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World Cup 2026: Live Scores and Standings from June 25 Matches

The 2026 World Cup group stage is nearing its end after two weeks of intense matches that began on June 11 in Mexico City. On Thursday, several teams battled for their place in the Round of 32, with three ways to qualify this year: finishing first or second in their group, or as one of the eight best third-place teams—a new addition to the format.

Thursday's schedule featured six games across various U.S. stadiums. The day kicked off at 4 p.m. ET with Ivory Coast facing Curacao at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, alongside Germany against Ecuador at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. Later, Sweden met Japan at AT&T Stadium, Dallas, while the Netherlands played Tunisia at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. The night closed with Australia versus Paraguay at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, and the U.S. taking on Turkey at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood.

Out of these teams, Germany and the U.S. had already secured top spots in their groups. Tunisia and Turkey were eliminated before kickoff. The remaining eight squads fought for qualification or better positioning.

Match Highlights and Outcomes

The USA-Turkey game ended dramatically with Kaan Ayhan scoring a stoppage-time winner, sealing a 3-2 victory for Turkey at SoFi Stadium. Meanwhile, Australia and Paraguay drew 0-0, which allowed Australia to advance as Group D’s runner-up.

At halftime in Group D, Turkey led the U.S. 2-1 while Australia and Paraguay were tied 0-0. The U.S. had already clinched first place. A draw between Paraguay and Australia would have allowed both to qualify as third-place teams.

In Group F, the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1, securing the top spot. Japan and Sweden drew 1-1, ensuring both advanced—Japan as runner-up and Sweden as one of the best third-place finishers.

Earlier in Group E, Ecuador defeated Germany 2-1, despite Germany having already clinched their group. Ivory Coast also won against Curacao 2-0, so both African teams moved forward. Curacao was eliminated after the loss.

Here is how Group E ended:

Qualified Teams for Round of 32

  • Group A: Mexico (winner), South Africa (runner-up)
  • Group B: Switzerland (winner), Canada (runner-up)
  • Group C: Brazil (winner), Morocco (runner-up)
  • Group D: United States (winner), Australia (runner-up)
  • Group E: Germany (winner), Ivory Coast (runner-up), Ecuador (third-place)
  • Group F: Netherlands (winner), Japan (runner-up), Sweden (third-place)
  • Groups G through L remain to be decided.

Sweden and Ecuador join Bosnia and Herzegovina among the confirmed third-place qualifiers, with five more spots still open.

Upcoming Matches

Friday and Saturday will bring the final group stage fixtures, including Norway vs. France, Uruguay vs. Spain, Panama vs. England, and Colombia vs. Portugal among others, determining the remaining Round of 32 entrants.

We think the last day of group action will hold plenty of excitement as teams push for knockout berths. Maybe some surprises are still ahead.

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