Decisive matches of the 2026 World Cup this Thursday close the group stage for brackets D, E and F
The last round of the group stage for the teams from groups D, E and F of the 2026 World Cup takes place this Thursday (25). Six important duels will be held throughout the day, determining the qualifiers for the next stages of the tournament.
According to the competition regulations, all matches in each group take place simultaneously. This measure aims to ensure equality, preventing any team from being favored by results known in advance.
The first clashes of the day, scheduled for 5pm, are in Group E. Germany will face Ecuador in New Jersey, while Curaçao and Ivory Coast will duel in Philadelphia.
At 8pm, it will be time for Group F definitions. The Japanese team will have a direct confrontation with Sweden, in a match that will take place in Dallas. At the same time, Tunisia and the Netherlands will face off in Kansas City.
To end the day’s round, the Group D games are scheduled for 11pm. Turkey will play the United States in Los Angeles, and Paraguay will face Australia in San Francisco.
Confrontations scheduled for this Thursday (Brasília time)
- 5pm – Ecuador x Germany (Group E)
- 5pm – Curaçao x Ivory Coast (Group E)
- 8pm – Japan x Sweden (Group F)
- 8pm – Tunisia x Netherlands (Group F)
- 11pm – Türkiye x United States (Group D)
- 11pm – Paraguay x Australia (Group D)
Group E situation before the final duels
- Germany – 6 points; goal difference: 7
- Ivory Coast – 3 points; goal difference: 0
- Ecuador – 1 point; goal difference: -1
- Curaçao – 1 point; goal difference: -6
Team performance in previous rounds
- 1st round
* Germany 7 x 1 Curacao
* Ivory Coast 1 x 0 Ecuador
- 2nd round
* Germany 2 x 1 Ivory Coast
* Ecuador 0 x 0 Curaçao
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Germany has already secured its qualification and the leadership of Group E, reaching the final round in a comfortable position. The second direct spot is being contested between Ivory Coast, which has an advantage, and Ecuador. To advance, Ivory Coast needs a win or draw and hope that Ecuador does not surpass them on goal difference; Ecuador needs to beat a strong Germany and wait for other results. Curaçao still has chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams, although remote, requiring a significant victory and combination of scores.
The fierce competition in group F to advance to the next stage
- Netherlands – 4 points; goal difference: 4
- Japan – 4 points; goal difference: 4
- Sweden – 3 points; goal difference: 0
- Tunisia – 0 points; goal difference: -8
Past clashes defined the group F table
- 1st round
* Netherlands 2 x 2 Japan
* Sweden 5 x 1 Tunisia
- 2nd round
* Netherlands 5 x 1 Sweden
* Japan 4 x 0 Tunisia
Group F reaches the decisive round with the classification completely open, with the Netherlands and Japan tied for the lead. Both teams depend only on their own results to guarantee their place, but a stumble could open up space for Sweden, which still has a real chance of advancing if it wins its commitment. Tunisia, in turn, faces a delicate situation: it needs to win and wait for a highly favorable combination of other results to have any hope.
Discover the decisive panorama of group D
- United States – 6 points; goal difference: 5
- Australia – 3 points; goal difference: 0
- Paraguay – 3 points; goal difference: -2
- Türkiye – 0 points; goal difference: -3
Previous clashes in group D
- 1st round
* United States 4 x 1 Paraguay
* Australia 2 x 0 Türkiye
- 2nd round
* United States 2 x 0 Australia
* Türkiye 0 x 1 Paraguay
The United States reaches the final round already assured of leadership in Group D and classified for the next phase of the 2026 World Cup. The second direct spot will be played between Australia and Paraguay, both with three points. Australia has an advantage on goal difference, which gives them a greater margin to advance. Paraguay needs to win their game and hope that Australia doesn’t overcome them, possibly needing a victory with a superior balance. Turkey, with zero points and a negative goal difference, is already eliminated from the competition.
