2019 FIFA Women's World Cup — Group E

Teams and final positions

The four participants in Group E were:

• Netherlands — group winners and one of the tournament favourites;
• Canada — advanced as group runners-up;
• Cameroon — finished third and progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams;
• New Zealand — finished fourth and were eliminated in the group stage.

The Dutch side, represented by a squad that had risen rapidly on the international scene in the previous cycle, led the group overall. For more on the Netherlands team and history, see the national team page: Netherlands women's national team.

Format and advancement

The group used the standard World Cup round-robin format, with each team playing the others once. Teams earned three points for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss; ranking was determined by total points, then goal difference and goals scored if required. In 2019 the tournament format allowed the four best third-placed teams across the six groups to advance to the round of 16, which is how Cameroon moved on despite finishing third in Group E.

Notable matches and moments

Several matches in Group E were noteworthy for the intensity and tactical approaches on display rather than single dramatic scorelines. The contest between the Netherlands and Canada featured two technically strong teams testing each other's defensive organisation and transition play. Cameroon's campaign attracted attention for its spirited, physical performances and ability to secure the result needed to qualify as one of the best third-placed sides. New Zealand, representing the Oceania confederation, fought hard but were unable to turn opportunities into the results necessary to progress.

Significance and context

Group E highlighted the global growth of women's football: established European and North American teams shared the group with sides from Africa and Oceania, producing a mix of styles and tactical variety. The presence of a third-placed qualifier underlined how tournament structures can reward consistency and timely results, while the Netherlands' group victory reinforced their position among the leading teams in the women's game in that period. The outcomes determined the round-of-16 matchups and shaped the pathway for several teams into the later knockout rounds.

Further reading

For schedules, full match reports and statistical details consult the official tournament documentation and team profiles on the event site: Group E details at the 2019 tournament and the Netherlands team page: Netherlands women's national team.