Ecuador Shock Germany, Japan Set Up Brazil Clash in FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage took further shape on Thursday as Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1, Japan qualified with a draw against Sweden, and Ivory Coast made history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.

Ecuador produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets by coming from behind to beat four-time champions Germany in their final Group E match. Leroy Sané gave Germany an early lead, but Nilson Angulo equalised just seven minutes later before Gonzalo Plata scored the winner in the 77th minute. The victory secured Ecuador a Round of 32 spot as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams and marked their first-ever win over Germany.

Ivory Coast also celebrated a historic milestone, defeating Curaçao 2-0 to qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals to seal second place in Group E.

In Group F, the Netherlands cruised to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia, thanks to an early own goal, a strike from Bryan Brobbey and a second-half header by Jan Paul van Hecke. Tunisia's Hazem Mastouri scored a consolation goal.

Japan secured qualification after a 1-1 draw with Sweden. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring before Anthony Elanga equalised with a superb long-range effort. The result sends Japan into the Round of 32, where they will face Brazil, while Sweden must wait to learn if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

With the group stage nearing its conclusion, the race for the FIFA World Cup trophy is set to intensify as the knockout rounds begin.

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