World Cup 2026 group stage: Ecuador stun Germany as Ivory Coast and Netherlands advance

The FIFA World Cup group stage moved closer to its conclusion on June 25, 2026, with several decisive results shaping the round of 32 and raising fresh questions about how the expanded 48-team tournament affects late group games.

Ivory Coast defeated Curacao 2-0 to advance from Group E, marking the first time the West African side has reached the knockout phase at a World Cup. Analysts credited Nicolas Pepe with a standout performance in the win. Curacao, making its debut at the tournament, were eliminated despite being hailed as the smallest nation by population ever to qualify; Jamaica had previously held that record after reaching the 1998 finals.

In the same group, Ecuador claimed a 2-1 victory over Germany. The Germans had already secured qualification and fielded a heavily rotated lineup, yet Ecuador’s disciplined approach earned praise, with Moises Caicedo singled out for controlling midfield. Ecuador were later confirmed among the best third-place finishers advancing to the next round. Germany progressed despite the loss.

Group F produced a 1-1 draw between Japan and Sweden, with Japan finishing second and Sweden advancing as one of the best third-place teams. The Netherlands closed their group campaign with a 3-1 win over Tunisia to top the section.

Several round-of-32 ties are already set. South Africa will face Canada on June 28, Brazil will meet Japan on June 29 in Houston, the Netherlands will play Morocco, Mexico will take on Scotland, and the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in Santa Clara.

Panellists on CVM’s Fan Central Extra Time debated whether some teams might settle for draws when both sides are already assured of progress. Japan and Sweden’s 1-1 result was cited as an example, with observers noting both sides appeared content once level. A similar scenario was raised for Austria versus Algeria, where finishing second could mean a tougher path than third under the new format. Former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup player Brent Sancho pushed back, insisting athletes and coaches should always compete to win.

Earlier in the day, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice in a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, while England drew with Ghana amid debate over a penalty that was not awarded.