Japan vs. Australia Prediction: 2025 SheBelieves Cup Odds, Best Bets & AI Picks
The 2025 SheBelieves Cup gets underway today with Japan taking on Australia. Kickoff from Shell Energy Stadium in Houston is slated for 5 p.m. ET (Telemundo, Peacock).
Our Japan vs. Australia prediction and odds analyze the match through a betting lens to offer our favorite picks. Our best soccer betting sites list Japan as a heavy favorite (-182) to pick up its fourth win over the Matildas in the last decade.
How will the opening match of the SheBelieves Cup play out, and who are we backing to directly impact the result?
Japan vs. Australia betting odds
Odds courtesy of bet365 as of Thursday, Feb. 20.
Moneyline
- Japan: -182
- Draw: +290
- Australia: +375
Total
- Over 2.5 goals: -175
- Under 2.5 goals: +135
Japan vs. Australia predictions, expert picks & best bets
These teams are relatively evenly matched, as the history between the two nations tells us. Japan has nine wins to Australia's five, and the teams have also drawn twice since their first meeting at the 2006 AFC Asia Women's Cup. The former has scored 23 goals to the latter's 16 in those 16 meetings.
Japan has won two of its last three against the Matildas, though, which is why I predict Japan will win the opening match of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup:
🏆 Pick to win Japan vs. Australia: Japan (-182 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recent form - both head-to-head, as previously discussed, and overall - points to Japan in this contest. Nils Nielsen's group has six wins, two draws, and two losses over its last 10 outings. Meanwhile, Australia has struggled with four wins, one draw, and five losses in the same span.
A big reason for the Matildas' downtick in form is the absence of superstar striker Sam Kerr. Kerr remains sidelined after she suffered a torn ACL while in midseason training camp with Chelsea FC in Morocco last January. While goalscorers like Caitlin Foord have stepped up in her absence, it's nearly impossible to replicate Kerr's presence.
Kerr's absence gives us confidence in picking Japan, even at juiced odds from our best sports betting sites. The favorites have managed 15 goals during their last five matches, allowing just two past goalkeepers Ayaka Yamashita and Chika Hirao. These goals have come from all over the pitch, so we'll back the designated hosts to make it six consecutive unbeaten.
⚽️ Best goalscorer bet: Mina Tanaka (+105 via bet365) ⭐⭐⭐
Mina Tanaka failed to hit the ground running after her move to the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League in 2024. She found the back of the net just once across seven starts, and while the hopes are high for 2025, her goalscoring return last season was poor. The same cannot be said for her form once she puts on the Japanese kit.
Tanaka has stepped up and assumed the role of taliswoman for Japan as of late. She's netted goals in four of her last five outings with the national team, which is why we're backing her again in this spot. Our best sports betting apps are listing her at plus money to make it five in six against a vulnerable Australian backline.
*Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
2025 SheBelieves Cup AI picks & predictions
We asked ChatGPT, the popular chatbot from OpenAI, for its Japan vs. Australia AI predictions - including its pick to win and best goalscorer bet. Note that ChatGPT is a large language model and is not specifically designed for sports betting predictions.
🤖 ChatGPT's pick to win: Japan (-182 via bet365)
"Japan has had a solid run, with more wins than losses in their recent matches. They are known for their technical play and disciplined defense. Given these factors, Japan might have a slight advantage going into the match, but Australia can definitely make it a tight contest, especially with the talent they have."
🎱 ChatGPT's pick to score: Caitlin Foord (+375 via bet365)
"Caitlin Foord can be influential in the attack and has been known to score in big matches, offering a direct threat."
2025 SheBelieves Cup odds & favorites
While there is no futures market for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, it's assumed the United States is the favorite heading into the tournament. The Stars and Stripes have won seven of the nine events since its inception in 2016. Only France (2017) and England (2019) have successfully dethroned the perennial hosts.
The U.S. has won the last five tournaments, and as the No. 1 team in the FIFA World Rankings, it'll be expected to add to that tally. Japan (No. 8), Australia (No. 15), and Colombia (No. 21) will also compete for the trophy.
Japan's best finish in the SheBelieves Cup is second (2023); Australia is appearing for the first time.
📺 How to watch Japan vs. Australia
📅 Date: Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025
🕒 Start time: 5 p.m. ET
📍 Location: Shell Energy Stadium (Houston)
📺 TV: Telemundo | Streaming: Peacock, FuboTV
❓SheBelievesCup FAQs
What is the SheBelieves Cup?
The SheBelieves Cup is an invitational tournament hosted by the United States Soccer Federation. It is played annually in late February or early March and coincides with other popular international women's tournaments, such as the Algarve Cup, the Arnold Clark Cup, and the Cup of Nations.
Who is favored to win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup?
The United States will be favored to win the 2025 SheBelieves Cup as a reigning seven-time winner of the tournament and the perennial host. There is no futures betting market, but the U.S. is the biggest favorite in the opening matches as the top-ranked team in the world.
Where is the 2025 SheBelieves Cup?
The 2025 SheBelieves Cup will be held in the United States across three cities: Glendale, Houston, and San Diego. Houston will host the opening matches on Thursday, Feb. 20.
How to watch the 2025 SheBelieves Cup
You can watch the 2025 SheBelieves Cup on TBS (select matches) or Telemundo. You can also stream it via fuboTV and Peacock.
Who won the SheBelieves Cup last year?
The United States won last year's SheBelieves Cup 5-4 on penalties over Canada after a 2-2 finish in regulation. It was the Stars and Stripes' fifth consecutive SheBelieves Cup victory and seventh overall.
Who has won the most SheBelieves Cups?
The United States has won the most SheBelieve Cups with seven. England and France are the only other winners, and each European nation has one title apiece.
🏟️ Soccer betting odds pages
⚽️ Best soccer betting sites for the SheBelieves Cup
Looking to bet on the SheBelieves Cup? Here are our top-rated soccer betting sites as determined by our expert team at Sportsbook Review, along with our best sportsbook promos ahead of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
- Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
- BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
- bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
- FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
- DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review
(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.
Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.
Related Articles
