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The 2026 FIFA World Cup continued its thrilling group stage finale on Thursday with a fresh wave of drama across Groups B, E, and beyond. While earlier results saw Mexico finish perfect and South Africa reach the knockouts for the first time, the late slate delivered its own share of shocks and historic milestones.
Here is your complete roundup of Thursday’s late World Cup action.
🇪🇨 Ecuador 2-1 Germany — Group E
The biggest shock of the night. Ecuador stunned four-time World Cup winners Germany 2-1 to snatch a place in the last 32 as one of the best third-place finishers.
Jeremy Plata was the hero, scoring a stunning late winner that silenced the German bench. Ecuador defended with discipline and struck on the counter — a classic tournament performance from a side that many had written off before kickoff.
Germany still topped Group E with 6 points, but the result raises serious questions about Julian Nagelsmann’s side heading into the knockout rounds.
Group E Final Standings
| Pos | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 3 | +6 | 6 |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 3 | +2 | 6 |
| 3 | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 3 | 0 | 4 ✅ |
| 4 | Curaçao | 3 | -8 | 1 |
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Curaçao — Group E
Ivory Coast secured their first-ever knockout stage appearance in World Cup history, sweeping past Curaçao 2-0 with Nicolas Pépé providing the finishing touch.
Les Éléphants had never advanced beyond the group stage in three previous World Cup appearances (2006, 2010, 2014). This time, with a golden generation led by Pépé, Franck Kessié, and Sébastien Haller, they finally broke the curse. They finished second in Group E behind Germany on goal difference.
🇨🇭 Switzerland 2-1 Canada — Group B
Switzerland handed Canada a cruel result, winning 2-1 to condemn the co-hosts to a knockout-round fixture away from home soil. Alphonso Davies scored a consolation goal, but it was not enough as Switzerland’s clinical finishing decided the match. Canada still advanced to the knockout round thanks to other results, but they lose the home-field advantage they hoped for.
🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-0 Qatar — Group B
Bosnia & Herzegovina booked their place in the knockout stage with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Qatar. Edin Džeko, at age 40, rolled back the years with a captain’s performance, leading his side to the last 32 for only the second time in the nation’s history. Qatar exit without a win.
📅 What to Watch — Friday, June 26
| Match | Group | Time (ET) | Stakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| England vs Portugal | H | 3:00 PM | Group winner decider |
| France vs Saudi Arabia | J | 5:00 PM | France looking to top group |
| Argentina vs Ghana | L | 7:00 PM | Messi chasing more history |
| USA vs Costa Rica | D | 9:00 PM | Americans aim to top Group D |
❓ FAQ
Who qualified from Group E?
Germany (1st), Ivory Coast (2nd), and Ecuador (as best third-place) all advanced. Curaçao exits.
Is this Ecuador’s best World Cup?
Ecuador previously reached the round of 16 in 2006. This is their second time in the knockout stage.
How many teams advance under the 48-team format?
The top two from each of the 16 groups advance (32 teams), plus the eight best third-place finishers.
Did Canada still qualify despite losing?
Yes, Canada advanced to the knockout round, but they will now play away from home soil.
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👉 Catch the full World Cup 2026 schedule on FIFA.com
More World Cup coverage: USA Dominate Paraguay in Opener and Messi Hat-Trick & Mbappe Record.