Group play in the Women’s World Cup is moving into its crucial stage, and some nations could book their place in the round of 16 after only two matches.
Here, we take a look at all eight groups and what’s needed to secure a passage to the knockout rounds.
– Women’s World Cup bracket and fixtures schedule
This article will be updated with the latest permutations as the group stage progresses.
TIEBREAKERS
– points
– goal difference in all matches
– goals scored in all matches
– head-to-head points between teams level on points
– head-to-head goal difference between teams level on points
– head-to-head goals scored between teams level on points
– fair play points (yellow card: 1 point; indirect red card: 3 points; direct red card: 4 points; yellow card and direct red card: 5 points)
– drawing of lots
GROUP A
Sunday, July 30: Switzerland vs. New Zealand, Norway vs. Philippines
SWITZERLAND: They sit on top of the table and are firm favourites to progress; guaranteed to go through with a win/draw against co-hosts New Zealand.
A victory assures they will go through as group winners, and a draw will be enough for the top spot as long as the Philippines do not beat Norway. They cannot top the group with a loss.
Switzerland could even go through with a loss, but would be out if the Philippines win.
If Switzerland lose and the Philippines draw, second place will be decided on goal difference between those two countries. The Philippines need to make up a goal difference deficit of three, so Switzerland must lose by at least three goals to finish third. So:
– If the Philippines draw and Switzerland lose by one or two goals, it’s: 1. New Zealand, 2. Switzerland, 3. Philippines, 4. Norway
– If the Philippines draw and Switzerland lose by three goals, second place will be decided on goals scored between the two teams.
– If the Philippines and Switzerland finish with the same goals scored (for example, Switzerland 0-3 New Zealand, Norway 1-1 Philippines), it goes to head to head, and Switzerland will finish in second having won the group game.
– If the Philippines draw and Switzerland lose by four-plus goals, it’s 1. New Zealand, 2. Philippines, 3. Switzerland, 4. Norway
If Switzerland lose and Norway win, second place will be decided on goal difference between those two countries. Norway need to make up a goal difference deficit of three, so must win by at least one more goal than Switzerland lose; or Switzerland must lose by at least one more goal than Norway win. So:
– If Norway and Switzerland both lose by one goal, it’s 1. New Zealand, 2. Switzerland, 3. Norway, 4. Philippines
– If Norway win by two goals, and Switzerland lose by one goal, second place will be decided on goals scored between the two teams.
— If Norway and Switzerland finish with the same goals scored (for example, Switzerland 0-1 New Zealand, Norway 2-0 Philippines), it goes to head to head, which finished 0-0. That moves us on to Fair Play, with Switzerland on minus-2 and Norway on minus-1. If Fair Play ends level, it will be random drawing of lots for second place.
– If Norway win by one goal, and Switzerland lose by two goals, second place will be decided on goals scored between the two teams.
— If Norway and Switzerland finish with the same goals scored (for example, Switzerland 0-2 New Zealand, Norway 2-1 Philippines), it goes to head to head, which finished 0-0. That moves us on to Fair Play, with Switzerland on minus-2 and Norway on minus-1. If Fair Play ends level, it will be random drawing of lots for second place.
– Any other greater margin of the above two scenarios (with either Norway winning by more or Switzerland losing by more), and Norway will finish second: 1. New Zealand, 2. Norway, 3. Switzerland, 4. Philippines
NEW ZEALAND: Are guaranteed to go through with a win over Switzerland, which will definitely be as group winners if the Philippines draw/lose. New Zealand cannot qualify if they lose to Switzerland.
If New Zealand draw and the Philippines win, New Zealand are eliminated: 1. Philippines, 2. Switzerland, 3. New Zealand, 4. Norway
If both games are drawn, New Zealand finish second: 1. Switzerland, 2. New Zealand, 3. Philippines, 4. Norway
If New Zealand draw and Norway win, second place will be decided on goal difference between those two countries. Norway only need to make up a goal difference deficit of one, so any win wipes that out.
– If New Zealand draw and Norway win by one goal, second place will be decided on goals scored between the two teams.
– If New Zealand and Norway finish with the same goals scored (for example, Switzerland 1-1 New Zealand, Norway 2-1 Philippines), it goes to head to head, and New Zealand will finish in second having won the group game.
– If New Zealand draw and Norway win by two-plus goals, it’s: 1. Switzerland, 2. Norway, 3. New Zealand, 4. Philippines
THE PHILIPPINES: Are guaranteed to qualify with a win over Norway, and will definitely win the group if Switzerland-New Zealand is a draw.
If the Philippines draw, they are sure to be through in second if Switzerland win: 1. Switzerland, 2. Philippines, 3. New Zealand, 4. Norway
If both games are drawn, the Philippines are out: 1. Switzerland, 2. New Zealand, 3. Philippines, 4. Norway
If the Philippines draw and Switzerland lose, the Philippines need to make up a goal difference deficit of three (see Switzerland section.)
Cannot qualify with a loss to Norway.
NORWAY: Must beat Philippines to have any chance of progressing.
If Norway and Switzerland win, it’s: 1. Switzerland, 2. Norway, 3. New Zealand, 4. Philippines
If Norway win and New Zealand draw, second place will be decided on goal difference between those two countries. Norway only need to make up a goal difference deficit of one (see New Zealand section.)
If Norway win and Switzerland lose, second place will be decided on goal difference between those two countries. Norway need to make up a goal difference deficit of three (see Switzerland section.)
GROUP B
Wednesday, July 26: Canada vs. Republic of Ireland
Thursday, July 27: Australia vs. Nigeria
Monday, July 31: Canada vs. Australia, Republic of Ireland vs. Nigeria
Only Australia can qualify for the round of 16 after the second round of matches, and they are assured to go through with a win over Nigeria on Thursday.
Republic of Ireland will be eliminated if they lose to Canada on Wednesday.
GROUP C
Wednesday, July 26: Japan vs. Costa Rica, Spain vs. Zambia
Monday, July 31: Japan vs. Spain, Costa Rica vs. Zambia
Japan and Spain won their opening matches.
Japan will be through with a victory against Costa Rica on Wednesday if Spain win or draw later that day.
Likewise, if Japan win or draw, then Spain will be through if they beat Zambia.
If both Japan and Spain win the top two places will be secured, with the teams meeting on Monday to decide the top spot.
GROUP D
Friday, July 28: England vs. Denmark, China vs. Haiti
Tuesday, Aug. 1: Haiti vs. Denmark, China vs. England
England and Denmark won their opening games and they face each other on Friday. If there is a winner in the game, they will advance if China vs. Haiti is a draw.
If there is a loser in China vs. Haiti, they will be eliminated if England vs. Denmark is a draw.
GROUP E
Thursday, July 27: United States vs. Netherlands, Portugal vs. Vietnam
Tuesday, Aug. 1: Portugal vs. United States, Vietnam vs. Netherlands
The United States and Netherlands won their opening games, and they face each other Thursday. If there is a winner in the game, they will be through if Portugal vs. Vietnam is a draw.
If there is a loser in Portugal vs. Vietnam, they will be eliminated if the United States vs. Netherlands is a draw.
GROUP F
Saturday, July 29: France vs. Brazil, Panama vs. Jamaica
Wednesday, Aug. 2: Panama vs. France, Jamaica vs. Brazil
Only Brazil can qualify for the round of 16 after the second round of matches, and they are assured to go through with a win over France on Saturday.
Panama will be eliminated if they lose to Jamaica in their second group game.
GROUP G
Friday, July 28: Argentina vs. South Africa
Saturday, July 29: Sweden vs. Italy
Wednesday, Aug. 2: Argentina vs. Sweden, South Africa vs. Italy
Sweden and Italy won their opening games and they face each other on Saturday. If there is a winner in the game, they will be through if Argentina vs. South Africa is a draw on Friday.
If there is a loser in Argentina vs. South Africa, they will be eliminated if Sweden vs. Italy is a draw.
GROUP H
Sunday, July 30: South Korea vs. Morocco, Germany vs. Colombia
Thursday, Aug. 3: South Korea vs. Germany, Morocco vs. Colombia
Germany and Colombia won their first matches and they play against each other on Sunday. If there is a winner in the game, they will advance if South Korea vs. Morocco is a draw earlier in the day.
If there is a loser in South Korea vs. Morocco, they will be eliminated if Germany vs. Colombia is a draw.