Every nation still standing at the Women’s World Cup, ranked
The World Cup’s Round of 16 starts on Saturday with Germany, one of the pre-tournament favorites, playing Nigeria. Here is how the 16 teams stack up.
After two weeks of group-stage matches, the Women’s World Cup’s 24 finalists have been whittled down to 16. The Round of 16 kicks off the tournament’s bracket stage, where there will be little room for error.
Here’s how the 16 teams left in the competition rank.
1. United States
The Americans went 3-0 in the group stage, scoring 18 goals and conceding none. All 20 field players saw minutes over those three matches. This may be the only team at this tournament that could field two competitive teams. Spain should not be too much of a problem for them.
2. France
The host nation also went 3-0 in the group stage. This is also a team stacked with talent that’s hit their momentum at just the right time. Their game against Brazil is sure to be a competitive one. If all works out, France would face the USWNT in the quarterfinals.
3. Germany
Another pre-tournament favorite to win the trophy, Germany also went 3-0 but struggled in their first two games. In their last group-stage match, the Germans routed South Africa 4-0, a confidence-boosting win that bodes well for them. They are favored in their game versus Nigeria.
4. The Netherlands
The defending European champions are also getting hot at the right moment. The Dutch also went a perfect 3-0 in the group stage. For all their talent, taking on Japan won’t be easy.
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5. England
Another team that went 3-0 so far, the Three Lionesses got to the knockout stage thanks to its stingy defense (conceding just one goal) and the ability to control games. It is this poise that makes them the favorites against Cameroon.
6. Norway
The Norwegians, who went 2-0-1, found their form from the start despite not having striker Ada Hegerberg in the lineup. Although one should never underestimate Norway, their match against Australia should be one of the most competitive of the round.
7. Australia
The Aussies started with a shock defeat to Italy, but recovered well. They went 2-0-1 to clinch a spot in the knockout stage. They are very evenly matched against Norway.
8. Italy
The Italians have not played at a World Cup since 1999 and you would never know it. The team went 2-0-1 in the group stage but showed in wins against Australia and Jamaica that their offense is up to the task. They take on China in the round of 16.
9. Brazil
The South Americans have never won a World Cup and will need to get past France to keep those dreams alive at this edition. Although Marta has not been in top form, she has nevertheless powered this side to a 2-0-1 record. Her goal against Italy helped them clinch a spot to the knockout stage. They will need more miracles to get far at this tournament.
10. Sweden
The Swedes went 2-0-1 after beating Chile and Thailand, but their 2-0 defeat to the USWNT revealed potential weaknesses. They will take on Canada in a game the Swedes can win.
11. Canada
Like Sweden, Canada went 2-0-1 in the group stage, but largely unimpressive. Canada has a pedigree of doing well at women’s soccer tournaments, although they could suffer early elimination in France. Their game against Sweden should be a tight one.
12. China
This is the section of the power rankings where teams can be labeled as potential Cinderella sides. China went 1-1-1 in the group stage and the inability to, for example, defeat Spain (the game ended 0-0) and score just once in three games are signs this team doesn’t have what it takes for a deep run.
13. Spain
This is a team that went 1-1-1 and many have labeled a dark horse. Nonetheless, they are no match for the USWNT.
14. Japan
Finalists four years ago and champions in 2011, Japan have slipped in recent years. No longer a favorite for the title, Japan was stymied by Argentina in the group stage (the game ended 0-0) and the team only went 1-1-1. Their game against the Dutch won’t be easy given how little they have scored (just twice) at this tournament.
dark. Next. Cameroon is looking to be World Cup’s Cinderella team
15. Cameroon
The Africans reached this point thanks to a last-gasp goal against New Zealand. For their success, Cameroon, who are 1-0-2, now play England. There is Cinderella potential here, but there’s also a talent gap they have to somehow make up.
16. Nigeria
The other African team to reach the knockout stage, Nigeria is 1-0-2 and only made the knockout round as one of the third-place teams with the best record. Their defense, however, should be no match for the high-powered German offense.