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

The last round of group matches began with results mostly as expected. Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico all secured top spots in their groups. Yet, the day ended on a high note for South Africa, who made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time after beating South Korea to claim second place in Group A.

Korea likely advance too, benefiting from the tournament's generous format where 32 of the 48 teams progress. Still, their journey has been frustrating, and they now face a tough group winner, probably Germany.

South Africa will meet Canada in the Round of 32. Canada slipped to runners-up after losing to Switzerland in Group B. Meanwhile, Bosnia won their final game but finished third due to an inferior goal difference compared to Canada, thanks largely to Canada’s 6-0 rout of Qatar. Bosnia is set to face the USA next week—a matchup sure to excite fans (and one I’ll be watching live!).

In Group C, Brazil and Morocco both cruised to wins, finishing first and second by goal difference. Morocco's 4-2 win over already-eliminated Haiti was entertaining, especially during a thrilling four-goal first half. Brazil capitalized on Scotland’s poor performance to win 3-0, with Vini Jr scoring twice to catch up with Mbappé and Haaland in the Golden Boot race, just behind Messi. Scotland still have a slim chance to advance but their damaged goal difference puts them on the edge.

Group E Preview

Germany have clinched the group and might rest players against Ecuador, who must win to survive. Ecuador entered the tournament as a dark horse pick but have earned only one point from matches against Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire. Their fate depends on securing all three points. Curaçao, also needing a win, face Côte d’Ivoire, who hold three points and a decent chance to progress unless both Ecuador and Curaçao win, which would drop them to last despite their points.

  • Curaçao vs. Côte d’IvoireJune 25, 2026, 4pm EDT / 9pm BSTLincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, USAReferee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)On TV: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); BBC Two (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)
  • Ecuador vs. GermanyJune 25, 2026, 4pm EDT / 9pm BSTMetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, NJ, USAReferee: Tori Penso (USA)On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); BBC One (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); BBC iPlayer (UK)

Group F Outlook

Netherlands and Japan lead the group with four points each, while Sweden sits at three. Tunisia are eliminated. Sweden must avoid a heavy loss to maintain their spot, even if they finish third. The team coached by Graham Potter shows resilience, so a collapse seems unlikely.

  • Japan vs. SwedenJune 25, 2026, 7pm EDT / Midnight BST (next day)AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, USAReferee: Ivan Barton (El Salvador)On TV: FOX Sports 1, Universo (USA); ITV 4 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)
  • Tunisia vs. NetherlandsJune 25, 2026, 7pm EDT / Midnight BST (next day)Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO, USAReferee: Katia Itzel García (Mexico)On TV: FOX, Telemundo (USA); ITV 1 (UK)Streaming: FOX One, Peacock (USA); ITVx (UK)

Group D Action

USA have secured the group’s top spot, and coach Mauricio Pochettino is expected to rotate the squad. That could open the door for Turkey, who remain pointless and must win to stay alive. Paraguay and Australia, both on three points, could advance together if they settle for a draw.

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

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