World Cup 2026: Germany and USA already qualified, Ecuador and Ivory Coast battle for last-16 spots on decisive group-stage day

Group E: Germany already through, Ecuador in peril

Germany have already secured first place in Group E with six points after wins over Curacao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1). Julian Nagelsmann's side faces Ecuador at the Meadowlands Stadium in New Jersey, with the South Americans needing a victory to avoid an early exit. Ecuador have collected only one point so far and risk being one of the tournament's disappointments. Germany may rotate their squad, but the article notes that the Germans rarely give anything away.

In the simultaneous kick-off at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Curacao and Ivory Coast meet with a last-16 place at stake. Ivory Coast, on three points, need at least a draw to stay in contention, while a win would guarantee progression either as group runners-up or as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Curacao, also on one point, can write history with a victory, driven by goalkeeper Eloy Room's saves. The Ivorians hold the head-to-head advantage over Germany's only possible challenger, so a draw might suffice for them.

Group F: Japan and Sweden eye safe passage

At 01:00 Italian time, Group F concludes with Japan facing Sweden at AT&T Stadium in Arlington and the Netherlands taking on Tunisia at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Japan need only a point to reach the round of 32, while Sweden must win to be mathematically certain, though a draw would likely suit both teams. The Netherlands are practically qualified and want a win to clinch top spot against a Tunisia side already eliminated after two defeats and a coaching change. The simultaneous matches raise the spectre of a "biscotto" (a mutually convenient result), as a draw between Japan and Sweden could send both through.

Group D: Hosts USA cruise, Australia-Paraguay draw fears

The United States, one of the three host nations, have already won the group and face Vincenzo Montella's Turkey at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara at 04:00. Turkey, a major disappointment, are already out after two losses. In the other fixture, Australia and Paraguay meet with a simple equation: the winner advances. A draw, however, would give both sides four points and could allow them to progress together, fuelling talk of a possible "biscotto" similar to Group F. The match is scheduled for the same time slot to preserve sporting integrity.

Other groups in action

Earlier in the day, Group C completed its fixtures with Scotland taking on Brazil and Morocco facing Haiti at midnight Italian time. Brazil and Morocco sat on four points, Scotland on three, and Haiti on zero. Scotland needed a win to be certain of a last-16 berth, while a draw would have left them relying on other results. Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti and with Neymar available, could advance with a draw. Group A also concluded at 03:00 with South Korea needing a point against South Africa and the Czech Republic requiring a victory over already-qualified Mexico.

Broadcast details

All six evening matches are available on DAZN. Ecuador-Germany will also be shown free-to-air on Rai 1 and RaiPlay in Italy. The earlier Group C and A matches were exclusive to DAZN.