Women's World Football

The bracket for the last 16 at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France was set after the United States and Sweden confirmed their progress from Group F on Thursday.

The first knockout round kicks off on Saturday, when Germany face Nigeria in Grenoble and Norway take on Australia in Nice.

Hosts France will meet Brazil on Sunday in Le Havre after England face Cameroon, and the U.S. have a showdown with Spain in Reims on Monday.

Round-of-16 Schedule

Saturday, June 22

Germany vs. Nigeria, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC (BBC Two, UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Norway vs. Australia, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC (BBC One, UK), Fox (U.S.)

Sunday, June 23

England vs. Cameroon, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC (BBC Two, UK), FS1 (U.S.)

France vs. Brazil, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC (BBC red button, UK), Fox (U.S.)

Monday, June 24

Spain vs. United States, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC (BBC Two, UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Sweden vs. Canada, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC (BBC red button, UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Tuesday, June 25

Italy vs. China, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC (BBC Two, UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Netherlands vs. Japan, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC (BBC red button, UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Live streaming will be available via  BBC iPlayer (UK) and Fox Sports Go (U.S.).

Jill Ellis' champions have been the most impressive team at France 2019 and claimed their third win from three in the group stage with a clinical 2-0 victory over Sweden.

They have netted 18 unanswered goals in the tournament and produced one of the most remarkable World Cup performances ever in thrashing Thailand 13-0 in their opener:

As such, Spain have been somewhat unfortunate to draw the U.S. in the last 16, which is likely to be the end of the road for La Roja in France.

Spain finished second in Group B, ahead of China, who advanced as one of the best third-placed finishers and have a more winnable draw against Italy.

Group B's winners, meanwhile, were Germany, who flourished in their final pool game, beating South Africa 4-0 following two 1-0 victories.

Nigeria scraped through to the last 16 on goal difference, and though they showed great resolve in restricting France to a controversial 1-0 win on Monday, their tournament will likely end on Saturday.

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Cameroon's campaign could also be over soon because they are set to meet an England side that has yet to hit top gear but still managed to win all three of their group-stage games against Scotland, Argentina and Japan.

Hosts France were similarly perfect in their opening three matches, but their struggles against Nigeria will give Brazil some hope of causing a major upset in the last 16.

Perhaps the most intriguing of the last-16 matchups are Sweden's clash with Canada and Japan's meeting with the Netherlands.

Sweden have looked strong despite losing their final group-stage game to the U.S, and Canada are a tough team to beat, especially when captain and star forward Christine Sinclair is on form:

Japan, meanwhile, have reached the finals of the past two World Cups, winning in 2011 before losing to the U.S. four years ago.

They have not, though, looked overly impressive in 2019, losing to England, narrowly beating Scotland and being held to a 0-0 draw by Argentina.

Japan will need to find their goalscoring form if they are to get past the Netherlands, who earned an impressive win over Canada on Thursday to maintain their perfect record in France. 

The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup round-of-16 lineup took shape on Thursday, when the United States beat Sweden 2-0 to win Group F and book a knockout fixture with Group C runners-up Spain.

The Netherlands sealed first place in Group E with a perfect record by defeating Canada 2-1, while Cameroon grabbed a last-second 2-1 win over New Zealand to qualify for the last 16.

Norway and Australia will meet after finishing second in Group A and Group C, respectively. Canada and Sweden took second in Group E and Group F to set up a fixture at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Monday.

Here's how the round-of-16 bracket looks:

As the name suggests, the beginning of the knockout stage means the World Cup switches to elimination football. Teams are permitted to make a fourth substitution if their game goes to extra time, after which the matches go to penalties should games remain level.

Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Decines-Charpieu is the only one of the nine tournament venues that won't be used for the round of 16, though it will host both semi-finals and the final on July 7.

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Round-of-16 Schedule

Saturday, June 22

Germany vs. Nigeria, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Norway vs. Australia, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC One (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Sunday, June 23

England vs. Cameroon, 4:30 p.m. BST/11:30 a.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

France vs. Brazil, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Monday, June 24

Spain vs. United States, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Sweden vs. Canada, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Tuesday, June 25

Italy vs. China, 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET, BBC Two (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Netherlands vs. Japan, 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET, BBC red button (UK), FS1 (U.S.)

Updated Tournament Odds

United States: 7-4 

France: 7-2

Germany: 13-2

England: 7-1

Netherlands: 12-1

Canada: 17-1

Australia: 20-1

Japan: 20-1 

Italy: 25-1

Sweden: 33-1

Norway: 40-1

Spain: 40-1

Brazil: 50-1

Via Oddschecker.com.

Preview, Predictions

The United States keep their place as favourites to win back-to-back World Cup titles for the first time in their history, and there's little reason to think Spain have much chance of stopping their run.

La Roja opened the tournament by beating South Africa 3-1 but then failed to score against Germany (1-0) or China (0-0), and that record won't intimidate Jill Ellis' world champions.

Nevertheless, former United States goalkeeper Hope Solo recently told Optus Sports that she felt the competition front-runners had deeper-lying issues in need of addressing:

Sweden were the first top-level opponent the U.S. faced at this World Cup, and though there were moments of doubt—in the second half particularly—they came through the challenge with flying colours.

Sports writer Kim McCauley pointed to possible evidence some United States players have also shown concern with Ellis' tactics:

The Stars and Stripes shouldn't suffer much on their path to the quarters, although the same can't be said for hosts France as they prepare for the threat of Brazil.

The Selecao may not hold the same renown as their male counterparts and have never won the World Cup, but this fixture promises to be a feast of elite-level football, as journalist Nic Gulas noted:

Brazil lost to Australia but made up for that with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Italy. They may not have the assured base at the back to progress to the quarter-finals, but Les Bleues' defence is also certain to be tested.

The Netherlands have a host of promising players among their squad, and despite this being just their second World Cup appearance, they are already reaching new heights in France, as OptaJohan highlighted:

Last-16 opponents Japan have made it to each of the past two World Cup finals and came second to England in Group D, but the Oranje look ready to prove they are now among the elite of women's football.

Predicted Last Eight: Germany, Australia, England, France, the U.S., Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands.

Norway and Australia came second in their respective 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup groups and will meet in the round of 16 on Saturday at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France.

The Matildas look the more dangerous of the two teams after finishing their Group C campaign with a 4-1 win over Jamaica, ending up just ahead of third-placed Brazil on goal difference.

Norway's defeat to hosts France saw them finish second in Group A, and they needed two penalties to beat South Korea 2-1 on Monday as they advanced to the last 16, per Fox Soccer:

Australia are hoping to feature in the quarter-finals of a fourth successive World Cup and are favourites to get the better of the Scandinavians, who haven't made it past the round of 16 since 2007.

Date: Saturday, June 22

Time: 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET

Venu: Stade de Nice, Nice, France

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer (UK), Fox Sports Go (U.S.), fuboTV (U.S.), NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.)

TV Info: BBC Two (UK), Fox (U.S.)

Odds

Norway: 19-10

Draw: 12-5

Australia: 5-4

Via Oddschecker.com.

Preview

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Three teams finished tied on six points in Group C as Italy edged Australia and Brazil for top spot.

Head coach Ante Milicic's side have scored eight goals—one short of their all-time best return—and are within reach of recording three wins at the finals for the first time.

Star forward Sam Kerr scored all four goals against Jamaica and paid tribute to Tim Cahill with a copy of his signature celebration. The Socceroos legend responded after the round-of-16 bracket was decided:

A lot of pressure rides on the shoulders of Kerr, 25, who is breaking records in her third appearance at a World Cup:

Australia may have won three group games had they not succumbed to a comeback by Italy in their opener. However, Norway were more deserving runners-up to France in Group A.

The Grasshoppers were victims of a decisive penalty decision when they lost 2-1 to Les Bleues on Matchday 2 but benefited from the officials against South Korea, per OptaJoe:

Larissa Crummer—who didn't make the 2019 World Cup squad—scored a 90th-minute winner for Australia when they beat Norway 4-3 at the Algarve Cup in February 2018. The European side have lost twice and drawn once in three meetings with the Matildas, per Soccerway.

Kerr will be the player to watch as Australia look to build on their promising group-stage displays in the knockout stages, though Norway's record of six wins in their last eight games shows they're not to be taken lightly.

England beat Japan 2-0 at the 2019 Women's World Cup on Wednesday to secure the top spot in Group D and set up a date with one of the third-placed finishers in the Round of 16. Ellen White scored both of the goals.

The two top sides in Group D served up an entertaining affair, with the opening goal coming after 14 minutes. The better chances fell to the Lionesses, who could have added a second goal before half-time but finally did with six minutes left to play.

England were already assured a spot in the next round after winning their first two matches, while Japan had four points after a win over Scotland and draw with Argentina.

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 The Scots drew with Argentina on Wednesday, assuring Japan's spot in the next round.

The match got off to a fast start, with England controlling possession and Japan putting together a few chances. Kumi Yokoyama was the main source of danger, testing goalkeeper Karen Bardsley with a great strike and even better free-kick.

Georgia Stanway fired England's first shot on goal wide before White opened the scoring after 14 minutes. Stanway played her in, and the forward only had goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to beat.

She has a habit of scoring against Japan on the big stage:

Yamashita had a busy opening half, and both Stanway and Jill Scott put her to work with good strikes. At the other end of the pitch, Bardsley spilled a cross from Yokoyama, but she was able to gather the ball again before any Japanese player could fire it home.

Rachel Daly went close to scoring a second goal for the Lionesses after using her speed and strength to chase down a ball over the top, but Yamashita's reaction was just as impressive.

The half ended with Japan on top but England doing a fine job of limiting shots on goal. That pattern reversed early in the second half, however, with the Lionesses pushing for a second goal.

Yamashita continued her heroics with a great save on Toni Duggan, who blasted a volley on target after a cross from Lucy Bronze. White only just missed out on the rebound.

While the action was fierce after the half-time break, chances were relatively few. Stephanie Houghton's great tackle denied Yuika Sugasawa a scoring opportunity, but overall, the English defence didn't have a lot of work to do.

Substitute Sugasawa did provide a spark, and she nearly flicked a cross into the net, but instead, the goal fell at the other end of the pitch. Karen Carney slipped a fine pass into White, who slid home the ball to secure the win.

What's Next?

The group stage concludes on Friday, after which the bracket for the Round of 16 will be set.

Canada and the Netherlands face off in a shootout for top spot in Group E at the FIFA Women's World Cup on Thursday.

Both sides have taken six points from their opening two games against New Zealand and Cameroon at France 2019, with the Dutch currently topping the group on goals scored. 

Reims' Stade Auguste-Delaune will play host to the clash between two of the world's top-10 sides. 

Date: Thursday, June 20

Time: 6 p.m. local, 5 p.m. BST, midday ET

TV Info: Fox Network (U.S.)

Live Stream: BBC website (UK), Fox Sports Go (U.S.)

Match Odds (via Oddschecker): Netherlands 17-10, Draw 12-5, Canada 17-10

Canada and the Netherlands are already through to the knockout rounds, and both will end up in what looks to be the more favourable half of the knockout bracket, without hosts France or the United States. 

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However, the two sides will be eager to claim victory on Thursday and take winning momentum into the last 16.

Neither side made a fast start to the tournament. Canada could only earn a 1-0 win against No. 46-ranked Cameroon, and the Dutch needed a stoppage-time winner from Jill Roord to get the same result against a dogged New Zealand outfit.

The Dutch were not perfect in their second match, against Cameroon, but they did manage a more convincing 3-1 win, and Vivianne Miedema opened her account with a fine double:

Canada, meanwhile, beat New Zealand 2-0 after second-half strikes from Jessie Fleming and Nichelle Prince.

Christine Sinclair has yet to open her 2019 World Cup account, although she has gone close in both of Canada's matches.

The 36-year-old forward is just three goals from tying Abby Wambach's world-record 184 international goals. She was on the scoresheet the last time Canada faced the Netherlands in a 2-1 friendly victory in April 2016.

Sinclair will likely cause the Dutch problems again on Thursday as she looks to get going at France 2019.

With attacking talent in abundance on both sides, the clash in Reims should be a fine spectacle on the last day of group-stage action. 

Marta scored the winner for Brazil against Italy at the 2019 Women's World Cup on Tuesday as the Selecao booked their place in the knockout stages.  

The 33-year-old struck the only goal of the game from the penalty spot on 74 minutes after Debinha was brought down in the area by Italy defender Elena Linari.

Brazil had earlier gone close when Andressinha hit the crossbar with a free-kick, while Italy had a goal ruled out when Cristiana Girelli's effort was correctly disallowed for offside.

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Italy went into the game with qualification to the knockout stages already assured after wins over Australia and Jamaica but still named a strong line-up, while Marta started again for Brazil:

Brazil went close to opening the scoring in some style after 17 minutes. Debinha flicked Marta's corner goalwards at the near post from a corner but saw her effort tipped over by goalkeeper Laura Giuliani (U.S. only):

Although it was a bright start from Brazil they continued to leave gaps at the back and were granted a reprieve when Italy had a goal disallowed just before the half-hour mark.

Girelli was given time and space in the penalty area to control a ball, beat her defender and slot home but saw her effort correctly chalked off for offside.

La Azzurre were the better team approaching the break and went close again five minutes before half-time when Barbara Bonansea's volley was parried by Brazil stopper Barbara (U.S. only):

Brazil went close to an opener at the start of the second half. Andressinha beat the wall with her free-kick from just outside the penalty area but was denied by the crossbar.

Kathellen Sousa then nodded another set-piece just wide of goal as Brazil began to turn up the pressure in search in the second half.

Their approach paid off with just under 20 minutes of normal time remaining. Debinha made a strong run into the penalty area and was brought down by Linari.

Marta confidently struck home the resulting spot-kick to write her name into the history books:

Italy did their best to pen Brazil back in the closing stages but never really came close to finding an equaliser.

Substitute Valentina Bergamaschi did have an opportunity with five minutes left to play but could only scuff a shot straight at Barbara as Brazil held on for the win.

What's Next?

Italy progress as group winners despite the defeat, while Brazil go through as one of the four best third-place teams. Australia also progress from Group C after beating Jamaica and finishing second.

England and Japan go head-to-head for top spot in Group D at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup on Wednesday at the Stade de Nice in Nice, France.

The Lionesses need only to avoid defeat to top the group after winning both of their opening fixtures.

Japan have four points, so they need to win to secure first place.

Date: Wednesday, June 19

Time: 9 p.m. local (8 p.m. BST, 3 p.m. ET)

TV: BBC One (UK), Fox Sports 1 (USA)

Live Stream: BBC iPlayer (UK), Fox Sports Go (USA), NBC Sports Live Extra (USA)

Odds: Japan (41-13), Draw (23-10), England (11-10)

Odds courtesy of Oddschecker.

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This will be a rematch of the 2015 World Cup semi-final, which Japan won 2-1. The 2011 world champions would then go on to finish as runners-up to the United States.

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze said England have come a long way since then, though, per the Guardian's Suzy Wrack:

"We remember all the painful games. You remember all the big games that you've lost but that memory has long been put behind us. We've played Japan since then, beat them, and beat them well. We move on.

"Now we are more prepared. We have been to semi-finals. Back then it was so new to us—even getting to that semi-final was huge."

In March, England eased to a 3-0 win over Japan to win the SheBelieves Cup.

Journalist Emma Sanders expects the Lionesses to do so again on Wednesday after watching Japan's 0-0 draw with Argentina in their opening match:

Japan threatened more when they beat Scotland 2-1 in their next game, but they were fortunate at both ends of the pitch when it came to refereeing decisions.

The Scots arguably should have had two penalties, but the video assistant referee was not consulted for either incident, while Japan were awarded a spot-kick Yuika Sugasawa went down despite there being minimal contact from Rachel Corsie.

The win over Scotland was also only Japan's second victory in eight matches in 2019.

Former England defender Lindsay Johnson thinks England should win:

The Lionesses, who beat Scotland 2-1 before securing a 1-0 win over Argentina, have not been overly convincing when it comes to breaking down a defence after dominating both games.

Though Japan are a stronger opponent, that should make for a more open game and one that perhaps suits England more—they should be able to get the draw they need.

Spain secured their place in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 despite being held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by China on Monday.  

A share of the spoils was enough for the Spaniards to clinch second place in Group B and automatically advance to the next round. China also head into the next round, with four points enough to see them finish as one of the best third-place finishers.

Germany thrashed South Africa 4-0 to top Group B with a perfect record, and they'll face one of the third-place finishers in the last 16.

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The first half played out like an exhibition between the pair as Spain enjoyed all of the attacking chances and kept China from testing Sandra Panos between their posts.

But as was the case during their 1-0 defeat to Group B leaders Germany, La Roja showed little in terms of finishing quality as focal point Jennifer Hermoso was marked out time and again.

Sportswriter Jeff Kassouf illustrated Spain's dominance in the first 45 minutes:

Spain had nine attempts on goal in the first—two on target—per Flashscores.com, but China failed to have any impression on the enemy net, per Match of the Day:

Forward Lucia Garcia had a gaping opportunity to spark the breakthrough early in the second period after she set off down the right flank with the Chinese defence scampering back.

Team-mate Andrea Flacon was bearing down on goal in the centre of the box, but Garcia's attempt trickled across the opponent's goal in what could have been a cross or a shot.

The ball found its way to Garcia minutes later yards out from goal, but China simply had enough bodies back in the box to get a block and charge down the chance.

That summed up much of Spain's frustrations in attack on Monday, and indeed for most of this tournament so far.

Goalkeeper Peng Shimeng was also to thank for China's clean sheet remaining intact beyond the hour mark, via Fox (U.S. only):

Coach Jorge Vilda substituted on Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas in a bid to inspire a winner, but Spain didn't have the ingenuity to find a way around China's defence.

Spain may be disappointed to finish the group campaign with only one win to their name, though they'll move on quickly as they look forward to taking their spot in the last 16.

The United States lead Group F with a big advantage in goal difference and will advance to face Spain in the next stage if they secure a draw or better against second-place Sweden on Thursday.

What's Next?

Spain will face the winners of Group F in the next round—either the United States or Sweden—while China advance as one of the best third-place finishers and will wait to discover their next opponent.

This article will be updated to provide more information soon.

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Germany completed a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup as they beat South Africa 4-0 on Monday.  

As a result of picking up three wins from three in Group B, the German side advance to the last 16 as group winners and will face one of the best third-placed sides.

Germany were strong favourites going into Monday's clash at Montpellier's Stade de la Mosson, and they secured a comfortable victory after goals from Melanie Leupolz, Sara Dabritz, Alexandra Popp and Lina Magull. 

South Africa will return home from France 2019 after a disappointing campaign in which they lost all three group games.

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Germany had been unspectacular in their opening two games in France as they beat both China and Spain 1-0.

On Monday, though, they could have scored 10. Popp and Dabritz both squandered early opportunities.

But it did not take long for the two-time world champions to go ahead.

In the 14th minute, Verena Schweers floated in a corner, and an unmarked Leupolz headed home from the six-yard line:

Minutes later, Dabritz forced the first of numerous fine saves from South Africa goalkeeper Andile Dlamini, and Popp blazed over the bar on the follow-up.

Dabritz made no mistake just before the hour, though, when she turned home Germany's second after Dlamini could only palm away Schweers' cross-cum-shot.

Two more glaring misses from Svenja Huth and Marina Hegering were then followed by Popp's World Cup opener five minutes from the break:

The 28-year-old striker rose brilliantly to plant a fierce header from eight yards into the back of the net and effectively wrap up the contest before half time.

In the second half, it could have got embarrassing for South Africa had Dlamini not been on hand to save further efforts from Leupolz, Dabritz and Lea Schuller:

She also pushed Hegering's header onto the post in the build-up to Germany's fourth just before the hour, but Magull was on hand to sweep home from less than a yard out.

South Africa had their chances for a consolation, as Janine van Wyk's speculative effort from 40 yards whistled over the bar and Thembi Kgatlana forced a save out of Almuth Schult.

But Germany had dropped a few gears by then and still caused their own problems in the dying stages. 

France and Germany resume their 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup campaigns on Monday, and each has an opportunity to win their respective group with a perfect record.

Hosts France face Nigeria at Roazhon Park in Rennes and can take a third win from three, while Group A opponents Norway meet South Korea hoping a second win will secure at least second place.

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Group B leaders Germany are also perfect following 1-0 wins over China and Spain, and they'll take on South Africa at the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier as the two teams meet for the first time.

Spain suffered a narrow defeat to Die Nationalelf last time out but take on China knowing a draw or better will be enough to see them finish second in Group B.

Monday's Fixtures

China vs. Spain (Group B), 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET

South Africa vs. Germany (Group B), 5 p.m. BST/12 p.m. ET

Nigeria vs. France (Group A), 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET

South Korea vs. Norway (Group A), 8 p.m. BST/3 p.m. ET

Fox will provide a live stream for viewers in the United States via Fox Sports Go. Audiences in the United Kingdom can stream matches using BBC iPlayer or via the BBC Sport website.

Preview

France have fulfilled expectations so far with home advantage at this World Cup, and Eugenie Le Sommer scored for the third match running to lift them to a vital 2-1 win over Norway on Wednesday.

Nigeria beat South Korea 2-0 to seal just a fourth World Cup victory in their eighth finals appearance, putting Les Bleues within reach of a priority place in the next round:

The Super Falcons haven't won back-to-back games in 90 minutes since November, and their 3-0 defeat to Norway on Matchday 1 suggests they'll buckle under pressure against top-level opponents.

The hosts are technically still yet to let their opponents score at the World Cup; France's Wendie Renard was responsible for a Norway equaliser in their most recent match, via Match of the Day:

Germany remain on course to top Group B despite failing to excite much in their back-to-back 1-0 victories over China and Spain.

Sara Dabritz scored their only goal against Spain to give them a distinct lead in the pool, and the Germany midfielder told reporters the triumph was down to perseverance:

"It was a question of will-power. Everybody gave 100%, right from the beginning. We know there is still a lot of room for improvement. The Spanish players were very good with the ball. We won the match and that's what matters. We have six points after two matches and that was our goal. Now we can show in the third match how well we play football."

Many would agree the two-time Women's World Cup champions are still on the road to recapturing their best form. BeIN Sports pundits and former pros Michelle Heyman and Lianne Sanderson said Spain should have taken something from the match:

South Africa haven't shown a lot of promise in France and could be the opponents that allow Germany to finally show some expression in their play.

Spain are level on points with China but have a crucial advantage in goal difference, meaning La Roja would advance if the two teams ended on level terms.