Living legend Carli Lloyd has foreshadowed a tight and open Women's World Cup, saying reigning champions the United States face more hurdles - from inside and outside the camp - than in previous tournaments.
The US have landed in New Zealand and set up base camp in Auckland as they sharpen their focus on securing a record third-straight title.
Lloyd kickstarted the United States' World Cup-winning run, scoring a 16-minute hat-trick in the 2015 final against Japan.
The 41-year-old former striker says her compatriots remain the favourites as they try to claim another World Cup over the next month.
"They can certainly win," she told AAP.
"But this is the first World Cup when there are several teams that potentially can do it. I don't think that we really had that as much in 2019 (at the World Cup in France)."
Under first-time World Cup coach Vlatko Andonovski, the US is a team in transition.
Gone are stalwarts including Lloyd, Tobin Heath, Christen Press and Ali Krieger, all of whom amassed more than 100 caps.
In their place are next-gen forwards Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman, who will line up at their first World Cup alongside fourth-timers Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan.
At 38, Rapinoe - the star of the 2019 tournament in France - expects to play an impact role.
Lindsey Horan has been handed the captain's armband and the keys to the midfield, where Rose Lavelle will again lurk - if she can shake off a knee injury.
Down back is where the real queries lie.
An injury to 216-cap centre-back Becky Sauerbrunn means Andonovski will turn to a pair of World Cup first-timers in the heart of defence: Alana Cook and Naomi Girma.
Midfielder Julie Ertz may be called in to deputise, which Lloyd listed as one of her "question marks" of concern.
"There's nothing bigger than a World Cup. When that first whistle blows it's intimidating and it's nerve-racking and there's a lot on the line," Lloyd said.
"Losing someone right down the spine like Becky, who has played in multiple World Cups and has the experience, that is a tough blow.
"Naomi Girma has stepped up and done really well, almost played as a seasoned veteran, but you just don't know how players are going to respond.
"Julie Ertz, who has been an integral part of the team ... she hasn't played in the centre-back position for a really long time and is battling a little bit of an injury.
"Rose Lavelle hasn't played since April.
"There's no out-and-out striker behind Alex Morgan, though Trinity Rodman has slotted in there.
"So there are a lot of question marks about where players are going to play.
"Nothing wrong with versatility but you look at our journey into the 2019 World Cup and everyone knew their role. Players playing off the bench knew their role.
"There are more question marks this time around."
The US kick off their tournament against Vietnam at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday.
