Day 15 of the World Cup delivered a set of results that reshaped Group D and confirmed the knockout-round picture across multiple groups. Ecuador pulled off a historic comeback against Germany, while a rotated USA side suffered their first group-stage defeat of the tournament.
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Turkey End USA’s Perfect Run
Already eliminated, Turkey had nothing to lose in their final group match and played accordingly. Kaan Ayhan’s 98th-minute goal sealed a 3-2 win over the Americans, denying the co-hosts what would have been a first-ever three-match winning streak at a World Cup. The USA, who made nine changes to their starting lineup ahead of a round-of-32 fixture with Bosnia & Herzegovina on Wednesday, still finished top of Group D on six points.
In the group’s other match, Australia and Paraguay shared a goalless draw in Santa Clara. Both sides advanced to the knockout rounds.
Netherlands Cruise Past Tunisia to Top Group F
The Netherlands were efficient and controlled in a 3-1 win over Tunisia, claiming top spot in Group F. Elsewhere in the group, Japan and Sweden drew 1-1, with both sides securing their places in the round of 32.
Ecuador’s Comeback Sends Germany Home
The early fixtures on Thursday produced the day’s most dramatic moment. Ecuador trailed Germany before Nilson Angulo fired in from distance just outside the area to level the contest, a strike that kept his side’s World Cup alive. Gonzalo Plata then stabbed home from a corner in the 77th minute to complete a 2-1 turnaround, sending Ecuador through with four points from three games.
In the same group, Curacao, the tournament’s smallest nation, exited after a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast, who also qualified for the knockout stage.
Goal of the Day: Nilson Angulo
With Ecuador a goal down and their tournament on the line, Angulo collected the ball just outside the penalty area and struck cleanly from distance. The Sunderland forward’s effort pulled his side back into the match and set the platform for Plata’s winner, a goal that prompted Ecuador’s coach Sebastian Beccacece to leap into the stands to celebrate with family.
Player of the Day: Virgil van Dijk
The Dutch needed a win to top Group F, and their captain delivered. Van Dijk posted a 9.0 on Flashscore’s player ratings system, driven in large part by his assist for Brian Brobbey’s second goal. The header back across goal may have carried an element of fortune, but it landed precisely where Brobbey needed it.
Virgil van Dijk stats vs Tunisia: 90% duel success rate, eight clearances (game-high), 95% pass completion.
At 34, the Liverpool defender’s career is entering its later stages, but Thursday’s display underlined his continued importance to the national team across every phase of play.
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Norwegian football supporters made an unexpected appearance at the Travellers Championship near Boston, turning up to back compatriots Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Reitan on the PGA Tour. The group performed the now-familiar Viking row in the middle of the golf tournament, a crossover that few had on their World Cup bingo card.
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Also Read: World Cup 2026 Group Stage: Results, Standings & Fixtures — Updated 26 June 2026