On the next matchday of the 2026 World Cup, the second round continues with Groups E and F. The program includes four matches: Netherlands vs Sweden, Germany vs Ivory Coast, Ecuador vs Curacao, and Tunisia vs Japan. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The main intrigues of the day revolve around how teams will respond to the results of the first round. Germany and Sweden started the tournament very confidently, Ivory Coast also took three points, while the Netherlands and Japan, after a draw between them, now have little room for error. For Ecuador, Curacao, and Tunisia, the second match could already be decisive in keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Group F, Round 2, June 20, 22:00, Houston, NRG
Coaches: Ronald Koeman – Graham Potter (England)
The Netherlands did not start the World Cup as confidently as expected. Ronald Koeman's team drew 2-2 with Japan in the first round, despite leading twice. Now the Dutch need not just to take points but to show more disciplined defending.
Sweden, on the other hand, started strongly – 5-1 against Tunisia. Graham Potter's team immediately took the lead in the group, and the Alexander Isak – Viktor Gyökeres partnership showed it could become one of the most dangerous attacking duos of the tournament.
Group E, Round 2, June 21, 01:00, Toronto, BMO Field
Referee: Milcíades Saldívar Franco (Paraguay)
Germany approaches the second round as one of the most impressive teams of the tournament's start. In the first match, the Germans crushed Curacao 7-1, quickly dispelling questions about their form and attitude.
But Ivory Coast is a different level of opponent. The African team started the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, achieving the result with a late goal. The team showed they can endure, withstand pressure, and seize their moment.
For Germany, a win guarantees advancement to the playoffs. But this match should be much tougher than the game against Curacao: Ivory Coast has speed, a powerful midfield, and players capable of punishing lapses in concentration.
Group E, Round 2, June 21, 05:00, Kansas City, Arrowhead
Coaches: Sebastián Beccacece (Argentina) – Dick Advocaat (Netherlands)
Ecuador and Curacao meet without any points. For both teams, this is a match where defeat could almost certainly close the door to the playoffs.
Ecuador lost 0-1 to Ivory Coast in the first round. The team held on for a long time but conceded late and now must recover. The main task is not just to win but to improve goal difference, as in a group with Germany, every goal could matter.
Curacao played their historic first World Cup match, but the result was heavy – a 1-7 loss to Germany. However, the team did score their first World Cup goal, and now they need to show that their debut is not limited to a single symbolic moment.
Group F, Round 2, June 21, 09:00, Monterrey, BBVA
Coaches: Hervé Renard (France) – Hajime Moriyasu
Tunisia finds itself in the toughest situation in Group F. After a heavy 1-5 defeat to Sweden, the team changed coaches: Hervé Renard replaced Sabri Lamouchi. His first match will be almost decisive.
Japan, on the other hand, got a good start. Hajime Moriyasu's team drew 2-2 with the Netherlands, saving a point at the end. This result leaves Japan in a comfortable position: a win over Tunisia could significantly boost their chances of reaching the playoffs.
Renard has already called Japan the best team in Asia, and for Tunisia, this will be a test of character after a painful start. The Japanese look more cohesive and calm, but a match against an opponent with no room for error could be much tougher than it appears on paper.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup final tournament started on June 11 and will end on July 19. It is the first to be held in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and the first to feature 48 teams.
After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams will advance. The playoff matches will begin with the Round of 32.
Last night at the 2026 World Cup, four matches took place. In Group C, Morocco beat Scotland 1-0, and Brazil thrashed Haiti 3-0. In Group D, the USA defeated Australia 2-0, and Paraguay beat Turkey 1-0.