Gaps in equal pay and level of play are closing in women’s soccer. This follows women’s sports’ circle of life: growing viewership and attendance numbers lead to more investment and ultimately better competition, with brand deals and sponsorships serving as the all-important middleman.

Hope you’re well-rested because the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) quarter-finals are officially set and every game is appointment viewing.

From the FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC) Round of 16 to the baseball diamond, the sports world was full of knockouts this weekend. Rolling with the punches…

ICYMI (lucky you), the two-time defending champion USWNT barely advanced to the knockout stage yesterday, after looking out of sorts in their uninspiring 0–0 draw with No. 21 Portugal.

And just like that, only two WWC group stage games remain.

Once the whistles blow on today’s final Group B games, seven of the tourney’s 16 available knockout tickets will be punched, with No. 3 Sweden, No. 6 Spain, No. 11 Japan, No. 12 Norway, No. 20 Switzerland, and Group B’s top two teams advancing.

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.

We’ve covered the pay gap and the difference in media rights and sponsorship deals for men’s and women’s soccer, but how different is fan interest in men’s World Cups (WCs) and WWCs?

With the majority of Group A’s games complete, two curious storylines are popping up: World No. 12 and group-favorite Norway can’t find their footing, while No. 46 Philippines — a first-time WWCer — appear poised to shock the world.

Two key storylines are emerging after a thrilling opening WWC weekend.

Forbes recently released its list of the top paid athletes in this year’s WWC, ranging from $1.1M to $7.1M throughout the top 15.