. 1 all time in Japan) in 118 international appearances. This will be her fourth World Cup.

World Cup history: The Japanese have qualified for every event, with its deepest advancement to the quarterfinals in 1995.

Argentina

Coach: Carlos Borrello

Path to World Cup: Beat Brazil, 2004 Olympic silver medalist, for the first time to win its first South American championship. Went 6-0-1 in qualifying and outscored opponents 21-1 but still lacks world-class finishers up front.

World Cup history: In the Albicelestes' only appearance in 2003, failed to advance past the group stage, scoring one goal and giving up 15.