KANSAS CITY/ARLINGTON/NEW JERSEY SATDIUM/PHILADELPHIA/SANTA CLARA/LOS ANGELES, JUN 26 (IANS): The final round of group matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered high drama across stadiums in the United States, with teams battling for survival and glory producing decisive results that confirmed the final entrants into the Round of 32. From the Netherlands’ lightning-fast start to Ecuador’s historic triumph and from Australia’s disciplined resilience to Ivory Coast’s breakthrough and Turkiye’s spirited farewell against co-hosts USA.
Netherlands beat Tunisia to book knockout date with Morocco
The Netherlands stormed into the Round of 32 with a commanding 3-1 victory over Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium. Ronald Koeman’s side struck twice within the opening seven minutes, marking the first time in their World Cup history they had scored two goals so early in a match. An own goal from Tunisian captain Ellyes Skhiri, followed swiftly by Brian Brobbey’s third strike of the tournament, set the tone. Tunisia, already eliminated after defeats to Sweden and Japan, attempted to rally but struggled against the Oranje’s pressing game. Hazem Mastouri briefly restored hope with a header from Hannibal Mejbri’s corner, but Jan Paul van Hecke’s first international goal quickly extinguished any comeback. The win secured top spot in Group F for the Dutch, who now face Morocco in the knockouts.
Battling draw sends Japan and Sweden through to knockouts
Japan and Sweden played out a tense 1-1 draw in Arlington, ensuring both sides progressed from Group F. Japan, needing only a point to secure second place, delivered a disciplined performance, while Sweden fought hard to remain in contention as one of the best third-placed teams. Daizen Maeda broke the deadlock ten minutes after the restart, finishing a flowing move initiated by Ritsu Doan.
The lead, however, was short-lived as Anthony Elanga equalized six minutes later with a stunning strike. Sweden nearly snatched victory late on when Alexander Isak’s header was tipped onto the bar by Zion Suzuki.
Japan controlled much of the tempo, with Yukinari Sugawara and Keito Nakamura testing Sweden’s defense, while Graham Potter’s men showed resilience through Elanga and Isak. With the draw, Japan advanced as runners-up and will face Brazil in Houston, while Sweden await confirmation of their next opponent.
Ecuador stun Germany to qualify for knockouts
Ecuador produced one of the shocks of the tournament, defeating four-time champions Germany 2-1 in New Jersey to secure their place in the Round of 32. Germany struck first through Leroy Sane’s second-minute goal, their second-fastest in World Cup history. Ecuador responded swiftly with Nilson Angulo’s maiden World Cup strike after Pablo Vite’s incisive play.
The equalizer energized Ecuador, who matched Germany stride for stride in midfield battles. The second half brought drama when a German penalty was overturned by VAR due to an earlier foul. Gonzalo Plata then capitalized on a defensive mix-up, steering Kevin Rodriguez’s flick into the net late on. Despite defeat, Germany topped the group on goal difference, while Ecuador advanced as one of the best third-placed teams. Coach Felix Sanchez lauded his side’s resilience, emphasizing their ability to recover from early setbacks and seize historic qualification.
Australia advance to knockouts with 0-0 draw against Paraguay
Australia booked their place in the Round of 32 after a tense goalless draw against Paraguay in Santa Clara. The result ensured the Socceroos finished second in Group D, setting up a clash with the runners-up from Group G. Australia dominated early, with Jackson Irvine and Jordan Bos creating chances, but Paraguay’s defense held firm. Julio Enciso led Paraguay’s second-half resurgence, forcing Patrick Beach into a sharp save.
Substitute Tete Yengi also came close for Australia, narrowly missing late on. Despite the lack of goals, the draw reflected Australia’s tactical discipline and Paraguay’s resilience. For the Socceroos, progression marks another milestone in their World Cup journey, while Paraguay await confirmation of their fate as one of the best third-placed finishers.
Pepe double helps Cote d’Ivoire into knockout stage for first time
Ivory Coast made history by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time, defeating Curacao 2-0 in Philadelphia. Nicolas Pepe was the star, scoring twice to secure second place in Group E and a Round of 32 clash against either Norway or France.
He opened the scoring in the seventh minute, tapping in Yan Diomande’s assist after a turnover in midfield. His second came in the 64th minute, a superb curling effort into the top corner after latching onto Ibrahim Sangare’s precise pass. Curacao, making their World Cup debut, fought valiantly but struggled to break down Ivory Coast’s organized defense. The result ended years of frustration for Ivory Coast after group-stage exits in 2006, 2010, and 2014. Pepe’s early strike also set a national record as the fastest goal scored by the team in World Cup history.
Turkiye edge co-hosts USA to bow out in style
Turkiye ended their World Cup campaign on a high, defeating co-hosts USA 3-2 in Los Angeles. Auston Trusty gave the USA an early lead, but Arda Guler equalized and Baris Yilmaz put Turkiye ahead before halftime. Sebastian Berhalter restored parity early in the second half, becoming the first USA player since 1966 to record both a goal and an assist in a single match. Despite Christian Pulisic’s lively return, the USA struggled to break down Turkiye’s defense.
Kaan Ayhan sealed the win deep into stoppage time, giving Turkiye a spirited farewell.
For the USA, the defeat was softened by the achievement of setting a new record for most goals scored in a single World Cup, surpassing their previous tally of seven.
JUNE 28 MATCHES
Group L – Panama vs England – 2:30 AM
Group L – Croatia vs Ghana – 2:30 AM
Group K – Colombia vs Portugal – 5 AM
Group K – DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – 5:00 AM
Group J – Algeria vs Austria – 7:30 AM
Group J – Jordan vs Argentina – 7:30 AM