Japan and Norway clash in the second match of the Round of 16, with both sides having contrasting group stage journeys.
Japan were statistically the best performers, scoring 11 goals without concession and routed Spain 4-0 in an attacking masterclass to claim top spot in the group.
Norway on the other hand had to wait until their third game to score a goal after a 1-0 loss to New Zealand and a 0-0 draw with Switzerland, but when they did score, it was six of the best against the Philippines that helped them progress over New Zealand on goal difference.
Their campaign has been marked by injury and potential discontent between manager and key players, meaning it will be an uphill battle against a strong and in-form Japan side.
MORE: Which team is favourite to win the World Cup?
What time does Japan vs Norway kick off?
The match, taking place at Wellington Regional Stadium, will kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time.
- Date: Saturday, August 5
- Time: 8:00 p.m. NZT (4:00 a.m. ET)
Here is the kick off time in regions and territories around the world:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Sat, August 5 | 4:00 a.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, August 5 | 4:00 a.m. ET |
| UK | Sat, August 5 | 9:00 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Sat, August 5 | 6:00 p.m. AEST |
| India | Sat, August 5 | 1:30 p.m. IST |
| Hong Kong | Sat, August 5 | 4:00 p.m. HKT |
| Malaysia | Sat, August 5 | 4:00 p.m. MYT |
| Singapore | Sat, August 5 | 4:00 p.m. SGT |
| New Zealand | Sat, August 5 | 8:00 p.m. NZT |
Where to watch Japan vs Norway
The Japan vs Norway Round of 16 clash will be broadcast in regions around the world live, with both television and streaming options available.
Fans in select regions of the world can stream the Women's World Cup live on FIFA+, including in Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | FOX Sports 1, Telemundo (Spanish) | Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo (Spanish) |
| UK | ITV1 | ITVX |
| Australia | Channel 7, 7Mate | Optus Sport, 7Plus |
| Canada | TSN1, TSN4, TSN5, RDS | TSN+, RDS site/app |
| India | Star Sports Select 1 | FanCode, JioTV, Hotstar VIP |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport 2 NZ | Sky Sport NOW, Prime TV |
| Singapore | FIFA WWC CH01 | meWATCH |
| Hong Kong | Now Sports Prime | Now Player |
| Malaysia | — | FIFA+ |
MORE: All the key details for the Round of 16
Japan vs Norway lineups, team news
What makes Japan's performances more impressive is the fact they have managed to rotate their team more than other sides, meaning their top players will be fresher for the knockout games.
The likes of Mina Tanaka, Riko Ueki and Yui Hasegawa have all had matches where they have started on the bench, though that hasn't stunted the performances of the team or the player individually, with Tanaka having three goals so far in the tournament, and Ueki scoring against Spain in the final match of the group stages.
Goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita and captain Saki Kumagai have been a couple of the consistent starters in the Japan side throughout the group stages, and are highly likely to start once again in Wellington.
Japan have lined up with a back three at every match of the tournament so far, using a 3-4-2-1 in their first two matches, before switching to a 3-4-3 against Spain.
- Japan projected starting lineup (3-4-3): Yamashita (GK) — Minami, Kumagai, Takahashi — Shimzu, Hasegawa, Nagano, Endo — Miyazawa, Tanaka, Naomoto
Despite Norway's eventual qualification thanks to their big last round win, it has been far from smooth sailing in terms of team selection.
Star attackers Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen have missed matches for different reasons, with Hegerberg being injured moments before kick off against Switzerland which saw her miss the last two matches of the group, whilst Hansen was controversially dropped to the bench for the team's second match, leading to her criticising her treatment by coach Hege Riise; she later apologised for the outburst and was restored to the side for the Philippines match, scoring a goal.
Vilde Boe Risa did not start the opening match in midfield, but was introduced against Switzerland, and impressed enough to keep her spot in the side; expect her to line up alongside Frida Maanum and Guro Reiten as they look to win the midfield battle against a talented and hard working Japan side.
- Norway projected starting lineup (4-3-3): Mikalsen (GK) — Bjelde, Mjelde, Harviken, Hansen — Maanum, Risa, Reiten — C. Hansen, Haug, Haavi
