# World Cup 2026 Roundup: Germany Through, Netherlands Thrash Sweden, Curacao Make History
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup is heating up as the group stage reaches its decisive phase. Saturday delivered a blockbuster slate of matches — dramatic comebacks, historic milestones, and a goalkeeping masterclass for the ages. Here’s everything you need to know.
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## Saturday’s Key Results
| Match | Score | Group | Venue |
|——-|——-|——-|——-|
| Germany vs Ivory Coast | 2-1 | E | Toronto, Canada |
| Netherlands vs Sweden | 5-1 | F | Houston, USA |
| Japan vs Tunisia | 4-0 | F | Guadalupe, Mexico |
| Ecuador vs Curacao | 0-0 | E | Miami, USA |
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## Germany 2-1 Ivory Coast — Undav Does It Again
Substitute **Deniz Undav** cemented his status as Germany’s super-sub with a brace, including a **94th-minute winner**, to send the four-time champions into the Round of 32.
Ivory Coast took a deserved lead through captain **Franck Kessie** after 30 minutes, but Undav — who scored and assisted twice in Germany’s opening 7-1 win against Curacao — entered the fray and changed the game. He equalized in the 68th minute with a smart finish from Nadiem Amiri’s cross before delivering the knockout blow in stoppage time, expertly controlling Felix Nmecha’s pass and slotting past Yahia Fofana.
Ivory Coast can still qualify with a win against Curacao in their final group match.
## Netherlands 5-1 Sweden — Premier League Takeover
All six goals in this Group F blockbuster were scored by **Premier League players**. **Cody Gakpo** (Liverpool) and **Brian Brobbey** (Sunderland) each bagged a brace, while **Crysencio Summerville** (West Ham) added a fifth. **Anthony Elanga** (Newcastle) scored Sweden’s consolation.
Gakpo’s second goal — the Netherlands’ fourth — marked the **100th goal of the tournament**, reached in just 33 games, the fastest since the 1958 World Cup.
The Dutch move top of Group F with four points, while Sweden will need a result against Japan to advance.
## Japan 4-0 Tunisia — Tunisia Eliminated
Japan delivered a ruthless performance, knocking Tunisia out of the tournament with a comprehensive 4-0 win. **Daichi Kamada** (Crystal Palace) opened the scoring after just four minutes, **Ayase Ueda** scored a brace, and **Junya Ito** added another.
Tunisia’s tournament unraveled after a 5-1 defeat to Sweden and the sacking of manager Sabri Lamouchi. New boss Herve Renard couldn’t turn things around in time.
Japan sits second in Group F with four points and faces Sweden in their final group match on Friday.
## History in Miami: Curacao Earn First Ever World Cup Point
In one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament, World Cup debutants **Curacao** earned their first-ever point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador — thanks to a **record-equalling 15 saves** from goalkeeper **Eloy Room**.
The 37-year-old Miami FC keeper matched Tim Howard’s World Cup record (set against Belgium in 2014), making stop after stop to deny Enner Valencia, Moises Caicedo, and a host of Ecuadorian attackers.
Ecuador, who have now lost to Ivory Coast and drawn with Curacao, must beat group winners Germany in their final game to have any hope of advancing.
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## Tournament Milestone: 100 Goals in 33 Games
The 2026 World Cup is averaging **3.09 goals per game** — the highest rate in decades. The Adidas “Trionda” ball has been blamed (or credited) for several long-range stunners, with keepers struggling to read its flight. More than 10 goals have come from outside the box already.
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## Looking Ahead: Sunday’s Fixtures
| Match | Group | Venue |
|——-|——-|——-|
| England vs Portugal | L | Boston, USA |
| Argentina vs Saudi Arabia | J | Los Angeles, USA |
| France vs Congo DR | I | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Belgium vs Canada | B | Vancouver, Canada |
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## FAQ
**When does the World Cup 2026 knockout stage start?**
The Round of 32 begins after the group stage concludes. Groups wrap up by late June, with knockout matches scheduled from early July.
**Who has been the breakout star so far?**
Deniz Undav (Germany) has been sensational off the bench with 3 goals and 2 assists in just two substitute appearances.
**Which teams have already qualified for the knockout stage?**
Germany are the first team confirmed in the Round of 32. Several others are close — Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and Canada are all in strong positions.
**Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?**
Matches are broadcast across Fox Sports (USA), TSN (Canada), and BBC/ITV (UK). Check local listings for exact channels.
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