The Women's Pan American Cup begins today with Argentina, the USA and Chile all expected to be challenging for the title.

As defending champions, Argentina are narrow favourites, but both the US and Chile will fancy their chances against a side that has opted for youth over experience for the tournament.

While the winners of the event are guaranteed a place in next year's World Cup, Argentina as hosts have already secured a spot, and have taken to chance to give some of their younger players international experience.

The US have also undergone some changes from the team that competed at the Olympics last year, but are confident that they have a side capable of winning the tournament.

And coach Lee Bodimeade has his side fully focused on beating an Argentina team that have won the tournament twice at the expense of the US.

"I think any tournament that you play in there are always going to be four teams that are in and around the top," said Bodimeade.

"I would imagine Canada would still be continuing with their building of their team. But certainly Argentina, just through the nature of the sport in their country are always going to be strong regardless of what team they bring, whether it's a young team or not.

"And Chile have invested very heavily in the development of both their women's and men's team so, we came into this fully expecting that they would be the teams that we would have to compete with and we're pretty excited about the opportunity to compete.

"But winning this is our only focus at the moment. There are so many things that fit into place for us in the future, and to qualify for the World Cup this far out would certainly help us plan a lot better.

"The economy is in pretty bad shape, so again, being able to look at were the priorities of the finances lie as far as the preparation of the group goes, winning this tournament really does put us in a really good position."

Like Argentina, the US have arrived at the tournament with a number of younger players. But far from seeing it as a disadvantage, Bodimeade views it as an opportunity.

"When you have forced changes through availability of certain players, that has given us the opportunity to bring in players with the future in mind.

"We've got the Junior World Cup later in the year, and this, combined with that, we should be able to establish a pretty strong group heading into the next year."

The US open their tournament against Jamaica this morning (9.30 p.m.) and will then face a much tougher challenge against Chile tomorrow afternoon (12.30 p.m.).

Meanwhile Bermuda have a tough start against Canada today (4 p.m.) who beat them 11-0 in a warm-up game on Tuesday night.

Gareth Tavares' side then face Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow (2.30 p.m.).

Argentina begin their title defence against T&T, and then face Canada tomorrow.