World Cup 2026: USA, Germany, Japan Vie for Knockout Stage Berths as Group Play Concludes

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters a high-stakes phase as the group stage concludes for Groups D, E, and F on Thursday, June 25. Six matches will decide which teams advance to the Round of 32 and influence final group standings.

Co-host United States, having already secured the top spot in Group D with dominant performances, will face eliminated Türkiye in Los Angeles at 10 p.m. ET. The USMNT has outscored opponents 6-1 in their first two games.

Group E Clashes

In Group E, Germany will aim to maintain its perfect record against Ecuador at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ecuador, a team initially tipped for a deep run after a strong qualifying campaign, now faces a must-win scenario to advance after two winless matches. Simultaneously, Curaçao, the smallest nation by area to ever qualify for the World Cup, has a chance to reach the knockout stage if it can defeat a strong Ivory Coast team in its final Group E fixture.

Group F Showdowns

Group F sees two critical matchups with significant implications for advancement and group leadership. The Netherlands, currently tied on points and goal differential with Japan, will seek to secure first place against Tunisia at Kansas City Stadium. Tunisia has been eliminated from the tournament.

Japan and Sweden will meet in Dallas with a spot in the Round of 32 on the line. Japan enters the match with four points, while Sweden has three. The winner will secure advancement, and potentially the group title depending on the outcome of the Netherlands-Tunisia game. Japan could win Group F with a victory if the Netherlands falters.

Group D Decider

Second place in Group D and a guaranteed spot in the knockout stages will be contested between Paraguay and Australia in the San Francisco Bay Area. Both teams have three points, having each lost to the United States and defeated Türkiye. Australia holds an advantage in the goal-differential tiebreaker and will advance if the match ends in a draw.

All six matches on Thursday will be broadcast on FOX or FS1, with live and on-demand streaming available on FOX One.