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

The last round of group matches started as expected with Brazil, Switzerland, and Mexico all clinching their groups. Yet the day ended on a historic note when South Africa secured their first-ever knockout stage spot by defeating South Korea to finish second in Group A.

South Korea will likely progress too, benefiting from the tournament's generous format where 32 of 48 teams move on. Their upcoming challenge: facing a probable group winner like Germany. South Africa’s next opponent is set: Canada, who slipped to second place in Group B after losing to Switzerland. Bosnia, winning their last game, tied Canada on points but fell short on goal difference due to Canada’s dominant 6-0 win over Qatar. Bosnia will probably meet the USA in the Round of 32—a matchup expected to be exciting and attended by many fans on-site.

In Group C, Brazil and Morocco comfortably advanced as top two, decided by goal difference. Morocco’s win against Haiti (4-2) was one of the tournament's more thrilling matches, especially a lively first half featuring four goals, including some impressive strikes from Haiti. Brazil capitalized on Scotland’s poor performance to win 3-0, with Vini Jr scoring twice to join Mbappé and Haaland near the top of the Golden Boot race, trailing only Messi by one goal. Scotland’s chances remain slim due to a damaged goal difference, although they could still scrape through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Group E Battles

Germany had already secured the top spot in Group E, possibly allowing them to ease up against Ecuador. Ecuador must win to continue their run; otherwise, their World Cup dream ends. After underwhelming performances against Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador’s fate hinges on this match. Curaçao also need a win to stay alive, while Côte d’Ivoire holds three points and appears safe unless both Ecuador and Curaçao win, which would push them to last place despite their points.

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

Group F Outlook

Netherlands and Japan share four points, with Sweden close behind at three points. Tunisia has been eliminated. Sweden’s situation mirrors Scotland’s—avoiding a heavy defeat should secure advancement, even in third place. Graham Potter’s team will try to hold steady despite pressure.

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

Group D Clashes

The USA has already topped Group D, so coach Mauricio Pochettino may rest some starters. Turkey, still without a point, needs a win to keep hopes alive. Paraguay and Australia each have three points; a draw between them would likely see both advance.

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