1) Japan (–) Futoshi Ikeda’s team continues to be the most impressive squad in the competition. Following their comfortable 3-1 victory over Norway in the round of 16, they maintained their impeccable 100% win rate. Once again, Hinata Miyazawa shined as the top scorer with five goals, matching Homare Sawa’s Golden Boot-winning performance in 2011 when Japan clinched the World Cup title.
2) France (up 9) Hervé Renard’s squad has found their rhythm at the perfect moment. Eugénie Le Sommer, their new record goal-scorer in the World Cup, and forward Kadidiatou Diani have been grabbing the headlines, but Kenza Dali has been outstanding in midfield, orchestrating play. Despite their disappointing performance as hosts in 2019, where they were eliminated by the USA in the quarter-finals, France stands a strong chance of progressing past this year’s co-hosts, Australia, in the upcoming quarter-final match on Saturday.
3) Australia (up 4) The Matildas have already surpassed their 2019 performance by reaching the quarter-finals. In their round of 16 match against Denmark, they capitalized on their opportunities, winning 2-0. Mary Fowler delivered a remarkable pass to set up Caitlin Foord for one of the goals, while Sam Kerr also had some valuable playing time. Fowler’s exceptional form was a key factor in Australia’s victory.
4) Colombia (up 1) After an exhilarating start to the tournament, Colombia faced a tough challenge against an undefeated Jamaica side. Catalina Usme netted a well-executed goal, and 18-year-old full-back Ana María Guzmán impressed while filling in for the suspended Manuela Vanegas. It remains to be seen who will be chosen to start against England.
5) Netherlands (down 1) Andries Jonker expressed his squad’s unwavering belief that they can defeat any opponent. The Dutch team overcame a strong test from South Africa in Sydney, with goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar delivering a player-of-the-match performance. Unfortunately, Daniëlle van de Donk’s yellow card means she will miss the quarter-final match against Spain.
6) Spain (up 2) In a dominant display, Jorge Vilda’s team bounced back from a surprising defeat against Japan with four first-half goals against Switzerland. Aitana Bonmatí stood out with a brace and an impressive performance in the midfield. Spain faces a tougher challenge in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands.
7) Sweden (down 5) Sweden had a stroke of luck in their penalty shootout victory over the defending champions, USA, since the holders dominated the game. Goalkeeper Zecira Musovic was exceptional, making 11 saves in normal time to deny the Americans. Sweden’s set-piece prowess could prove crucial in their match against Japan, arguably the strongest team in the tournament.
8) England (down 5) The Lionesses narrowly advanced to the quarter-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Nigeria. While they have managed to secure four wins out of four matches, their performances have not been entirely convincing. Sarina Wiegman is still searching for the perfect combination of players and formation. Defensively, England has been solid, but they will face a tougher test against Colombia and will be without Lauren James due to suspension.
9) Jamaica (–) Jamaica’s journey came to an end with a 1-0 defeat against Colombia in Melbourne. Lorne Donaldson’s players heavily relied on their defensive prowess until Catalina Usme’s decisive goal in the 51st minute. Although they had opportunities to level the score, their lack of effectiveness in front of goal resulted in the Reggae Girlz exiting the tournament.
10) USA (up 3) The Americans were unlucky to face Sweden’s outstanding goalkeeper, Musovic, and should have secured victory in normal or extra time before resorting to penalties. Nevertheless, the reigning champions have disappointingly exited the tournament, struggling both tactically and emotionally.
11) Nigeria (down 5) Despite their penalty heartbreak, Nigeria showcased their talent throughout the campaign, especially in their match against England where they were arguably the better side. However, their inability to find the clinical finish required for progression highlighted areas for improvement. The future remains uncertain for manager Randy Waldrum amid battles with their federation.
12) Norway (up 4) Norway’s performance in the group stage was underwhelming, but they managed to progress before falling to a formidable Japan side in the round of 16. A serious evaluation of how to maximize the potential of their extraordinary individual talents and determining the best person to do so is necessary.
13) Denmark (up 1) Denmark’s return to the tournament was cut short by a motivated Australia. The young talent within the Danish squad is evident, but this campaign may have come too soon for them. Sweden’s Andrée Jeglertz will take over as manager from Lars Søndergaard, who led the team for over five years.
14) South Africa (down 4) Compared to their performance in the 2019 World Cup, where they lost all three matches, conceded eight goals, and scored only once, South Africa made significant progress this time. They collected four points in the group stage and showcased improvement even in their defeat against the Netherlands, with a narrow two-goal margin. Unfortunately, they lacked support from their federation.
15) Switzerland (–) Inka Grings’s team failed to make a significant impression during the tournament despite finishing at the top of Group A. With just two goals throughout their campaign (plus an own goal against Spain), attention will now be directed towards Euro 2027, which they will host, in hopes of creating a legacy for the future.
16) Morocco (down 4) Facing France was always going to be a tough challenge for the debutants. The Moroccan federation’s investment is evident in the progress made, as they advanced to the knockout stage ahead of heavy favorites Germany. Positive signs indicate a promising future for Moroccan women’s football.
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