2026 World Cup Day 15: Final Group Matches in D, E, and F

The first round of the last group stage games is complete, with Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico all clinching their groups. The standout moment came late when South Africa pulled off a historic upset, beating South Korea to secure their first-ever spot in the knockout phase by finishing second in Group A.

Korea likely advances too, as one of the stronger third-place teams, given the generous format allowing 32 out of 48 teams into the knockout rounds. Still, their journey has been tough, and they now face a strong group winner—probably Germany.

South Africa's next opponent in the Round of 32 will be Canada, who ended second in Group B after losing to Switzerland. Bosnia, also from Group B, tied Canada on points but fell short on goal difference because of Canada’s overwhelming 6-0 win over Qatar. Bosnia, finishing third, should face the USA in the next round, setting up an exciting match that promises great energy.

Group C Recap

Brazil and Morocco both secured straightforward wins, taking first and second place respectively by goal difference. Morocco’s 4-2 victory over already eliminated Haiti was among the more entertaining matches, featuring four goals in the first half and impressive strikes from Haiti. Brazil capitalized on Scotland’s poor performance to win 3-0, with Vini Jr scoring twice to catch up to Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot race, trailing Messi by just one goal. Scotland’s chances of advancing remain slim due to their damaged goal difference, despite technically still being able to qualify.

Group E Matches

Germany has already topped Group E, possibly easing up against Ecuador, who must win to continue. Ecuador, along with Moisés Caicedo and his teammates, were dark-horse picks but have only managed one point from games against Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire. Their final game is do-or-die, similar to Curaçao’s position. Côte d’Ivoire, with three points, should advance unless both Ecuador and Curaçao win, which would push them to the bottom despite their points.

• Curaçao vs. Côte d’IvoireDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 4pm EDT / 9pm BSTVenue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PAReferee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); BBC Two (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
• Ecuador vs. GermanyDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 4pm EDT / 9pm BSTVenue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJReferee: Tori Penso (USA)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)

Group F Outlook

Netherlands and Japan each have four points, and Sweden holds three, leaving all three in strong spots for advancing. Tunisia is already out. Sweden’s fate resembles Scotland’s from the previous day: avoiding a heavy loss should keep them safe even if they finish third. Graham Potter’s teams are known for their resilience, so expect effort until the final whistle.

• Japan vs. SwedenDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 7pm EDT / 12am BST (next day)Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TXReferee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); ITV 4 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
• Tunisia vs. NetherlandsDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 7pm EDT / 12am BST (next day)Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MOReferee: Katia Itzel García (Mexico)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)

Group D Final Games

The USA have secured top spot and Mauricio Pochettino might rest some key players. Turkey, still pointless, needs a win to stay alive. Paraguay and Australia both have three points; a draw between them would see both through.

• Paraguay vs. AustraliaDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 10pm EDT / 3am BST (next day)Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CAReferee: Clément Turpin (France)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); ITV 4 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
• Turkey vs. USADate/Time: June 25, 2026, 10pm EDT / 3am BST (next day)Venue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CAReferee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)