USWNT Progress Despite Worst Ever Performance In FIFA Women's World Cup Group Stage

The USWNT have progressed to the last 16 despite recording their worst ever performance in the group stage of a FIFA Women's World Cup.

The United States qualified for the last 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on Tuesday following a 0-0 draw with Portugal.

That result saw the USWNT finish second in Group E with five points.

This was the first time in Women's World Cup history that the USA had earned fewer than six points during the group stage.

USWNT's Record In Women's World Cup Group Stage 

• 2023: 5 points, +3 goal difference
• 2019: 9 points, +18 goal difference
• 2015: 7 points, +3 goal difference
• 2011: 6 points, +4 goal difference
• 2007: 7 points, +3 goal difference
• 2003: 9 points, +10 goal difference
• 1999: 9 points, +12 goal difference
• 1995: 7 points, +5 goal difference
• 1991: 6 points, +9 goal difference

The USWNT drew 0-0 with Portugal in their final group game at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup :: IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Kim Price

Tuesday's goalless draw in Auckland came five days after the USWNT had drawn 1-1 with the Netherlands, who ended top of the group with seven points following a 7-0 win over Vietnam in their final group game.

The USA had beaten Vietnam 3-0 in their first match of the tournament.

Although Vlatko Andonovski's USA side were the dominant team for much of Tuesday's Group E decider with Portugal, they came dangerously close to losing.

Portugal forward Ana Capeta hit the post in the 91st minute.

Had Portugal won the game then they would have progressed and the USWNT would have been eliminated.

The USA will now play against the winner of Group G - likely Sweden - in the last 16 on Sunday.