Co-hosts the United States and Germany will aim to complete perfect World Cup group stage campaigns on Thursday, while the Netherlands and Japan are poised to join them in the last 32. The US have secured top spot in Group D with a game to spare after wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will face already-eliminated Turkiye in Los Angeles.
US Rotation Concerns and Pulisic's Return
Coach Mauricio Pochettino may rest several first-choice players, with Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, and Folarin Balogun at risk of missing the next round if they receive another yellow card. Forward Christian Pulisic has recovered from a calf injury that limited him to just 45 minutes in the tournament so far. “Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win,” Pulisic said. “We don’t necessarily need a win, but it’s a World Cup game, and we all want to give our best and do well.” The US have not reached the quarter-finals since 2002, but a strong start has raised hopes of a deep run on home soil.
Group D Battle for Second Place
Australia and Paraguay meet in Santa Clara for second place. A draw would favor the Socceroos due to their superior goal difference, but it would likely send Paraguay through as well.
Germany Aim to Maintain Momentum
Germany are guaranteed to advance as Group E winners after victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast, putting their first-round exits in the previous two World Cups behind them. “It is very important that we remain modest,” said coach Julian Nagelsmann. “We have won two matches, one was clear, one was very close. We want to win again tomorrow and we’ll see who we play on Monday (in the last 32).” The four-time champions face Ecuador, who desperately need a win to extend their stay. Ivory Coast are on course to finish second and are expected to beat debutants Curacao, who remain in contention after holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw.
Three-Way Battle in Group F
Group F remains wide open, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden all capable of finishing first. The Dutch face a woeful Tunisia side that has suffered successive four-goal defeats and sacked their coach after the opening game. Herve Renard was brought in after Sabri Lamouchi’s dismissal following a 5-1 loss to Sweden, but a 4-0 defeat by Japan eliminated Tunisia. Japan are level with the Netherlands on four points ahead of their clash with Sweden in Arlington. Sweden began the World Cup with a bang but were hammered 5-1 by the Dutch.
Brazil Clinch Group C; Mexico Impress
Brazil secured first place in Group C as Vinicius Junior scored twice in a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami, where Neymar made his first international appearance since October 2023. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will meet the Group F runners-up. Morocco, who beat Haiti 4-2 after coming from behind twice, will face the Group F winners after missing top spot on goal difference. Scotland await to see if they advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Co-hosts Mexico sailed into the last 32 with a 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in an ebullient Estadio Azteca, completing a perfect Group A record. President Claudia Sheinbaum has used the World Cup to mend ties with Spain, with King Felipe VI visiting her in Mexico City en route to Spain’s match against Uruguay.
South Africa Shock South Korea
The biggest surprise was South Africa’s first-ever qualification, achieved with a 1-0 win over South Korea to grab second place in Group A. Celebrations erupted across the country, with fans singing and blowing vuvuzelas from 5:00 am when the match ended. “There were fireworks outside and the celebration went on for more than an hour after the game,” Soweto resident Nandi Ntini told AFP. Switzerland advanced as Group B winners after a 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada in Vancouver, and Bosnia-Herzegovina joined them by beating Qatar 3-1 to secure a third-place spot.
