The Round of 16 continues with a clash between European heavyweight Netherlands and one of many surprise qualifiers to the knockout rounds South Africa.
Banyana Banyana were given little chance of qualifying, and were just minutes from exiting the tournament, until a stoppage-time winner from Thembi Kgatlana saw them claim a priceless 3-2 win over Italy, which helped them progress over their opponents for the first time ever.
It will be a tough test against the Netherlands, who defeated Portugal in an efficient 1-0 win, fought for a 1-1 draw against the USA in a rematch of the 2019 final, and then destroyed Vietnam 7-0 to top their group.
This World Cup has already taught us to expect the unexpected, and that no side regardless of their pedigree is safe from sudden elimination.
MORE: Which team is favourite to win the World Cup?
What time is Netherlands vs South Africa?
The Netherlands vs South Africa Round of 16 match will begin at 12 p.m. local time at Sydney Football Stadium.
- Date: Sunday, August 6
- Time: 12 p.m. AEST (10 p.m. ET, August 5)
Here is the kickoff time in regions around the world:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA | Sat, Aug. 5 | 10 p.m. ET |
| Canada | Sat, Aug. 5 | 10 p.m. ET |
| UK | Sun, Aug. 6 | 3 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Sun, Aug. 6 | 12 p.m. AEST |
| India | Sun, Aug. 6 | 7:30 a.m. IST |
| Hong Kong | Sun, Aug. 6 | 10 p.m. HKT |
| Malaysia | Sun, Aug. 6 | 10 p.m. MYT |
| Singapore | Sun, Aug. 6 | 10 p.m. SGT |
| New Zealand | Sun, Aug. 6 | 2 p.m. NZT |
Netherlands vs South Africa TV channel, live stream
The Netherlands' clash against South Africa in the Round of 16 will be available to watch live around the world on both television, as well as various live streaming options.
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, Telemundo (Spanish), Universo (Spanish) | Fubo, Fox Sports site/app, Peacock, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Universo NOW |
| UK | BBC One | BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Web, RTE Player |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| Canada | TSN3/4, RDS (French) | TSN+, TSN site/app, RDS site/app |
| India | DD Sports | FanCode |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport 1 NZ, Prime TV | Sky Sport NOW, Prime TV |
| Singapore | — | meWATCH |
| Hong Kong | Now Sports Prime | Now Player |
| Malaysia | — | FIFA+ |
MORE: All the key details for the Round of 16
Netherlands vs South Africa lineups, team news
The Netherlands have maintained a very settled lineup during the group stage, making just one change over their opening three matches.
That change was forced by injury in their opening game against Portugal, where forward Lineth Beerensteyn picked up a late knock and was replaced by Katja Snoeijs, who subsequently kept her place in the starting side.
There was much pre-tournament debate as to how the Dutch would replace the attacking talents of injured forward Vivianne Miedema, with veteran Lieke Martens chosen to fill the void in the team.
Although the side scored seven against Vietnam, there are still concerns surrounding the quality of attacking chances the side creates against stronger teams, and it will be interesting to see if the team is able to perform in front of goal in the high pressure moments.
Their defence has excelled, though, with Stephanie van der Gragt in particular standing out in a strong back three.
- Netherlands projected starting lineup (3-5-2): Van Domselaar (GK) — Spitse, Van der Gragt, Janssen — Pelova, Roord, Groenen, Van de Donk, Brugts — Snoeijs, Martens
South Africa have been led by Thembi Kgatlana and Hildah Magaia in attack, with the pair having four goals and three assists between them. But Magaia did have to leave the pitch late against Italy, meaning there are some doubts as to whether she will be able to start against the Dutch.
Karabo Dhlamini also went off injured in stoppage time of their final group match, with the left-back potentially being a difficult player to replace in the side.
South Africa have been well led by central defenders Bambanani Mbane and Noko Matlou at the back, while Linda Motlhalo has impressed at both striker and in a deeper attacking midfield role for Banyana Banyana.
- South Africa projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Swart (GK) — Ramalepe, Mbane, Matlou, Dhlamini — Moodaly, Gamede — Seoposenwe, Motlhalo, Maiaga — Kgatlana
