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2026 World Cup Day 15: Deciding Matches in Groups D, E, and F

The last set of group matches kicked off the final phase of the group stage. Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico each secured the top spot in their groups, as expected. The day ended with a dramatic moment when South Africa clinched their first-ever spot in the knockout stage by defeating South Korea to finish second in Group A.

South Korea likely advance too, possibly as one of the stronger third-place teams, given the tournament’s format where 32 of 48 teams move on. It hasn't been smooth for Korea, though, and they now face a tough opponent—probably Germany—in the knockout round.

South Africa will face Canada in the Round of 32 after Canada finished second in Group B following their loss to Switzerland. Bosnia, who also won in that group, tied Canada on points but ranked third due to an inferior goal difference. Bosnia’s next challenge should be against the USA, which promises to be an exciting clash.

Group C Highlights

Brazil and Morocco both cruised to wins, taking the top two spots based on goal difference. Morocco's 4-2 victory over already-eliminated Haiti featured an action-packed first half with four goals and some impressive strikes from Haiti. Brazil capitalized on Scotland's poor performance to win 3-0, with Vini Jr scoring twice to join Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot race, trailing Messi by just one goal. Despite their struggles, Scotland still hold a slim chance to progress, though their goal difference is a big obstacle.

Group E Showdowns

Germany had already secured the top position, so their match against Ecuador might see them ease up. Ecuador must win to keep hopes alive, while Curaçao also faces elimination if they don't secure a victory. Côte d’Ivoire, with three points, are in a decent spot but could end last if both Ecuador and Curaçao win their games.

  • Curaçao vs. Côte d’IvoireThursday, June 25, 4pm EDT / 9pm BSTLincoln 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. GermanyThursday, June 25, 4pm EDT / 9pm BSTMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJReferee: Tori Penso (USA)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)

Group F Battles

Netherlands and Japan lead with four points each, closely followed by Sweden with three points. Tunisia has already been eliminated. Sweden’s fate depends on avoiding a heavy loss; even finishing third could suffice. Graham Potter’s teams are known for their resilience, so we expect a solid fight.

  • Japan vs. SwedenThursday, June 25, 7pm EDT / 12am BST (next day)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. NetherlandsThursday, June 25, 7pm EDT / 12am BST (next day)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 Matches

The USA have already claimed the top spot and Mauricio Pochettino may rotate his squad. Turkey, having yet to earn any points, desperately need a win to keep their knockout hopes alive. Paraguay and Australia sit on three points each and a draw between them would send both through.

  • Paraguay vs. AustraliaThursday, June 25, 10pm EDT / 3am BST (next day)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. USAThursday, June 25, 10pm EDT / 3am BST (next day)SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, CAReferee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)Broadcast: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)

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