After an eventful group stage, the 2023 World Cup has entered the knockout rounds where teams will face do-or-die situations. The group stage witnessed several surprises, such as the underwhelming performances of the USWNT, Japan's dominance in Group C, and Germany's shocking exit. Injuries have also taken a toll on almost every team, adding to the unpredictability of the tournament. Now, as the Round of 16 begins, teams will battle it out for a chance to be crowned champions on August 20.
To help fans keep track of the matches, especially as group standings continue to evolve, an official schedule has been released. Here is a detailed list of all the Round of 16 matches:
Sunday, August 6:
Game 49: Switzerland (Group A winner) vs. Spain (Group C runner-up) in Eden Park, Auckland at 1 a.m. ET
Game 50: Japan (Group C winner) vs. Norway (Group A runner-up) in Wellington Regional, at 4 a.m. ET
Game 51: Netherlands (Group E winner) vs. South Africa (Group G runner-up) in Sydney Football Stadium at 10 p.m. ET
Monday, August 7:
Game 52: Sweden (Group G winner) vs. USA (Group E runner-up) in Melbourne Rectangular at 5 a.m. ET
Game 53: England (Group D winner) vs. Nigeria (Group B runner-up) in Lang Park, Brisbane at 6.30 a.m. ET
Game 54: Australia (Group B winner) vs. Denmark (Group D runner-up) in Stadium Australia, Sydney at 3.30 a.m. ET
Tuesday, August 8:
Game 55: Colombia (Group H winner) vs. Jamaica (Group F runner-up) in Hindmarsh, Adelaide at 4 a.m. ET
Game 56: France (Group F winner) vs. Morocco (Group H runner-up) in Melbourne Rectangular at 7 a.m. ET
These matches are scheduled according to Eastern Standard Time (EST).
According to a report by Usatoday.com, the highlight of the Round of 16 will be the clash between the USWNT and Sweden. The USWNT finished second in Group E, setting up a thrilling encounter with their familiar foes. However, due to the time difference, most of the Americans' games will take place in the early hours for viewers in the United States. Coffee supplies will be crucial for fans staying awake to support the team.
The knockout stage will then continue with the quarter-finals:
Thursday, August 10:
Game 57: Switzerland/Spain vs. Netherlands/South Africa (Wellington Regional at 9 p.m. ET)
Friday, August 11:
Game 58: Japan/Norway vs. Sweden/USWNT (Eden Park, Auckland at 3.30 a.m. ET)
Game 59: England/Nigeria vs. Colombia/Jamaica (Stadium Australia, Sydney at 6.30 a.m. ET)
Saturday, August 12:
Game 60: Australia/Denmark vs. France/Morocco (Lang Park, Brisbane at 3 a.m. ET)
Next, the semi-finals:
Tuesday, August 15:
Game 62: Winners of 59 vs. Winners of 60 (Stadium Australia, Sydney at 6 a.m. ET)
Lastly, the final matches:
Wednesday, August 16:
Game 63: Losers of 61 vs. Losers of 62 (Lang Park, Brisbane at 4 a.m. ET)
Sunday, August 20:
Game 64: Winners of 61 vs. Winners of 62 (Stadium Australia, Sydney at 6 a.m. ET)
Key Takeaway:
The Round of 16 schedule for the 2023 World Cup has been released, setting the stage for thrilling matches as teams compete for the ultimate prize. The USWNT will face Sweden in a highly anticipated matchup, but fans in the United States will have to adjust their sleep schedules to catch the games.
Facts about the 2023 World Cup:
Group play has concluded, and the knockout rounds have begun
Several surprises occurred during the group stage, including the USWNT's lackluster performances and Germany's unexpected elimination
Injuries have affected nearly every team in the tournament
The Round of 16 will take place from August 6 to 8
Matches will be played according to Eastern Standard Time (EST)
The USWNT will face Sweden in a crucial Round of 16 match
The final will be held on August 20, where a champion will be crowned.
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