Previews

The third group stage matches will come to a close this week ahead of the weekend’s Round of 16. Germany, France, England, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Sweden and the United States have already qualified for the next round.

China vs Spain

The first match of this third grouping is a very important Group B matchup between China and Spain on Monday. Both of these teams are battling for the second spot in the Round of 16 after Germany have already qualified. Both are at three points apiece, with China coming off a win over South Africa and Spain a loss to Germany. Spain are led by Jennifer Hermoso, who is the only Spanish goalscorer with more than two goals this year. Should a draw occur, Spain would advance on goal differential.

Time: Monday, June 17 6 PM CEST

Venue: Stade Océane (Le Havre)

South Africa vs Germany

Two Group B teams that are on opposite ends of the group standings, Germany holding a perfect record so far while South Africa have yet to win a match in this World Cup. With Germany already moving on, this is time to rest up a bit before the Round of 16 this weekend. Germany also look to maintain their perfect record in this tournament.

Time: Monday, June 17 6 PM CEST

Venue: Stade de la Mosson (Montpellier)

Nigeria vs France

A must-win for Nigeria in Group A as they are tied on points with Norway. It will be no easy task as the hosts France are perfect in the tournament so far with no signs of slowing down. It is a hard scenario for Nigeria, but they must at least win to advance with Norway also holding goal differential.

Time: Monday, June 17 9 PM CEST

Venue: Roazhon Park (Rennes)

South Korea vs Norway

The final matchup of Group A and another must-win scenario this time for Norway, much like for Nigeria. Norway have it a bit easier as South Korea have yet to win a match this World Cup. Norway have the goal differential as well to put the winning cards in their hands as they look to join France in the Round of 16.

Time: Monday, June 17 9 PM CEST

Venue: Stade Auguste-Delaune (Reims)

Italy vs Brazil

Another crucial match where Brazil is in a must-win scenario if they hope to join Italy out of Group C. Italy have the perfect record so far and have advanced already in their first World Cup appearance in 20 years. Brazil, while favored in this particular matchup, are tied with Australia with three points. Brazil are led by Cristiane who already has four goals in the tournament, becoming the oldest player to score a hat trick in the World Cup in Brazil’s opening win over Jamaica. This will be a tight match where Brazil must come away with the win.

Time: Tuesday, June 18 9 PM CEST

Venue: Stade du Hainaut (Valenciennes)

Jamaica vs Australia

Australia are also in a scenario where they likely need to win if they wish to advance alongside Italy. With Jamaica having yet to win, Australia are a bit more fortuitous than Brazil given their matchup here. Australia have not been as expected as they were a favored team in this tournament. They must get Sam Kerr, who has a lone goal, going if they hope to go far in this World Cup or even advance to the Round of 16.

Time: Tuesday, June 18 9 PM CEST

Venue: Stade de Alpes (Grenoble)

Japan vs England

This is probably the closest matchup of Matchday 3 while not really having that high of stakes for the Group D sides. The Lionesses have already advanced to the Round of 16 with a perfect record in the tournament. Japan picked up a crucial win over Scotland that all but guarantees they will be joining England. Japan only need a draw on Wednesday to secure a spot in the next round.

Time: Wednesday, June 19 9 PM CEST

Venue: Allianz Riviera (Nice)

Scotland vs Argentina

Two sides that have had a tough time getting points in this World Cup as both are winless so far. Scotland have lost both their previous matches while Argentina have lost and drawn. It will be tough for Argentina to advance, they need Japan to lose and they need a goal-heavy win to surpass Japan’s goal differential. It’s a high, uphill battle for the Argentines, almost impossible, but stranger things have happened and they must at least get a win over Scotland to have some hope.

Time: Wednesday, June 19 9 PM CEST

Venue: Parc des Princes (Paris)

Netherlands vs Canada

Group E is already wrapped up with both the Netherlands and Canada advancing to the Round of 16, meaning this match doesn’t mean much standings-wise. This is a battle for supremacy in Group E should either of these nations get the win on Thursday. Both hold flawless records, winning both their previous matches apiece. They even hold the same goal differential, but the Netherlands are given the favorability for this particular matchup.

Time: Thursday, June 20 6 PM CEST

Venue: Stade Auguste-Delaune (Reims)

Cameroon vs New Zealand

While it is a dream scenario for the Netherlands and Canada, it has been nothing short of a nightmare for Cameroon and New Zealand. Both nations have lost their previous matches and will not be advancing out of Group E. Their lone hope now being to at least manage a point or a win while being matched up against each other.

Time: Thursday, June 20 6 PM CEST

Venue: Stade de la Mosson (Montpellier)

Sweden vs United States

Much like Group E, Group F is already finished with both the United States and Sweden advancing with their perfect records so far. The USWNT had another impressive win over the weekend, resting most of their starters from the Thailand match against Chile. They hold an unheard of 16 goal differential in the World Cup and continue to boast dominance. Alex Morgan remains the Golden Boot leader with five goals, even without playing against Chile. Sweden have also been putting in the goals and look very impressive themselves. This is another battle for group supremacy and who will finish top of the Group F standings.

Time: Thursday, June 20 9 PM CEST

Venue: Stade Oceáne (Le Havre)

Thailand vs Chile

Again, exactly like Group E, the bottom sides in Group F have lost both matches heading into Matchday 3. Thailand have been embarrassed so far, conceding 18 goals in this tournament, 13 against the US and 5 against Sweden, while only scoring one themselves. They still have a chance for redemption against Chile, but it is quite clear in the gap of quality between sides even with Chile struggling as well.

Time: Thursday, June 20 9 PM CEST

Venue: Roazhon Park (Rennes)