Photo credit: @fifawomensworldcup
This has easily been one of the most interesting FIFA Women’s World Cup! The group stages brought quite the surprise and shock, with two-time winners Germany and Olympic champions Canada exiting the tournament in the pool stages.
Jamaica's Reggae Girlz have qualified for the Round Of 16 in their first ever World Cup having kept 3 out of 3 clean sheets in the pool stages. Morocco and South Africa have also qualified for the Round of 16 in their first ever World Cup to join Nigeria in representing Africa. This is the first time ever that three African teams have made the round of 16.
The next round of matches will all be taking place between the 5 - 8 August 2023. Live coverage of the matches will be available to watch on RTE, BBC and ITV.
Round of 16: locked in. 🔐#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 3, 2023
The Schedule
Switzerland vs Spain (5th August, 6AM GMT)
Switzerland had the ideal run up in this tournament so far as they finished top of group A and remained unbeaten having 3 out of 3 clean sheets. Spain on the other hand won two out of three group stage games, scoring 12 goals and finishing in 2nd. These two teams will meet for the first time in a World Cup tournament.
Japan vs Norway (5th August, 9AM GMT)
This will be the second time Japan and Norway will face each other in the World Cup tournament. Japan have been on a scoring spree scoring 11 goals in their first three matches which is also one goal away from their tally in the 2012 tournament where they lifted the trophy.
Netherlands vs South Africa (6th August, 3AM GMT)
South Africa are through to their first ever Round Of 16 (having lost all their matches during their first World Cup in 2019) whilst this will be the Netherland's fourth appearance in the 16.
Sweden vs United States (6th August, 10AM GMT)
Sweden and the United States have played against each other seven times in the World Cup tournament. The United States have won the tournament 4 times; the most any nation has ever won for women’s football.
England vs Nigeria (7th August, 8:30AM GMT)
Sarina Wiegman’s energetic England team will face Randy Waldrum's Nigeria side. Lauren James is the one to watch in this fixture, speaking from her incredible performance in the group stages - scoring three goals and 3 assists in 3 games. Nigeria also thrived in the group which saw them beat Australia in an intense 3-2 duel. This may be the most anticipated game of the Round of 16.
Australia vs Denmark (7th August,11:30 AM GMT)
The hosts will take on the Danes this upcoming Monday. Captain Sam Kerr has returned from a brief calf injury - missing two matches including sitting out for the Matilda's final pool stage game (Ireland, Canada, Nigeria). She will lead her team against Denmark who are headed into their third Round Of 16.
Colombia vs Jamaica (8th August, 9AM GMT)
Colombia have reached the Round of 16 for the second time, with 18-year-old forward Linda Caicedo making an impressive senior debut. They knocked out World Cup veterans Germany in the pool stages. The Reggae Girlz have reached the Round of 16 in their first ever World Cup campaign, not conceding a single goal in the group stage.
France vs Morocco (8th August 12PM GMT)
The Blues have qualified for the Round of 16 for the fourth time in their World Cup history with the help of newly-appointed manager Hervé Renard. The finished top of their group. Morocco are the first North African nation to qualify for the Women’s World Cup. Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco is also the first player to ever wear a hijabi at the World Cup tournament.
One step closer to the #FIFAWWC Final! 👣
With the route to the final now taking shape, who are you backing to be crowned champions? 🏆— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 4, 2023
