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

The last round of group matches kicked off with expected results as Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico topped their groups. The real shock came late when South Africa made history by qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time after beating South Korea to finish second in Group A.

South Korea likely advances as a strong third-place team under the generous 32-team knockout format out of 48 total. Their journey has been tough, and they now face a group winner—most probably Germany.

South Africa will face Canada in the Round of 32. Canada ended second in Group B after losing to Switzerland. Bosnia also secured a win in Group B but finished third due to an inferior goal difference compared to Canada’s big 6-0 win over Qatar. Bosnia will probably meet the USA next week—a matchup that promises excitement.

Group C Highlights

Brazil and Morocco both cruised through, with Morocco edging out Brazil on goal difference to take second place. Morocco’s 4-2 victory over already-eliminated Haiti was thrilling, featuring four first-half goals including two spectacular strikes from Haiti. Meanwhile, Brazil capitalized on Scotland’s collapse, winning 3-0 with Vini Jr scoring twice to join Mbappé and Haaland atop the Golden Boot race, just behind Messi. Scotland’s poor defense cost them dearly; even Neymar got minutes against them. Technically, Scotland can still advance but face a tough road due to their damaged goal difference.

Group E Matches

Germany are already group winners and might ease up against Ecuador, who must win to continue. Ecuador’s hopes, once high, have dimmed after only one point from games against Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire. For Ecuador and Curaçao, it’s a do-or-die match. Côte d’Ivoire sits comfortably with three points but could end last if both Ecuador and Curaçao win.

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

Group F Scenarios

Netherlands and Japan each have four points, while Sweden holds three. Tunisia is out of contention. Sweden must avoid a heavy defeat to stay alive, even as a potential third-place finisher. Graham Potter’s teams rarely crumble under pressure, so expect a spirited effort.

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

Group D Outlook

USA have secured the top spot and might rest key players under coach Mauricio Pochettino. Turkey remains without a point and needs a win to keep knockout hopes alive. Meanwhile, Paraguay and Australia each have three points; a draw between them would see both progress.

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