The night of June 25–26 brought six final group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup, completing Groups D, E and F. The biggest sensation: Ecuador defeated Germany 2:1, advancing to the Round of 32 for only the second time in their history. All eight play-off spots from the three groups were also decided — the up-to-date 2026 World Cup schedule (Kyiv time) has already been updated.
Night results
Ecuador 2:1 Germany (Group E)
The match at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey (kick-off 23:00 Kyiv time) was the most dramatic of the night. As early as the 2nd minute, Leroy Sané opened the scoring after a cross from Florian Wirtz — Germany's earliest goal at a World Cup since 1934. Ecuador responded in the 9th minute: Nilson Angulo struck from outside the penalty area and beat Manuel Neuer — the team's first goal of the tournament after 40 attempts. The turning point came in the 77th minute: Gonzalo Plata converted a corner-kick delivery after a flick-on by Rodríguez and put Ecuador ahead 2:1. Ecuador held on until the final whistle, ending Germany's 11-match winning streak. Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece said after the match: "This is not about me — it's for the people. The players gave them this qualification." It is only Ecuador's second-ever appearance in the knockout stage.
Curaçao 0:2 Ivory Coast (Group E)
The parallel Group E match ended in a convincing victory for Ivory Coast. The "Elephants" collected 6 points and advanced to the Round of 32 — for the first time in their football history. Curaçao, making their tournament debut, finished the group stage without a single point.
Netherlands 3:1 Tunisia (Group F)
The Netherlands comfortably beat the already-eliminated Tunisia and finished the group stage in first place in Group F. The result confirmed the "Oranje" as one of the tournament's favourites.
Japan 1:1 Sweden (Group F)
The draw in Dallas suited both sides: Japan and Sweden advanced to the Round of 32 alongside the Netherlands. For Sweden, it is their first knockout-stage appearance at this World Cup after a 5:1 defeat to the Netherlands in the second round.
Turkey 3:2 USA (Group D)
The match in Los Angeles (kick-off 05:00 Kyiv time) ended in a victory for Turkey, though both sides had already secured their places in the Round of 32 before kick-off. The USA lost their final group-stage game but advance to the play-offs in second place in Group D. Turkey finished first.
Paraguay 0:0 Australia (Group D)
A goalless draw in the parallel Group D match. Australia advanced to the Round of 32 from third place as one of the best third-placed teams. Paraguay finished the group stage without a win and were eliminated from the tournament.
Group standings
Group D (final): Turkey — 7 points (1st), USA — 6 points (2nd), Australia — 4 points (3rd, advances as one of the best third-placed teams), Paraguay — 1 point (eliminated).
Group E (final): Germany — 6 points (1st), Ivory Coast — 6 points (2nd), Ecuador — 3 points (3rd, advances), Curaçao — 0 points (eliminated).
Group F (final): Netherlands — 7 points (1st), Japan — 5 points (2nd), Sweden — 4 points (3rd, advances), Tunisia — 0 points (eliminated).
For more on the results of previous match nights, see the article "Ecuador vs Germany and five more matches: a match night at the World Cup". The results of the morning matches on June 25 are covered in the summary of the morning programme.
Off the pitch
- VAR saves Ecuador: Early in the second half, referee Tori Penso awarded a penalty to Germany after Ordóñez fouled Havertz. However, following a VAR review the decision was overturned — the official had spotted a prior foul by Sané on Pedro Vite in the same attacking move.
- Record day: According to FIFA, June 25 set a record for the number of teams simultaneously deciding their fate at a single tournament — eight sides confirmed their place in the Round of 32 within a single matchday.
- Nagelsmann on the defeat: Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann admitted tactical errors: "After a good start and an early goal, we should have played more calmly instead of chaotically switching positions. Too much improvisation."
- Scotland under threat: Ecuador's victory complicated Scotland's bid for a place among the best third-placed teams — the Scots dropped to the last position in that ranking, while other groups have yet to complete their group stage.
This evening at the World Cup, six matches are on the schedule: Norway vs France and Senegal vs Iraq (22:00 Kyiv time), Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia and Uruguay vs Spain (03:00 Kyiv time), Egypt vs Iran and New Zealand vs Belgium (06:00 Kyiv time).
Photo: Sky Sports · Editorial (source)
