The United States ladies’s nationwide workforce finds itself going through an arduous journey to the World Cup last, having completed second in Group E, a rarity in its storied historical past.

This main setback means a difficult path lies forward, one which entails an early showdown in opposition to acquainted rivals, Sweden, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 6 at 5 a.m. ET.

But it isn’t simply the power of opponents that poses a problem; the worldwide occasion’s location in Australia and New Zealand has led to video games kicking off a staggering 12-16 hours forward of Eastern Standard Time, forcing American followers into predawn wake-up calls to catch the USWNT in motion.

The ramifications of not clinching the group victory ripple by way of the knockout stage scheduling as effectively.

In a notable twist, the prime time slot that might sometimes be reserved for the United States’ match within the spherical of 16 will now function the Netherlands, who secured a high place of their group.

Their conflict is ready for Saturday, Aug. 5 at 10 p.m. ET, a highlight that might have in any other case illuminated the USWNT because the presumed group favorites.

This adjustment in timing not solely impacts speedy visibility but in addition has a cascading impact on subsequent matches. The victor within the Netherlands match will proceed to delight in favorable time slots within the ensuing rounds.

The USWNT doubtlessly faces a tougher trajectory in latest occasions.

Potential path for the USWNT within the Knockout stage

Sunday, August 6

Sweden vs. United States at 5 a.m. ET

Friday, August 11

Winner of Japan/Norway vs. Winner of Sweden/United States at 3:30 a.m. ET

Following the quarterfinals, match timings will align with the native schedules of Australia and New Zealand.

A possible semifinal may happen on Tuesday, August 15, at 4 a.m. The climax of the World Cup, the ultimate, is ready for Sunday, August 20, at 6 a.m. ET.

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Fans of the United States workforce might want to hold their espresso cups crammed within the upcoming weeks.

While a victory in opposition to Portugal may have doubtlessly led to a distinct situation, the Netherlands’ spectacular goal-scoring efficiency in opposition to Vietnam signifies that the United States would possible have nonetheless discovered themselves on this state of affairs.