The Round of 16 has been full of thrills, shocks, and upsets for teams all across the board. From teams that barely squeaked through to former giants of the sport falling to their lowest of lows.

After nearly a decade of dominance, the current iteration of the USWNT sung their swan song as they were eliminated by Sweden while dark horse Japan has risen to the top of the power rankings after thorough demolitions of all opponents so far. Spain, Netherlands, and England seem to have also found their rhythm while France and Australia is taking the slow and steady approach to the final. Colombia has come out of nowhere to be the underdog but their elimination of Germany show that anything’s possible.

Join us on our recap of the most exciting moments in the Round of 16 as we prepare for the quarter finals.

Quarterfinal Bracket

Top Goals of the Round of 16

The Women's World Cup Round of 16 promised a thrilling showcase of skill and strategy and boy did it deliver. Aitana Bonmati Conca's mesmerizing footwork against Switzerland aims to captivate viewers, while Australia's precise passing within the Swiss box aims to unlock their defense. Not to be outdone, the flair of fancy footwork out wide seeks to set up Eugenie Le Sommer for a crucial strike at the back post. And as a bonus, an unfortunate miscommunication in the Spanish defense adds an unexpected twist, resulting in a painful own goal. These top goals encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability of this stage of the tournament.

1. Aitana Bonmati Conca gets fancy with her footwork vs Switzerland 

2. Australia with nice passing leading to a goal in the Danish box

3. Fancy footwork out wide finds Eugenie Le Sommer in the back post 

4. BONUS: A miscommunication in the Spanish defense leads to a painful own goal

Hope but Heartbreak

USA
The USWNT was knocked out in a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Sweden, preventing them from achieving a third consecutive world title. The decisive moment of the match came after a video assistant referee (VAR) decision confirmed that Lina Hurtig’s penalty for Sweden had crossed the line, despite an initial save attempt by US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. This loss marks the earliest the US has ever exited a Women's World Cup, previously having never failed to reach the semifinals.

Nigeria 
Nigeria's women's football team, the Super Falcons, were eliminated after a penalty shoot-out loss to England. Forward Ifeoma Onumonu criticized the Nigerian Football Federation for inadequate support, pointing out that players often shared beds during training due to insufficient resources and some had not been paid in two years. The World Cup has highlighted the funding disparities between teams, with some nations, including Jamaica and South Africa, overcoming significant financial obstacles to compete.

Norway 
Norway was knocked out following a 3-1 defeat to Japan. During the match, Guro Reiten scored for Norway with a powerful header, marking their 100th goal in the history of the Women's World Cup. Only the United States and Germany have scored more goals in the tournament's history. Hegerberg was substituted in during the 74th minute, but couldn't impact the outcome for Norway. The 1995 champions concluded their tournament journey with one win, two losses, and a draw.

USWNT is out, who should I support now?

Japan
Despite entering the tournament ranked 11th in the world, Nadeshiko Japan have decimated Zambia, Costa Rica, Spain, and most recently Norway with confidence. Led by breakout star Hinata Miyazawa, the hard working and well drilled side are hard to dislike.

Australia
With their talisman Sam Kerr back in the lineup, the Matildas have a real chance of becoming the second host nation to win the Women’s World Cup after the USA in 1999.

England
After a summer of magic during the 2022 Euros, the Lionesses have been ravaged by injuries but Women’s Coach of the Year Sarina Wiegman has once again worked her magic to make them a formidable force even without Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, and Fran Kirby.

Netherlands
As finalists of the Women’s World Cup in 2019, the dutch are on a revenge tour to try to gain their nation’s first ever World Cup title. With stars like Lieke Martens and Jill Roord leading the way, the Dutch look as much as a threat as ever. Hup Holland Hup.

Sweden
If you’re bummed out about the USWNT being knocked out, what better choice than picking for Sweden to win? Best case scenario: the USWNT can say that they lost to the eventual champions.

Colombia
As the only Latin American team left in the tournament, Colombia are a solid choice to pick for supporting as a USWNT alternative. Colombia are seeking to become the first CONMEBOL team to lift the prestigious World Cup trophy.

Spain
Spain have had their ups and downs this tournament, but have looked very strong against Switzerland, Zambia and Costa Rica. Cheering on FIFA’s current Ballon D’or Féminin winner Alexia Putellas might be a solid choice too.

France
France look like the biggest competitor to England on their side of the bracket. If you have a stout love for French pastries, as well as Wendie Renard, cheering on Les Bleues could become a fruitful endeavor come the end of the tournament.

The Short Corner will be continuing our World Cup coverage with the Quarter Finals that kick off later tonight. Keep an eye out for our daily updates to hit your inbox the next morning!