England qualify despite defensive injury; Scotland's knockout fate hangs in balance; Cape Verde make history by eliminating Uruguay; Egypt also reach last 32 for first time.

Cape Verde, Curacao, Ghana, and South Africa have stunned favorites at the 2026 World Cup. Defensive discipline, compact shapes, and the expanded 48-team format are leveling the playing field.

Ecstasy for Ecuador and draw puts Australia through | World Cup Daily

Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 at the 2026 World Cup, securing a knockout spot. President Daniel Noboa declared Friday a national holiday, celebrating the team's resilience and historic victory.

Ecuador manager Sebastian Beccacece staked his job on a must-win match against Germany. A 2-1 victory saved his tenure and sent Ecuador to the World Cup knockout stages for only the second time in history.

Nicolas Pepe’s early brilliance powered Ivory Coast into the World Cup knockout stages, ending Curacao’s fairy-tale debut. The Elephants’ commanding win in Group E, combined with other results, sent Germany through as group winners and left Curacao to reflect on a journey that exceeded all expectations.

Ecuador defeated four-time champions Germany in a must-win Group E clash, pulling off a stunning comeback to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup round of 16.

The 2026 World Cup group stage averages 2.94 goals per match, threatening to be the most prolific since 1970. Elite forwards, defensive errors, a tricky new ball, and tactical substitutions fuel the goal glut.

Lionel Messi tops the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot standings with five goals, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland on four. Messi also became the all-time leading World Cup scorer. Betting favorites favor Mbappé and Harry Kane, but the race remains wide open as the knockout phase approaches.

Lionel Messi scores his 17th World Cup goal against Austria, breaking Miroslav Klose's record of 16 and becoming the tournament's all-time top scorer at age 38.

King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and Princess Ariane witnessed the Netherlands beat Sweden 5-1 in Houston, then flew to Kansas City for Curaçao’s historic 0-0 draw vs Ecuador.

Curaçao held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw for their first World Cup point. Japan beat Tunisia 2-0. The results shake up Group F and third-place qualification scenarios.

Curaçao, the smallest nation by population in World Cup history, earned their first point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room's 15-save masterclass, witnessed by Dutch royalty, anchored a resilient defensive performance, shaking up Group E standings.

USA, Mexico, Germany secure Round of 32 spots in 2026 FIFA World Cup. Hosts dominate groups, with US winning 4-1 vs Paraguay and 2-0 vs Australia. Knockout stage begins June 28, final July 19 at MetLife Stadium.

Germany face Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto at the 2026 World Cup. Joshua Kimmich revealed a venomous snake encounter in North Carolina, while fans marched through Toronto. Live coverage and streaming details available.

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi was initially denied entry to Canada for a World Cup match against Germany due to a spot-fixing investigation, but the Ivorian federation later reversed course, securing his travel clearance. The saga, linked to his arrest in France for organized fraud, creates tactical and psychological turmoil for the team.

Argentina aims to become the third team to win back-to-back World Cups, ending a 64-year drought. Lionel Messi, at 39, seeks a redemptive exit in the U.S., contrasting Diego Maradona's 1994 disgrace. The team balances an aging core with emerging talent in a tactical challenge to defend the title.

Chris Richards has declared himself fit for the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay, recovering from torn ankle ligaments in time to ease defensive concerns for coach Mauricio Pochettino.

BBC Sport highlights 20 debutants for the 2026 World Cup, including Ivory Coast's Yan Diomande and players nicknamed 'Mazadona,' 'Einstein,' and 'The Ant.'

Thomas Tuchel says Harry Kane is in 'top shape' and 'ready to go' for the 2026 World Cup. The England head coach praised Kane's leanness and high pressing, a contrast to past tournaments where fitness was a concern.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 48 teams, is set to break long-standing records including most titles, appearances, and goals. Brazil leads with five titles, while Messi, Ronaldo, and Ochoa aim for a sixth tournament. Klose's 16-goal record is under threat.

Manchester City dominates World Cup 2026 with a record 19 players from 12 nations. The Premier League also shows strong global influence, while veteran stars seek final glory.

Scotland coach Steve Clarke has called up 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder Tyler Fletcher as a last-minute injury replacement for the 2026 World Cup, after Billy Gilmour suffered a knee injury. Fletcher, with less than 20 minutes of Premier League play this season, leapfrogged more experienced standby players.

Uncapped at World Cup level, Sunderland's Nilson Angulo joins Ecuador's 2026 squad featuring stars Caicedo, Hincapie and Valencia.