The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico) is entering its final stretch. On June 26, Groups E and F completed their last round of matches, with several teams securing their spots in the last 32 and the first knockout-stage pairings now confirmed.

Group E: Ecuador Stun Germany, Côte d’Ivoire Make Historic Breakthrough

In the Group E finale, already-qualified Germany fielded a full-strength side but fell 2–1 to Ecuador. Germany took an early lead through Leroy Sané (2nd minute), but Ecuador hit back with a stunning long-range strike from Jhon Angulo (9th) and a 77th-minute winner from Gonzalo Plata. With the result, Ecuador finished on 4 points and a 0 goal difference, advancing as one of the eight best third‑placed teams.

In the other match, Côte d’Ivoire beat tournament debutants Curaçao 2–0, thanks to a brace from striker Jean-Philippe Pépé. This marks the first time the Elephants have ever reached the World Cup knockout stage – in three previous appearances they failed to advance past the group phase. Côte d’Ivoire have now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches, setting a new national record.

Despite finishing bottom of the group, Curaçao’s tournament debut has been historic: they scored their first-ever World Cup goal and earned their first point. Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves against Ecuador – the most in a single World Cup match (regular time) since records began in 1966.

Final Group E standings: Germany (1st), Côte d’Ivoire (2nd) advance directly; Ecuador (3rd) advance as a best third‑placed team.

Group F: Netherlands Top the Group, Japan Become First Asian Side Through

In Kansas City, the Netherlands cruised past Tunisia 3–1. An own goal by Dylan Sghiri (3rd) and a strike from Brian Brobbey (7th) gave the Dutch a flying start. Tunisia pulled one back through a Montassar Talbi header, but Jorrel Hato’s header in the 62nd minute sealed the win. The Oranje finished top of Group F with 7 points (2 wins, 1 draw).

In the other fixture, Japan drew 1–1 with Sweden. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring in the 56th minute after a through ball from Ritsu Doan, but Anthony Elanga equalised just six minutes later with a curling shot into the top corner. Japan finished second in the group (1 win, 2 draws, 5 points) and became the first Asian team to confirm their place in the last 32. Sweden, with 4 points, also advanced as a third‑placed team.

Notably, Japan have now advanced from the World Cup group stage four times in the last seven editions, but they have yet to win a knockout-round match in their history.

Confirmed Knockout Stage Matchups

With the group results finalised, several Round-of-32 ties are now set:

• Brazil vs Japan – Group C winners Brazil will face Group F runners‑up Japan. This will be the second World Cup meeting between the two sides (Brazil won 4–1 in 2006). However, Japan beat Brazil 3–2 in a friendly in October 2025 – becoming the first Asian side in the 21st century to defeat the Seleção. The match will be played on June 30 in Houston.
• Netherlands vs Morocco – Group F winners Netherlands take on Group C runners‑up Morocco. The Dutch have won two of their three previous meetings. Morocco, who reached the semi‑finals in 2022, are currently ranked 7th in the world – one spot above the Netherlands. This tie is scheduled for June 30 in Monterrey.
• South Africa vs Canada – This is the first confirmed matchup between two group runners‑up: A2 South Africa vs B2 Canada. Both nations are making their first-ever knockout-stage appearance (South Africa in their fourth World Cup, Canada in their third). The game will be held on June 28 in Los Angeles.

Additionally, Germany (Group E winners) will face one of the best third‑placed teams; Côte d’Ivoire will take on the runner‑up of Group I (France or Norway); and the United States, having already secured top spot in Group D, will also face a third‑placed qualifier.

Tournament Overview

The 2026 World Cup is the largest in history, featuring 48 teams across 104 matches in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The tournament kicked off on June 11, and the final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. In this expanded format, the top two from each group and the eight best third‑placed teams (32 in total) progress to the knockout rounds.

So far, the following sides have secured their last‑32 berths: Mexico, USA, Germany, Argentina, France, Norway, Colombia, Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, Morocco, Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Africa, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, and others. As the remaining groups complete their final matches over the coming days, the full knockout bracket will take shape, promising a thrilling road to the final.