England, USWNT, Australia, South Africa and 12 other teams have qualified for the Round of 16 in Australia and New Zealand. Here are the matches to watch.
Sweden v United States
Sunday, August 6, 2023
The USWNT have emerged from Group E and will meet Group G winners Sweden for a place in the quarter-finals. After their performances in the group phase, the reigning world champions go into this match as outsiders, as Vlatko Andonovski’s team faces Sweden, who have won three out of three in Group G. The Americans have never failed in their mission. The USWNT has never failed to reach the semi-finals of a Women’s World Cup… but could this year be the one?
England v Nigeria
Monday, August 7, 2023
After two nerve-wracking 1-0 victories, England truly arrived at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 by beating China 6-0 to secure their place as Group D winners. The Nigerians go into the match as favourites. They will go into the match as favourites, but will have to be careful not to underestimate the Super Falcons, who enjoyed a superb 3-2 victory over co-hosts Australia in the group stage. After lacklustre performances from the tournament’s so-called big nations, England will be keen to go all the way, while Nigeria will be aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 1999.
Australia v Denmark
Monday, August 7, 2023
Like the Lionesses, Australia only reached this year’s tournament in their final group match against Canada. By crushing the reigning Olympic champions 4-0, the Matildas secured top spot and a Round of 16 date with Denmark. The Danes were unlucky not to take anything away from their match against England, but with Australian Sam Kerr finally fit and ready to start, they’ll need to do better than they did in the group stage if they’re to qualify.
France v Morocco
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Morocco, making their debut, continued to make history by qualifying for the Round of 16. They now face a tough France team, but they can rely on Jamaica’s ability to hold them to a 0-0 draw. It’s also worth noting that while the French inflicted six goals on an upstart Panamanian team, they also let in three – an early indication for Morocco that there are goals to be had in this match. As in the men’s semi-final, the Women’s World Cup Round of 16 will pit Morocco against France.
Round of 16 schedule
Saturday August 5
- Switzerland – Spain (Auckland)
- Japan – Norway (Wellington)
Sunday August 6
- Netherlands – South Africa (Sydney)
- Sweden – United States (Melbourne)
Monday August 7th
- England – Nigeria (Brisbane)
- Australia – Denmark (Sydney)
Tuesday August 8th
- Round of 16 7: Colombia – Jamaica (Melbourne)
- Round of 16 8: France – Morocco (Adelaide)
