Both the United States and Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the 2024 FIFA U-20 World Cup, with NC Courage players Riley Jackson and Manaka Matsukubo playing crucial roles for their respective countries during the group stage.
Jackson started all three group stage games for a USYNT roster loaded with NWSL talent, playing the full 90’ minutes in the first two games and being subbed at halftime in the third. The United States finished second in Group C with a 2-0-1 record.
After being an unused sub in Japan’s 7-0 win in the opening match of group play, Manaka started against Ghana and scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal just before halftime to clinch Japan’s spot in the knockout stages.
Manaka started Japan’s final game of the group stage and was subbed off at the start of the second half with Japan leading 1-0. With the win, Japan finished group play with a perfect 3-0-0 record to win Group E.
Round of 16 schedule
The United States will face Mexico on Wednesday, September 11, at 9 p.m. ET in the Round of 16. Streaming information for the match can be found here. Mexico finished second in Group A with a 1-1-1 record.
Japan will face Nigeria on Thursday, September 12, at 9 p.m. ET in the Round of 16. Streaming information for the match can be found here. Nigeria finished second in Group D with a 2-0-1 record, trailing group winners Germany on goal differential.
