ISLAMABAD, June 26 (Diplomatic Star):Ecuador produced one of the biggest surprises of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage by defeating Germany 2-1 to secure a place in the last 32, while the Netherlands, Japan, Ivory Coast, and Australia also confirmed their qualification for the knockout phase.
Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E, while Ecuador advanced as one of the best third-placed teams after a memorable comeback victory at MetLife Stadium.
Germany made a dream start with Leroy Sane scoring just two minutes into the match, but Ecuador responded strongly as Nilson Angulo levelled the score before Gonzalo Plata scored the winning goal 13 minutes from full time to complete a historic upset.
In another Group E encounter, Ivory Coast booked their place in the knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over debutants Curacao in Philadelphia. Nicolas Pepe scored both goals to guide the West African side into the next round for the first time in their World Cup history, while Curacao ended their campaign with one point.
The Netherlands maintained a perfect record in Group F after defeating Tunisia 3-1 to finish as group leaders. An own goal from Ellyes Skhiri opened the scoring before Brian Brobbey and Jan Paul van Hecke added further goals. The Dutch side will now face Morocco in the last 32, while Tunisia exited the tournament without a point.
Japan secured second place in Group F after a 1-1 draw against Sweden. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead early in the second half, but Anthony Elanga’s long-range strike brought Sweden level. Japan will face Brazil in the knockout stage, while Sweden remain in contention as one of the best third-placed teams.
The United States suffered their first defeat of the tournament after losing 3-2 to Turkiye in Los Angeles. Although already qualified, US coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to his starting lineup. Turkiye secured a consolation victory through Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage-time winner, but the United States still finished top of Group D.
Australia also progressed to the last 32 after holding Paraguay to a goalless draw in Santa Clara. The result secured second place in Group D for the Australian side and kept their World Cup campaign alive.
With the group stage reaching its conclusion, several teams have already booked their places in the knockout rounds, while the final third-place qualifiers continue to be decided.
