It’s all-or-nothing in Olympic Football group-stage finale

It's still all to play for in the Women's Olympic Football Tournament, with ten sides battling it out for six quarterfinal berths.

The finale of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament group stage is almost upon us, with six of the eight quarterfinal places still to be determined.

In Group A, hosts France know a point will see them through against a New Zealand side who must win to stay in with a chance.

Colombia will advance to the last eight if they avoid defeat against Canada, who know a victory will propel them into the quarterfinals.

USA face Australia with qualification already secured from Group B and their opponents will join them should they avoid defeat.

Germany, for their part, will progress with a point against a Zambian side in need of victory to have any hope themselves.

Elsewhere, Brazil require just a point against already-qualified Spain to join them from Group C, while a draw will also do for Japan in their tussle against Nigeria, who need a win and for other results to go their way.

Women’s Olympic Football Tournament fixtures:

Group A

New Zealand v France

Stade de Lyon

Kick-off: 21:00 (all kick-offs in local time)

How they can qualify

New Zealand must win to have any chance of reaching the quarterfinals, either in second via goal difference, or as one of the two best third-placed sides.

France will qualify with a win or a draw. Defeat would leave them hoping to secure second spot on goal difference, or progress in third.

Quotes

"We need to get some things right and I think some of our players that came on later in the game against Colombia [a 2-0 defeat] actually put their hands up. We have to have a look at the squad and see what we can do to make sure we don't lose energy like against Colombia." - Michael Mayne, New Zealand coach

"We're asking the girls to find some serenity in difficult moments, but it's not easy. I told the girls to keep their heads up [after the 2-1 defeat to Canada] and focus on the match against New Zealand, and go for first place and qualification." - Herve Renard, France coach

Colombia v Canada

Stade de Nice

Kick-off: 21:00

How they can qualify

A win or a draw would send Colombia into the knockout phase, but defeat would mean they are relying on goal difference for second place, or hoping to go through in third.

Canada will reach the quarterfinals with a victory. A draw or defeat will see them eliminated.

Quote

"Our next match against Canada will be decisive. Our aim is to get the win and hit our target.” - Manuela Vanegas, Colombia defender

"This team is very resilient. We've been able to rely on each and every one of us to do our job. We believed in ourselves. I think there's still a chance of qualifying. We'll do our best to get the result we need." - Kadeisha Buchanan, Canada defender

Group B

Australia v USA

Stade de Marseille

Kick-off: 19:00

How they can qualify

Australia can qualify by avoiding defeat in their final group fixture. A reverse would see them hoping to qualify in second on goal difference, or as one of the two best third-placed sides.

USA have already punched their ticket to the quarterfinals. They will top the group with a win or a draw and will only fall to second with a significant swing in goal difference in defeat.

Quotes

“We’re playing with more structure and discipline, and I think we’re having fun too. We have a lot of really special players and we’re finally starting to connect. But we know we still have another level in us.” - Rose Lavelle, USA midfielder

"We just got to build momentum off the Zambia game [a 6-5 win]. I think it’s going to come down to belief within the team, and hard work and dedication, to do everything we can to get that win.” - Michelle Heyman, Australia striker

Zambia v Germany

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne

Kick-off: 19:00

How they can qualify

After defeats in their opening two games, Zambia must win to have any chance of extending their Olympic adventure.

Germany will be through with a win or a draw. Defeat would leave them looking to other results to progress on goal difference in second, or qualify in third.

Quote

"There's no reason to put our heads down [after the USA defeat]. We’ve been beaten. That's all that happened. There are many champions who haven't won all their games." - Horst Hrubesch, Germany coach

"The game against Germany will be one of the toughest games we're going to have to play, but we're hoping for the best result. I still believe. The team is focused and is looking forward to the game. We won the last time against Germany [3-2 in a friendly in July 2023] but there's been some changes and they've learned about us. I can't stop encouraging my girls. My word to them is to keep strong, work as a team, do things together, learn together. It's important to encourage each other and to work on our mistakes." - Barbra Banda, Zambia captain

Group C

Brazil v Spain

Stade de Bordeaux

Kick-off: 17:00

How they can qualify

Brazil will move into the next round with a win or a draw. Defeat would leave them hoping to finish second on goal difference or qualify as one of the two third-placed teams.

Spain have already secured their place in the quarterfinals and will top the group with a win or a draw.

Quote

"We could not have chosen [tougher] opponents throughout the tournament and that is even truer now. We have to give it everything as a group – that is football. Anything can happen." - Marta, Brazil forward

Japan v Nigeria

Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

Kick-off: 17:00

How they can qualify

A place in the last eight will be secured by Japan if they win or draw. Should they lose, they will hope to progress on goal difference in second or as one of the two qualifiers from third spot.

Nigeria must win to have any hope of progressing to the next phase, either via goal difference in second, or from third spot.