The fourth matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought two massive victories that concluded in the early morning hours by Kyiv time. Sweden and Germany announced themselves with convincing wins, while the Netherlands vs Japan match delivered genuine drama.
Sweden — Tunisia 5:1: a statement opening in Group F
In Monterrey, Mexico, Sweden opened their tournament campaign with a 5:1 demolition of Tunisia. Yasin Ayari was the standout performer, scoring twice. The victory marked the first time since 1938 that Sweden had scored five goals in a single World Cup match. Thanks to the earlier draw between the Netherlands and Japan on the same day, Sweden immediately topped the Group F standings.
Germany — Curaçao 7:1: records and a debut for the island nation
In Group E, Germany showed their class by routing debutants Curaçao 7:1. Felix Nmecha opened the scoring as early as the 6th minute — the fastest goal of the tournament at that point. Curaçao managed to equalise through a Livano Comencia strike from 15 metres in the 21st minute, drawing a thunderous roar from 68,000 spectators. However, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz (twice, including a penalty), Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav then piled on to make it a rout. Head coach Julian Nagelsmann said he was "very satisfied" with the result.
A separate highlight was the appearance of Manuel Neuer: the 40-year-old goalkeeper became the oldest player ever to represent Germany at a major tournament, surpassing the record held by Lothar Matthäus. Curaçao, meanwhile, made history as the smallest country by both population and area ever to participate in a World Cup. The island team's coach Dick Advocaat, aged 78 — the oldest manager in the history of the tournament — said despite the defeat that his players "can be proud" of their performance.
Netherlands — Japan 2:2: drama in the 88th minute
In a Group F match, the Netherlands took the lead twice but were unable to hold on either time. Daichi Kamada equalised in the 88th minute to earn Japan a draw. Both teams collected one point each. Japan remain unbeaten against six national teams that have collectively reached the World Cup final 21 times.
Spain and Belgium begin their campaigns today
The fifth matchday of the 2026 World Cup is already underway: Spain face Cape Verde in Atlanta (kick-off at 19:00 Kyiv time), while Belgium take on Egypt in Seattle (22:00 Kyiv time). Later, Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay and Iran vs New Zealand will also be played. A detailed preview of the evening fixtures will be published in the preview section at 18:45.
