Tonight, the 2026 World Cup schedule in Kyiv time features six matches in the third and decisive round of the group stage — and in almost every one of them, something real is on the line. The main intrigue: Ecuador hosts Germany in a battle for first place in Group E, while the Netherlands and Japan simultaneously settle who tops Group F. Plan your evening — the first kickoff is at 23:00 Kyiv time.
Day's Schedule
- 23:00 Kyiv time. Curaçao vs Ivory Coast (Group E, Matchday 3) — Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
- 23:00 Kyiv time. Ecuador vs Germany (Group E, Matchday 3) — MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
- 02:00 Kyiv time (26.06). Tunisia vs Netherlands (Group F, Matchday 3) — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
- 02:00 Kyiv time (26.06). Japan vs Sweden (Group F, Matchday 3) — AT&T Stadium, Arlington
- 05:00 Kyiv time (26.06). Turkey vs USA (Group D, Matchday 3) — SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
- 05:00 Kyiv time (26.06). Paraguay vs Australia (Group D, Matchday 3) — Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara
Ecuador vs Germany (23:00 Kyiv time, Group E)
The top match of the night. After two matchdays, Germany leads Group E: a crushing 7:1 victory over Curaçao in the first round and a 2:1 win over Ivory Coast in the second gave the Mannschaft six points. Ecuador sit second — one win (1:0 over Ivory Coast) and one draw (0:0 with Curaçao) give them four points. For Ecuador, a win means first place in the group; a draw is an almost guaranteed qualification as runners-up; a defeat risks elimination depending on the parallel match. For Germany, a win cements first place and earns them the best possible opponent in the Round of 32.
Squad-wise: Germany enter the match in excellent form — Denis Undav has already established himself as one of the tournament's best impact substitutes. Ecuador are counting on the attacking pair of Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata. Both Group E matches kick off simultaneously — results will change in real time.
Curaçao vs Ivory Coast (23:00 Kyiv time, Group E)
The parallel Group E match. Ivory Coast (1 point) can still theoretically advance as a third-place side if they win and Ecuador lose. Curaçao — tournament debutants — are already out of contention but could play the role of spoiler for the Elephants. One match that decides the fate of two teams at once.
Tunisia vs Netherlands and Japan vs Sweden (02:00 Kyiv time, Group F)
The Netherlands have six points after two matchdays and have already secured qualification — the only question is first place. In the first round, the Oranje drew with Japan 2:2, then thrashed Sweden 5:1. Japan (4 points) and Sweden (3 points) are fighting for second place — a draw is enough for Japan, while Sweden need a win. Tunisia (0 points) are playing for pride. The duel between Cody Gakpo and Japanese wonderkid Keito Nakamura is one of the most intriguing individual battles of the night.
Turkey vs USA (05:00 Kyiv time, Group D)
Technically a dead rubber: the USA have already won Group D and secured their place in the Round of 32 after two wins (4:1 over Paraguay and 2:0 over Australia). Turkey are already eliminated after two defeats. But the match has another angle of interest: Christian Pulisic, who missed the Australia game with a calf injury, is expected to be available and could take to the pitch — even as a substitute — to build match sharpness ahead of the knockout rounds. Turkey, meanwhile, will field stars Arda Güler (Real Madrid) and Kenan Yıldız (Juventus), who have yet to shine at this tournament — this is their last chance. Historical head-to-head: Turkey have won both friendly meetings against the USA, the most recent a 2:1 victory in June 2025.
Paraguay vs Australia (05:00 Kyiv time, Group D)
Paraguay (3 points) and Australia (3 points) are battling for second place in Group D — and both can still advance. Paraguay need a win or a draw; Australia need a win. A draw could leave both sides in the best third-place bracket, but that depends on results in other groups. Australia have already shown character in this tournament — young goalkeeper Patrick Beach replaced the experienced Matthew Ryan and the team did not give up.
Recaps of all six matches will be available in the evening edition and morning digest on Nightly Mundial — we'll have all the goals, upsets and group standings ready for you by morning.
Photo: Sean Leahy · Editorial (source)
