The first round of 16 pairings at the World Cup in Oceania have been determined: Switzerland will face Spain, Japan will play Norway. Australia and Nigeria have also reached the round of the best 16.

Australia and Japan advance to the round of 16 of the World Cup as group winners. Nigeria and Spain have also made it into the round of the best 16, with both countries finishing second in their respective preliminary groups.

Australia convincingly defeated Canada 4-0 in Group B, while Japan edged out Spain in Group C by the same final score. In the day’s other matches, Ireland and Nigeria drew goalless and Zambia beat Costa Rica 3-1.

Olympic champions eliminated

Hayley Raso scored twice for the Australian hosts in Melbourne, Mary Fowler and Steph Catley adding the other goals to knock out the Canadians, Olympic champions in 2021.

Hinata Miyazawa scored twice in Japan’s 4-0 win over Spain in Wellington, while Riko Ueki and Mina Tanaka also scored. Both countries were already assured of a place in the last 16 before their final group match.

Swiss women face Spain in round of 16

Fixed pairings in the round of 16 are: Switzerland vs. Spain and Japan vs. Norway (both on Saturday, August 5).