Through its World Cup history, the U.S. women's national team has never had any major issues advancing out of the group stage and into the knockout rounds.
In fact, its worst performances at the event still won them a trio of bronze medals, so it's never been all that bad.
Even after settling for their first draw of the 2023 edition against the Netherlands, the USWNT are still in the mix for the title as they continue their quest to be the first to pull off a World Cup three-peat of titles. But do they have what it takes given the improvement from all the other contenders?
Two of those challengers — Japan and Spain — are already into the Round of 16, but the USWNT will have to wait for its final group stage match against Portugal on Tuesday, Aug. 1 to seal its place.
The Americans will go into the match at the top of Group E based on the goal difference tiebreaker, but things can still change on the last matchday.
Here's what you need to know about the USWNT's chances to get out of the group and the States' potential path to a final.
MORE: World Cup history of the U.S. women's national team
How USWNT can qualify to Round of 16 at Women's World Cup
The U.S. is the No. 1 ranked team in the world and they've made it to the knockout stage at every single Women's World Cup to date. They have never been eliminated from the tournament in the group stage.
The USA needs to win or draw against Portugal to be sure of advancing, and keeping its streak alive.
If the Americans win against Portugal, and the Netherlands don't score a ton of goals against Vietnam, then the USA will have a strong chance at first place in the group standings.
If the USWNT loses to Portugal, they are likely out — unless something unthinkable happens in the Netherlands-Vietnam match. And because it's soccer, you just never know.
Group E standings
(Current as of July 26)
| Team | PTS | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. USA | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | +3 |
| 2. Netherlands | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | +1 |
| 3. Portugal | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| 4. Vietnam | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -3 |
Women's World Cup group stage tiebreakers
- Total Points
- Goal difference in all matches
- Goals scored in all matches
- Head-to-head points between teams level on points
- Head-to-head goal difference between teams level on points
- Head-to-head goals scored between teams level on points
- Fair play points (yellow card: 1 point; indirect red card: 3 points; direct red card: 4 points; yellow card and direct red card: 5 points)
- Drawing of lots
MORE: USWNT players who are moms
USA path to Women's World Cup final
There are two paths for the USA if they want to reach the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
Finishing as Group E winner presents the more favorable path to a potential final. There will be more contenders at every turn of the knockouts if the Americans finish in second place.
As Group E winner:
- Round of 16:
- Sat, Aug. 5
- vs. 2G (likely Italy, Argentina or South Africa)
- Quarterfinals:
- Thu, Aug. 10
- vs. 1A or 2C (likely Switzerland, New Zealand, or Japan)
- Semifinals:
- Tue, Aug. 15
- vs. 1C / 2A / 1G / 2E (likely Sweden, Spain, New Zealand, or Netherlands)
As Group E runner-up:
- Round of 16:
- Sun, Aug. 6
- vs. 1G (likely Sweden)
- Quarterfinals:
- Fri, Aug. 11
- vs. 1C / 2A (likely Spain or New Zealand or Switzerland)
- Semifinals:
- Tue, Aug. 15
- vs. 1A / 2C / 1E / 2G (likely Switzerland, New Zealand, Japan, Italy, or Netherlands)
