# World Cup Matchday Recap: Germany Stumble but Still Top Group, Japan Become First Asian Team to Advance, Côte d'Ivoire Make History
On June 26 (Beijing time), the third round of the 2026 World Cup group stage continued with eight more matches. The final round of matches in Groups E, F and D were all completed, with **another 8 teams securing their places in the Round of 32**. Côte d'Ivoire reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, while Japan became the first Asian team to advance. Germany, despite suffering a shock defeat, still finished top of their group.
### Match Recap: Germany Stumble but Top Group, Japan and Sweden Both Advance
**🇩🇪 Germany 1-2 Ecuador | World Champions Stunned, Ecuador Return to Knockouts After 20 Years**
A shock result in the final round of Group E. Just two minutes in, Wirtz assisted Sané to give Germany the lead. But in the 9th minute, Angulo unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box to equalise. In the second half, Havertz went down in the box – the referee initially awarded a penalty, but VAR intervened and ruled that Sané had fouled first, so the spot‑kick was overturned. In the 77th minute, Plata volleyed home to complete the comeback. Germany lost 2-1, but still finished top of the group with 6 points from their two earlier wins. Ecuador, with 4 points, returned to the knockout stage for the first time in 20 years as one of the best third‑placed teams.
**🇨🇮 Côte d'Ivoire 2-0 Curaçao | "Elephants" Reach Knockouts for First Time, Pépé Scores Twice**
In the other Group E match, Pépé calmly slotted home from a close‑range cross in the 7th minute. In the 64th minute, he curled a superb shot into the far corner from the right side of the box to complete his brace. Côte d'Ivoire won 2-0, **reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history** – they had failed to advance from the group stage in their three previous appearances. The Ivorians have now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches, a new national record. Curaçao bowed out with pride – in their first ever World Cup appearance, they scored their first goal, earned their first point, and their goalkeeper Room set a new record with 15 saves in a single match.
**🇯🇵 Japan 1-1 Sweden | Maeda Breaks Deadlock, Japan Become First Asian Team Through**
In the final Group F match, Maeda Daizen drove home from Doan's through ball in the 56th minute to give Japan the lead. But just six minutes later, Elanga cut inside from the right and curled a long‑range strike into the far corner to equalise. **Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden to finish second in the group and advance – becoming the first Asian team to reach the knockout stage**. Sweden also progressed as one of the best third‑placed teams with 4 points. Japan have now reached the knockout rounds in four of their last seven World Cup appearances, but have never advanced beyond the first knockout match.
**🇳🇱 Netherlands 3-1 Tunisia | Brobbey Stars as Oranje Finish Top**
Just three minutes in, Tunisia's Skhiri turned the ball into his own net. In the 7th minute, Brobbey controlled Van Dijk's pass and fired home from close range. In the 54th minute, Mastouri headed home to pull one back for Tunisia. In the 62nd minute, Reijnders' corner was headed in by Van Hecke. The Netherlands won 3-1 to **top the group with 7 points from three matches**, and will face Morocco in the knockout stage. Tunisia finished bottom with three losses.
**🇹🇷 Turkey 3-2 USA | Ayhan Strikes in Stoppage Time, Hosts Still Top Group**
In the final Group D match, the USA rotated several key players. Trusty gave the USA an early lead in the 3rd minute, but Güler scored his first World Cup goal in the 10th minute to equalise, and Kökçü put Turkey ahead in the 31st minute. In the second half, Berhalter drilled home a low equaliser in the 49th minute. **Deep into stoppage time (90'+8), Ayhan poked home from close range to seal a dramatic winner**. Turkey won 3-2 to claim their only victory of the tournament. The USA still finished top of the group with two wins and one loss, and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
**🇦🇺 Australia 0-0 Paraguay | Stalemate Sends Australia Through, Paraguay's Fate Uncertain**
Australia and Paraguay produced few clear chances in a drab goalless draw. Australia secured second place in the group on goal difference. Paraguay finished third with 4 points and a goal difference of -2 – their qualification as one of the best third‑placed teams depends on results in other groups.
### Player Card – Power Rankings Update (SSR/SR/R)
### 🎴 SSR (Ultra Rare) – World‑Class Performance
**🇩🇪 Florian Wirtz (Germany) | SSR**
**Speed: 88 | Power: 84 | Position: Attacking midfielder / Winger**
**Special Move: Phantom Orchestrator**
He assisted Sané's opener just two minutes into the match and continued to create chances throughout. As Germany's attacking metronome, his passing vision and rhythm‑control remain the engine of the German machine.
**🇳🇱 Brian Brobbey (Netherlands) | SSR**
**Speed: 86 | Power: 90 | Position: Striker**
**Special Move: King of the Box**
He fired home from Van Dijk's pass in the 7th minute and was a constant physical presence up front. The Dutch finished top of their group, and Brobbey was instrumental in that achievement.
**🇨🇮 Pépé (Côte d'Ivoire) | SSR**
**Speed: 87 | Power: 85 | Position: Forward**
**Special Move: African Cheetah**
He scored both goals for Côte d'Ivoire, a clinical brace that **led the "Elephants" to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history**. His two goals – a composed finish and a curling shot – showcased a complete striker's finishing ability.
### ✨ SR (Rare) – Standout Performances
**🇯🇵 Maeda Daizen (Japan) | SR**
**Speed: 86 | Power: 82 | Position: Forward**
**Special Move: Blink Strike**
He broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, driving home from Doan's through ball. That goal helped Japan secure a 1-1 draw with Sweden and **become the first Asian team to reach the knockout stage**.
**🇪🇨 Angulo (Ecuador) | SR**
**Speed: 82 | Power: 88 | Position: Midfielder**
**Special Move: South American Thunder**
He unleashed a stunning strike from the edge of the box in the 9th minute to equalise for Ecuador. That goal sparked Ecuador's comeback and sent them back to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in 20 years.
**🇹🇷 Kaan Ayhan (Turkey) | SR**
**Speed: 80 | Power: 84 | Position: Midfielder**
**Special Move: Decisive Strike**
He poked home from close range in the 8th minute of stoppage time to snatch a dramatic winner against the USA. Although Turkey had already been eliminated, this goal gave the hosts their first defeat of the tournament.
### 📈 R (Regular) – Rising Talents
| Player | Nation | Card Note |
| **Sané** | Germany | Scored the opener just two minutes in, assisted by Wirtz |
| **Elanga** | Sweden | Scored in consecutive matches, equalised against Japan with a long-range strike |
| **Güler** | Turkey | Scored his first World Cup goal to equalise against the USA |
### Qualification Situation Snapshot
**Teams qualified for the Round of 32** (19 teams): Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, France, Norway, Argentina, Colombia.
**Teams eliminated**: Czech Republic, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Curaçao, among others.
### Next Matchday Fixtures & Predictions (June 27)
June 27 brings the final round of matches in Groups I, H and G. The most anticipated clash is undoubtedly **Mbappé vs Haaland – the new "dynamic duo" showdown on the World Cup stage**.
**⚔️ [Group I | June 27, 03:00] Norway VS France – The New "Dynamic Duo" Face Off for the First Time**
The Group I top‑spot decider. Both France and Norway have 6 points from two wins, with France leading on goal difference by one. France need only a draw to secure top spot; Norway must win to overtake them. **Both Mbappé and Haaland have scored 4 goals in this tournament, tied for second in the Golden Boot race**. This will be **the first time the two superstars have met on a World Cup pitch**. France coach Deschamps has returned to France following the death of his mother, and his players are determined to deliver a performance in his honour. Haaland has played a bit of "mind games" before the match, saying he does not care too much about the result.
**Prediction: France 2-1 Norway**. France have greater squad depth and tournament experience. Haaland remains a constant threat, but Norway's overall quality lags behind France's. A narrow French win should secure top spot.
**⚔️ [Group I | June 27, 03:00] Senegal VS Iraq – Pride at Stake**
Both teams have already been eliminated – this is a match for pride.
**Prediction: Senegal 2-0 Iraq**.
**⚔️ [Group H | June 27, 08:00] Spain VS Uruguay – La Roja Need Only a Draw**
Spain top the group with 4 points and **need only a draw to secure first place**. Uruguay have 2 points and **must win to advance – a draw would leave them with only 3 points, with slim hope of qualifying**. Spain were surprisingly held 0-0 by Cape Verde in their opener but bounced back with a 4-0 thrashing of Saudi Arabia. Uruguay's defence remains suspect.
**Prediction: Spain 2-0 Uruguay**. Spain hold a clear quality advantage and their attack is firing. Uruguay, under pressure to attack, may struggle to cope with Spain's possession‑based control.
**⚔️ [Group H | June 27, 08:00] Cape Verde VS Saudi Arabia – Debutants Chase Qualification**
World Cup debutants Cape Verde have 2 points – **a win will send them through**. Saudi Arabia have 1 point and must win to keep their hopes alive.
**Prediction: Cape Verde 1-0 Saudi Arabia**. Cape Verde's draw with Spain in their opener proved their underdog credentials; they will give everything for qualification.
**⚔️ [Group G | June 27, 11:00] Belgium VS Iran – Red Devils' Do‑or‑Die Clash**
Both Belgium and Iran have 2 points – the winner will advance. Belgium's golden generation are in their twilight years – this could be the last World Cup for De Bruyne, Courtois and others. Iran, known for their resilience, twice came from behind against New Zealand in their opener.
**Prediction: Belgium 1-0 Iran**. Big‑game experience is Belgium's greatest asset.
**⚔️ [Group G | June 27, 11:00] Egypt VS New Zealand – Salah Leads Charge for Qualification**
Egypt and New Zealand both have 2 points – another win‑or‑go‑home battle. Salah's performance will be decisive for Egypt's chances.
**Prediction: Egypt 1-0 New Zealand**.
### Title Odds Snapshot
FanDuel's latest odds have **France as -165 favourite (bet 165 to win 100)** , with Norway as +370 underdog. In the Ballon d'Or odds race, **Harry Kane leads the field**, with Messi, Olise, Yamal and Mbappé tied for second. Messi has scored 5 goals in 2 matches, propelling his odds to second place.
Advancement probabilities: **France lead with 88.5% chance to reach the Round of 16**, Argentina 84.5%, Spain and England 83.5%, Germany 80.5%.
### Prediction Guide – Have Fun Predicting Match Results on Polymarket and Kalshi
From Germany's shock defeat to Côte d'Ivoire's historic breakthrough, from Japan becoming the first Asian team to advance to Turkey's last‑gasp winner against the USA – this World Cup night was filled with miracles and twists. Behind every match, tens of thousands of users worldwide are voting with real money on prediction markets.
**Have fun predicting match results on Polymarket and Kalshi** – from "Will Mbappé or Haaland score?" to "Will Spain secure top spot?" to "Who will prevail between Belgium and Iran?" – every event is worth your judgment.
**Need USDT/USDC to get started? Choose KXZ – they offer Binance gift cards and Gate.io gift cards with generous discounts. 500 UU (USDT/USDC) now costs just 521++ USD.**
Gift cards are redeemable instantly with zero fees. Transfer directly to your Polymarket wallet and begin your World Cup "prophet" journey. The new dynamic duo clash tonight, Spain chase top spot, three do‑or‑die deciders – **smart money has already positioned itself. Your judgment deserves to be priced by the market.**
⚽ Don't Miss a Single World Cup Prediction.104 matches. Thousands of markets. One simple way to stay funded.Use a KXZ Gift Card to load your Binance or Gate.io balance with USDC — then trade every match on Polymarket and Kalshi.Buy your KXZ Gift Card from an authorized distributor and never miss a market again.👉 See Authorized Distributors