FIFA Women’s World Cup: All you need to know about the matches on July 26

Group C is the main focus at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Wednesday, with heavyweights Japan and Spain looking to secure safe passage to the knockout stages after comprehensive victories in their opening matches.

Ranked 11th in the world, Japan showed their class in a one-sided thrashing on debutants Zambia and are expected to dish out similar treatment to minnows Costa Rica when they meet in Dunedin.

Likewise, Spain excelled in their 3-0 win over the Costa Ricans in Wellington, attempting a tournament record 46 shots in a dominant display.

They looked like a side capable of going deep into the tournament and will surely have too much quality for Zambian side low on confidence after shipping five goals. But the African side will take heart from their recently friendly win over another European powerhouse, Germany, as they look to keep their hopes of escaping the group alive.

Here’s all you need to know about the matches on July 26.

Japan v Costa Rica

Group C; Where: Dunedin Stadium; When: 5pm

Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1; live updates on Stuff

Going off their respective opening matches, there is only going to be one winner when Japan meet Costa Rica in Dunedin on Wednesday. The 2011 champions were simply brilliant in their annihilation of newcomers Zambia last Saturday, and if anything, the 5-0 scoreline flattered the African side. Costa Rica, on the other hand, were thoroughly outplayed by Spain and will need to raise their game ten-fold to get near the Japanese, who have quality operators across the park. It all points to a comfortable Japan victory and safe passage to the knockout rounds.

Key players: There were no shortage of impressive performers for Japan in their opener, but midfielder Hinata Miyazawa caught the eye with her incisive passing and finishing, scoring two of their five goals. For Costa Rica, goalkeeper Daniela Solera was in inspired form against Spain, making 10 saves – including a penalty. She will be in for another busy evening against a relentless Japanese attack.

Stuff match predictor: Japan 77%, draw 12%, Costa Rica 11%

TAB odds: Japan $1.02, draw $11, Costa Rica $51

You can find the squads and other key information about both teams here.

Spain v Zambia

Group C; Where: Eden Park, Auckland; When: 7.30pm

Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1, Prime, Stuff; live updates on Stuff

World No 6 Spain gave Costa Rica a footballing lesson in Wellington and would have won by more than three goals had it not been for some wayward finishing and excellent goalkeeping. With Ballon d’or winner Alexia Putellas nearing full fitness, anything but a comprehensive victory for Spain at Eden Park would be a huge shock. After all, Zambia were ruthlessly dismantled by Japan and the Spanish are highest-ranked team in the group. Prepare for another masterclass from one of the pre-tournament favourites as the march into the round of 16.

Key players: Barcelona schemer Aitana Bonmati ran the show for Spain against Costa Rica, scoring a superb goal and having a hand in one of the others. As ever, Zambia will rely on their captain Barbra Banda to provide moments of inspiration. A virtual spectator against Japan, Banda needs to have a blinder in Auckland for the Africans to have any chance of a major boilover.

Stuff match predictor: Spain 87%, draw 7%, Zambia 6%

TAB odds: Spain $1.01, draw $21, Zambia $67

You can find the squads and other key information about both teams here.

Canada v Republic of Ireland

Group B; Where: Perth Rectangular Stadium; When: Thursday, 12am [NZ time]

Coverage: Live on Sky Sport 1; live updates on Stuff

Olympic champions Canada largely underwhelmed in their opener, settling for a point in a drab goalless draw with Nigeria. Veteran striker Christine Sinclair missed the chance to etch her name into World Cup history when her spotkick was saved early in the second half, ensuring there is plenty riding on this clash with Ireland in Perth. The Irish went down fighting against Australia in Sydney on their tournament debut and were unlucky not to come away with at least a draw. They will throw everything at Canada knowing that defeat will result in their elimination. So expect plenty of heavy challenges and goalmouth scrambles, with Canada’s greater experience getting them over the line.

Key players: Canada’s talismanic leader Christine Sinclair will be desperate to atone for the costly penalty miss and become the first person to score at six World Cups. For Ireland, captain Katie McCabe was outstanding against the Matildas, her set-piece delivery causing the hosts no end of problems.

Stuff match predictor: Canada 77%, draw 12%, Republic of Ireland 11%

TAB odds: Canada $1.57, draw $3.30, Republic of Ireland $6.50

You can find the squads and other key information about both teams here.