What happens next?: The Matildas' path to the knockout stages

With two games now in the bag, the knockout stages of the Women's Football Tournament at Tokyo 2020 are just on the horizon. 

The top two teams from every group will qualify for the next stage of the competition as will the two best third-placed teams. 

After the second round of matches, Australia currently sits in third spot in Group G. With only the game against the USA to go, here's what happens depending on the result from that match! 

If Australia win... 

A victory against Tony Gustavsson's former side would take the Matildas to six points and a move back to second place in Group G. 

A win or a draw for Sweden against New Zealand would keep it in top spot.  

The Women's Football Tournament bracket means that if Australia finish second, it will take on the winner of Group F. The teams currently in the top two spots there are familiar foes: the Netherlands and Brazil. 

With the Netherlands scheduled to play China and Brazil coming up against Zambia, a big win will go a long way in deciding who finishes top. 

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If Australia draw...

Any draw against the USA keeps the reigning FIFA Women's World Cup champions in second spot thanks to their superior goal difference.

However, the handy point takes the Matildas to four which should see the team qualify for the knockouts as one of the third-placed teams. 

The Women's Football Tournament bracket means that if Australia finish third, it will take on whoever finishes top in Group E. At this stage, Great Britain and Canada sit in first and second respectively in Group E. 


The pair are set to face off on the final day of the group stage with the winner claiming top spot. The winner is also likely to face the Matildas in this scenario. 

If Australia lose... 

Much like the draw scenario, a Matildas loss could still see the team progress as one of the best third-placed sides. If Sweden take care of New Zealand, Australia will secure third spot in Group G. 


Currently, the other teams in third place are Japan from Group E and China from Group F. 

Japan will face the currently winless Chile while China take on the unbeaten Netherlands. If the games follow the current patterns, Australia should secure passage to the next stage. 

Australia take on the USA at 6pm AEST on Tuesday evening.