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

The last set of group stage games wrapped up with most outcomes aligning with expectations. Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico all secured top spots in their groups. The highlight came late when South Africa made history by defeating South Korea to advance to the knockout phase for the first time ever, finishing second in Group A.

South Korea likely progresses as one of the stronger third-placed teams, thanks to a format allowing 32 out of 48 teams into knockouts. Still, their journey has been frustrating, and they now face a tough opponent—probably Germany—in the next round.

South Africa will meet Canada in the Round of 32 after Canada finished runners-up in Group B, losing to Switzerland. Meanwhile, Bosnia won their last game and matched Canada's points but trailed on goal difference due to Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar. Bosnia will likely face the USA in the knockout round, setting up an exciting match that promises intense action.

Group C Recap

Brazil and Morocco won comfortably to claim first and second spots respectively. Morocco's game against already-eliminated Haiti ended 4-2 and featured an entertaining first half with some spectacular goals from the Haitians. Brazil capitalized on Scotland’s collapse with a 3-0 win, where Vini Jr scored twice, pulling even with Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot race, trailing only Messi by one goal. Scotland’s poor performance could still leave them hanging on for third place, but their damaged goal difference complicates qualification chances.

Group E Matchups

Germany have secured the top spot and might ease off against Ecuador, who must win to stay alive. Ecuador, featuring Moisés Caicedo, had high hopes but managed only a single point from previous games. Their survival depends on beating Germany, while Curaçao also needs a win against Côte d’Ivoire, who hold three points and have a good chance of advancing unless both Ecuador and Curaçao win, which would drop Côte d’Ivoire to last despite their points tally.

• Curaçao vs Côte d’IvoireDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 4pm EDTVenue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, USAReferee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); BBC Two (UK)
• Ecuador vs GermanyDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 4pm EDTVenue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USAReferee: Tori Penso (USA)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)

Group F Scenarios

Netherlands and Japan sit on four points each, with Sweden close behind at three. Tunisia is already eliminated. Sweden's fate resembles Scotland’s: avoiding a heavy loss should be enough to progress, even as third place. Graham Potter’s teams rarely collapse under pressure, so Sweden will fight hard.

• Japan vs SwedenDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 7pm EDTVenue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, USAReferee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); ITV 4 (UK)
• Tunisia vs NetherlandsDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 7pm EDTVenue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO, USAReferee: Katia Itzel García (Mexico)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)

Group D Update

USA have already topped the group, allowing coach Mauricio Pochettino to rest some key players. This may offer struggling Turkey one last shot; they have yet to earn any points and need a win to keep faint hopes alive. Paraguay and Australia each hold three points and could both progress if they draw, suggesting a possible cautious approach.

• Paraguay vs AustraliaDate/Time: June 25, 2026, 10pm EDTVenue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA, USAReferee: Clément Turpin (France)Broadcast: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); ITV 4 (UK)
• Turkey vs USADate/Time: June 25, 2026, 10pm EDTVenue: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CA, USAReferee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)