The United States beat North Korea 1-0 to finish top of Group G with nine points, meaning the Americans will travel from Manchester to Newcastle for their last-eight natches.
Abby Wambach's goal in the 25th minute was enough for the U.S. to secure top spot.
"It's now or never - lose and you go home," Wambach said. "But this is the fun part. This is what it is all about. We came here for the gold medal and that's what we want to go home with."
Elsewhere in Group G, France defeated Colombia 1-0 and will face Sweden in the first quarterfinal of the Olympic women's football tournament later this week.
The French finished second in the group with six points, three behind the U.S., after eliminating Colombia from the tournament.
In Group F, Canada had to fight back against Sweden to advance to the quarterfinals, earning a draw 2-2.
Sweden finished first in Group F with five points, ahead of Japan based on goal difference. Canada finished third with four points.
World champion Japan failed to score, drawing 0-0 with South Africa eliminating them from the tournament.
Group E finishes off with both Great Britain and Brazil advancing to the quarterfinals.
Great Britain defeated Brazil 1-0, thus taking the leadership of Group E with nine points. Brazil places second with six points.
New Zealand defeated Cameroon 3-1.
