The latest round of 2026 FIFA World Cup group matches delivered a mix of drama and historic milestones, with several teams punching their tickets to the Round of 32.
Turkey clinches dramatic win over the USA
–> –>Turkey ended their campaign with a thrilling 3‑2 victory over the United States in Los Angeles. The hosts struck first when Auston Trusty netted just two minutes and thirteen seconds into the game, marking the second‑fastest World Cup goal in U.S. history. Turkey answered back through Arda Guler, and Orkun Kokcu completed the turnaround before halftime. Sebastian Berhalter restored parity for the USA in the second half, but Kaan Ayhan’s stoppage‑time header gave Vincenzo Montella’s side its first World Cup win since 2002. Despite the loss, the United States have already qualified for the last 32 and will face Bosnia‑Herzegovina on July 2.
Ivory Coast reaches historic knockout berth
Ivory Coast secured their first ever World Cup knockout stage appearance with a 2‑0 win over Curacao. Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring inside seven minutes after Yan Diomande forced a defensive error and set him up for a simple finish. Pepe sealed the victory in the 65th minute with a superb left‑footed strike into the top corner, finishing second in Group E with six points. Curacao exited the tournament without a win but earned praise for their resilient performances, including earning their first ever World Cup point against Ecuador.
Australia squeezes through with a goalless draw
Australia booked their place in the last 32 after a 0‑0 draw with Paraguay in San Francisco. The Socceroos needed only a point to finish as Group D runners‑up, while Paraguay’s fourth place keeps them in contention as one of the best third‑placed teams. Australia created the better chances through Jackson Irvine, Cristian Volpato and Jordan Bos, but neither side could break the deadlock in a cautious encounter.
Sweden and Netherlands also advance
Sweden progressed thanks to a 1‑1 draw with Japan. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead after a slick move involving Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan, but Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga replied six minutes later with a powerful cut‑inside effort that beat goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. The result left Sweden with four points, enough to qualify as one of the best third‑place finishers, while Japan advanced as Group F runners‑up.
The Netherlands topped Group F with a comfortable 3‑1 victory over Tunisia. The Dutch raced to a two‑goal lead inside seven minutes after Tunisia captain Ellyes Skhiri diverted a Denzel Dumfries cross into his own net, followed by Brian Brobbey’s third tournament goal. Hazem Mastouri gave Tunisia a brief second‑half header, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two‑goal cushion to seal the win. Ronald Koeman’s side will now meet Morocco in the Round of 32, while Tunisia departs the tournament after losing all three group matches.
With these results, the lineup for the Round of 32 is set, promising more high‑stakes action as the tournament moves into its knockout phase.
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