The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered another unforgettable day as the final matches in Groups D, E, and F wrapped up with stunning upsets, dramatic late goals, and historic milestones.
One of the biggest headlines came from Ecuador’s shock 2-1 victory over Germany, while Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever. Elsewhere, the United States advanced despite a last-gasp defeat to Türkiye, and the Netherlands completed a flawless group-stage campaign.
With the results confirmed, several blockbuster Round of 32 matchups are now officially locked in.
Ecuador Produces One of the Biggest Upsets of the Tournament
Germany looked in complete control after Leroy Sané opened the scoring just two minutes into the match following a precise assist from Florian Wirtz.
However, Ecuador responded almost immediately.
Nilson Angulo leveled the score in the ninth minute with a brilliant finish that shifted the momentum in favor of the South American side. Ecuador continued to pressure Germany throughout the second half before Gonzalo Plata headed home the winner from a corner in the 77th minute.
The 2-1 victory marks Ecuador’s first-ever win over Germany in international football, securing their place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Ivory Coast Makes History Against Curaçao
History was also made in Group E as Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 to secure their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Nicolas Pépé was the standout performer, scoring both goals in a dominant display against the tournament debutants. His second goal, calmly finished in a one-on-one situation, sealed a landmark achievement for Les Éléphants.
Germany still finished top of Group E thanks to their superior goal difference, while Ivory Coast advanced in second place. Ecuador also moved on through the best third-placed ranking, ending Curaçao’s debut World Cup campaign.
Türkiye Signs Off with Dramatic Victory Over the United States
Group D produced one of the most entertaining matches of the day as Türkiye defeated the United States 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The Americans took the lead after just three minutes when Auston Trusty scored following a VAR review.
Türkiye quickly turned the game around through Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz, taking a 2-1 advantage into halftime.
The United States fought back early in the second half when Sebastian Berhalter equalized in the 49th minute. Just as the match appeared headed for a draw, Kaan Ayhan struck deep into stoppage time in the 90+8th minute to hand Türkiye a memorable farewell victory.
Despite the defeat, the United States had already secured top spot in Group D, while Türkiye’s campaign ended in elimination.
Australia Books Knockout Spot with Goalless Draw
Australia did exactly what was needed against Paraguay.
A 0-0 draw proved enough for the Socceroos to finish second in Group D and secure automatic qualification for the Round of 32.
Although Jordan Bos and Cristian Volpato created several dangerous moments, neither side could find a breakthrough in a tactical encounter.
Paraguay finished third with four points and must rely on the best third-placed rankings to determine whether their World Cup journey continues.
Netherlands Finish Group Stage with Perfect Record
The Netherlands confirmed themselves as one of the tournament favorites after defeating Tunisia 3-1 to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.
The Dutch were gifted an early lead through an own goal from Ellyes Skhiri before Bryan Brobbey doubled the advantage just four minutes later.
Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Hazem Mastouri scored after halftime, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion with a well-placed header.
The victory ensured the Netherlands finished atop Group F with a maximum nine points.
Japan and Sweden Both Advance After Hard-Fought Draw
Japan and Sweden shared the points in a competitive 1-1 draw that ultimately benefited both teams.
Following a cautious opening half, Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead in the 56th minute.
Sweden refused to back down and eventually found an equalizer with a superb curling finish that beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
The result secured Japan’s automatic qualification as Group F runners-up, while Sweden advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Japan now faces one of the toughest tests of the knockout stage with a blockbuster showdown against Brazil.
Final Group Standings
Group D
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇺🇸 United States | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 | 6 | Advanced (Group Winner) |
| 2 | 🇦🇺 Australia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Advanced |
| 3 | 🇵🇾 Paraguay | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 | Best Third-Place Race |
| 4 | 🇹🇷 Türkiye | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 7 | -2 | 3 | Eliminated |
Group E
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇩🇪 Germany | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 6 | Advanced (Group Winner) |
| 2 | 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 6 | Advanced |
| 3 | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | Advanced (Best Third-Placed Team) |
| 4 | 🇨🇼 Curaçao | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 | Eliminated |
Group F
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 4 | +6 | 9 | Advanced (Group Winner) |
| 2 | 🇯🇵 Japan | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 5 | Advanced |
| 3 | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 | Advanced (Best Third-Placed Team) |
| 4 | 🇹🇳 Tunisia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 | Eliminated |
Confirmed Round of 32 Matches
Several knockout fixtures are now officially confirmed:
- United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 2, San Francisco
- Brazil vs Japan — June 29, Houston
- Netherlands vs Morocco — June 29, Monterrey
Final Group Stage Continues
Attention now turns to the final day of the group stage.
The biggest match sees France face Norway in Group I, where the winner will claim first place. France only needs a draw thanks to a superior goal difference.
Another marquee clash features Spain against Uruguay in Group H, with both teams battling for the top seed heading into the knockout rounds.
As the group stage reaches its conclusion, the race for the remaining Round of 32 places promises even more drama before the tournament enters its win-or-go-home phase.
