Which teams will advance to the Round of 16 at the WWC?
The GIST: It’s been a topsy-turvy opening week at the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), leaving many wondering how their favorite squad can make it to the single-elimination, 16-team knockout stage.
- Thankfully, that’s where we come in. Get in, GISTer — we’re crunching numbers.
Group A — No. 46 Philippines will advance with a win: The Filipinas’ Cinderella run will lead them to the knockout stage in their first WWC appearance if they emerge victorious in Sunday’s 3 a.m. ET showdown against struggling No. 12 Norway. Miracles happen, once in a while.
Group B — No. 7 CanWNT needs a draw or W: After fighting tooth and nail to oust No. 22 Ireland from the WWC on Wednesday, CanWNT can settle for a draw against co-host No. 10 Australia on Monday at 6 a.m. ET. That said, a Canadian dub would send the Matildas packing, sending shockwaves Down Under, as No. 40 Nigeria would advance instead.
Group E — It’s all about goals for the No. 1 USWNT: After staging a wild 1–1 comeback against the Dutch that launched a thousand swim cap memes, the Americans are tied for points with No. 9 Netherlands, but currently sit atop Group E thanks to goal differential.
- The most comfortable route to the knockouts is by a multi-goal win over No. 21 Portugal on Tuesday at 3 a.m. ET, but the Americans can still win the group with a draw if the Dutch also tie or lose to No. 32 Vietnam. Deep breaths.
Group F — No. 8 Brazil can lock it in tomorrow: Trust us — you’re going to want to set your alarm for tomorrow’s 6 a.m. ET match between Brazil and No. 5 France, as a victory assures As Canarinhas’ place in the Round of 16. If this goal is any indication of what’s to come, you won’t even need your morning coffee. Excitement, inbound!
