New Delhi: It was another thrilling day at the FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring goals, drama and dominant displays as Germany and Sweden recorded emphatic wins, Japan produced a spirited comeback against the Netherlands, and Ivory Coast secured a late victory over Ecuador.
Germany crush Curacao 7–1 in statement win
Four-time champions Germany delivered the most dominant performance of the day, thrashing debutants Curacao 7–1 in their Group stage opener.
The match began at a blistering pace as Felix Nmecha scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far, setting the tone for a one-sided contest. He later won a penalty before half-time, which Kai Havertz converted to double Germany’s lead.
Curacao briefly stunned the giants when Livano Comenencia’s deflected effort beat Manuel Neuer in the 21st minute to level the score. However, Germany quickly regained control with Nico Schlotterbeck heading in from a set piece before Havertz’s stoppage-time penalty restored their advantage.
The second half saw relentless German pressure. Jamal Musiala struck early, Nathaniel Brown scored on his World Cup debut, and late goals from Deniz Undav and Havertz completed a commanding 7–1 rout.
Japan fight back twice to hold Netherlands 2–2
Japan produced one of the most resilient performances of the day, coming from behind twice to earn a 2–2 draw against the Netherlands in a Group F clash in Texas.
After a goalless first half, Virgil van Dijk gave the Dutch the lead in the 51st minute with a powerful header from a Ryan Gravenberch cross. Japan responded quickly, with Keito Nakamura firing a superb low strike from distance in the 57th minute.
The Netherlands regained the lead in the 64th minute through Crysencio Summerville’s spectacular effort off the post, but Japan refused to give up. In the 89th minute, Daichi Kamada equalised after a headed assist from substitute Koki Ogawa, securing a dramatic late point.
Ivory Coast strike late to beat Ecuador 1–0
Ivory Coast clinched a narrow but vital 1–0 win over Ecuador thanks to a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Amad Diallo.
Wilfried Singo created the decisive moment with a surging run down the right flank before delivering a precise cut-back into the box, where Diallo calmly finished past goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez.
Ecuador came close earlier in the match, with John Yeboah and Alan Minda both striking the crossbar in the first half. Ivory Coast also tested the woodwork through Elye Wahi, but neither side could break through until the dying seconds.
Sweden overpower Tunisia 5–1
Sweden opened their campaign in style, defeating Tunisia 5–1 with a commanding attacking display in Monterrey.
Yasin Ayari opened the scoring after capitalising on a goalkeeping error, before Alexander Isak doubled the lead from a well-worked move involving Viktor Gyökeres.
Tunisia briefly pulled one back through Omar Rekik’s header before Gyökeres restored Sweden’s control in the second half. Late strikes from Mattias Svanberg and a second goal from Ayari sealed a dominant 5–1 victory.
With standout performances across continents, the World Cup continues to deliver high drama, stunning goals, and emerging storylines as teams battle for early momentum in the tournament.
