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.

Ecuador and Germany meet in a critical Group E finale at New York New Jersey Stadium. Ecuador seeks rebound from 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast; Germany aims to avoid group-stage elimination. Kick-off at 4pm EDT.

Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, faces a must-win Côte d’Ivoire in a pivotal group stage clash. The Guardian reports Curaçao’s unchanged 5-3-2 lineup, while Ivorians carry continental pride and knockout hopes.

Only Germany has secured a knockout spot in Group E. Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador battle for the remaining place in a dramatic finale. Read about their paths to advance.

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.

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.

Ecuador and Curaçao face a must-win Group E match after both lost openers. Curaçao seeks redemption from Germany's 7-1 rout, while Ecuador aims to recover from defeat to Ivory Coast. A draw could eliminate one team.

Ivory Coast striker Elye Wahi has been denied entry to Canada due to an active investigation into spot-fixing in Ligue 1, forcing him to miss Saturday's crucial World Cup match against Germany in Toronto. The 23-year-old was arrested on 29 May for alleged organised fraud.

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

FIFA sanctions Mexico with partial stadium closure for friendly vs. Ghana due to repeated discriminatory chants. This is a warning for the 2026 World Cup, where stricter protocols could lead to match stoppages or forfeits.