When is the Matildas’ next game? Matildas group stage scenarios to reach FIFA Women’s World Cup knockouts

Well, the unthinkable – or at least the scenario Australian fans didn’t want to think about – is here.

After just two Group B games, the Matildas are on the brink of crashing out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tough scenes as Matildas reckon with defeat to Nigeria.

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It was a tournament that promised so much but a calf injury to Sam Kerr and unsteady play against Ireland and Nigeria have cruelled the team’s hopes of cruising through to the knockout rounds.

So what happens now?

The Matildas’ next game is just a few days away, with Olympic champions Canada lying in wait for a clash at 8pm AEST on Monday, July 31 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

And there are two likely outcomes for Australia, as well as one very unlikely.

Win and they’re in. Lose and they’re out. It’s that simple – if there is a result – but the permutations don’t end there.

A draw would send Canada through to the Round of 16.

But to join them in the knockout stage, the Matildas would need Ireland to pull a rabbit out of a hat against Nigeria when they clash at the same time on Monday at Brisbane Stadium.

Ireland, who are already eliminated, can help Australia only if they manage to defeat Nigeria by two goals or more.

So the equation really boils down to this for the Matildas: they must beat Canada.

If the Matildas can do that, they will still be relying on the Nigeria-Ireland result to learn where they will finish in Group B.

Nigeria will top the group with a victory and that would send Australia into a Round of 16 clash with the winner of Group D on Monday, August 7 at Brisbane Stadium.

If Nigeria draw or lose against Ireland then the Matildas will suddenly top Group B and face the runner-up of Group D on the same day at Stadium Australia.

Those Group D positions are likely to be settled with Friday night’s clash between reigning European champions England and Denmark in Sydney.

Mel McLaughlin and broadcasting legend Bruce McAvaney are leading Seven’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with expert insight from Elise Kellond-Knight, Heather Garriock and more. Watch the Matildas and other key matches live and free on 7plus.