Time to readjust those sets to Group F!
Japan and Sweden are about to clash in their own group finale where the top three could all reverse order after the last set of games.
The Netherlands lead Japan on goals scored with four points from the first available six while Sweden trail one point behind, with pointless Tunisia already out of the reckoning.
We’re bringing you live coverage of that match – click below to make sure you don’t miss any of the drama:
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:59
Germany end 12-year World Cup wait
Germany are into the World Cup knockouts for the first time since winning in 2014, which should feel like closing a chapter of underperformance for the national team.
However, we haven’t exactly seen a vintage German side so far – they conceded to tiny Curacao, had to snatch a late win against Ivory Coast and have now lost to Ecuador.
Group winners they may be, but it won’t be until they play against one of the big guns that we’ll really start to take them seriously.
(Getty)
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:50
Breathtaking Ecuador become World Cup dark horses again and expose Germany’s biggest problem
Ecuador battled, scrapped and clawed their way to this famous World Cup 2026 comeback victory over Germany. A deserved 2-1 win to advance to the knockout stage for the second-ever time and ensure redemption for the maligned coach Sebastian Beccacece. They finish third in Group E, in another blow to Scotland’s hopes of becoming one of the eight third-place teams to advance, with their manager clambering into the stands like he had won Wimbledon in what promises to be a wild New York party.
This was a performance of great intensity, but after failing to score in this tournament after two games; an exquisite finish from Nilson Angulo and a gift from Manuel Neuer sealed the deal here. Once the safest pair of hands in football, the Bayern stopper has been shaky in the United States and his presence further exposes Germany’s unstable World Cup hopes. Julian Nagelsmann’s side wilted under the intense atmosphere, with a third of the estimated 900,000 Ecuadorians in the United States living here in New York, a yellow blaze from the stands willed their team back into the game and past the four-time champions.
Jack Rathborn in New York25 June 2026 23:45
“Look at that emotion,” said Joe Hart on BBC One. “I don’t think it is relief, it is belief.
“Ecuador believed in the way they played the game, they knew it was going to be tight but when the big moments came they flew at Germany.
“There is no getting away from it, Germany had nothing to play for and you could feel it. You could feel they didn’t want to get involved. An incredible performance from Ecuador, they should be so proud.”
(Reuters)
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:40
Ecuador boss Sebastian Beccacece was having a very tough World Cup before today’s match. No goals had been scored and their only point came against Curacao, the tiny nation who they were expected to trounce.
After that match, Beccacece’s family were seen arguing with fans in the stands, and the manager was set to leave if Ecuador were eliminated.
It doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere now.
(Getty)
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:35
The greatest moment in Ecuador’s football history?
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:30
Ecuador go through as one of best third-placed teams
Ecuador are through to the knockouts, shooting to the top of the third-place rankings with the elusive tally of four points.
Scotland missed out on that last night – and today’s result means they drop to eighth in the rankings. They nows need everything to go their way to progress.
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:20
Ecuador’s winner against Germany has sealed their place in the World Cup knockouts, against all odds.
They join group winners Germany in the round of 32, alongside Ivory Coast who beat Curacao to seal their place.
How Group E finishes at World Cup 2026 (The Independent)
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:09
Incredible scenes as Ecuador progress into World Cup knockouts
(Reuters)
(Reuters)
(Getty)
Will Castle25 June 2026 23:05
FULL-TIME! Curacao 0-2 Ivory Coast
Curacao have done themselves proud in a very tough group, I’d argue, but they bow out of the World Cup at the bottom of the group regardless.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast progress in second place.
Alex Pattle25 June 2026 22:59