FIFA World Cup 2026 results roundup Day 4: Germany score 7, Japan and Netherlands play out thriller
World Cup 2026 results: Eight teams were in action on day four of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Germany kicked off their campaign against debutants Curacao while Ecuador faced Ivory Coast in the second Group E game. In Group F, Sweden played Tunisia and Japan took on Netherlands.
Germany 7-1 Curacao
Germany showed their ruthless side to thrash World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 in their opening game. Die Mannschaf scored the first goal through Felix Nmecha in the sixth minute. But the Caribbean side, which is the smallest nation ever to play at the World Cup finals, responded with a goal from Livano Comenencia to draw them level.
The FC Zurich midfielder drove a left-footed shot from the edge of the box which deflected past veteran keeper Manuel Neuer. The goal was celebrated widly and it is something that will be part of the Blue Stars football history forever. Julian Nagelsmann’s side settled themselves and responded in style.
They restored their advantage after Nico Schlotterbeck’s header and by half-time they were 3-1 ahead after Kai Havertz’s penalty. Four more goals followed in the second half for the four-time champions. Jamal Musiala scored immediately after the break and left-back Nathaniel Brown lashed home a volley in the 68th minute. Substitute Deniz Undav scored his side’s sixth and then set up a seventh which was dinked home by Havertz.
The win is represents an emphatic start for Germany and is just what Nagelsmann to boost his side’s confidence. Next they face African contenders Ivory Coast on June 20 while Curacao continue World Cup journey against Ecuador on June 21.
Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Netherlands and Japan played out argubaly the best game of the tournament in a 2-2 draw at Dallas Stadium. The game came to life in the second half after the first 45 minutes were rather pedestrian with the Dutch slightly doing better.
Then six minutes into the second half, Virgil Van Dijk headed his side ahead to send the Oranje into ecstasy. But the Asian giants refused to buckle and were level six minutes later Keito Nakamura’s shot went past Bart Verbruggen in Netherlands goal. The back-and-forth action continued with Crysencio Summerville scoring from a low drive after cutting inside to put Ronald Koeman’s side ahead.
As the clock ticked down, Japan grew into the game and looked likely to score. The moment arrived as Daichi Kamada scored a sharp header to bring the Samurai Blue level with one minute of normal time remaining. Much was expected of this game and it delivered in some style as Group F, looks to live up to the Group of Death moniker.
Netherlands will have another testing game when they play Sweden on June 20 and Japan will look to carry their momentum when they face Tunisia on June 21.
Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador
Ivory Coast celebrated their World Cup return after 14 years with a late win over Ecuador. The win means the African nation can realistically hope to progress to the knockout stages for the first time in their history. For the South American sided it ended a 19-game unbeaten run and they were left thinking what could have been.
La Tri hit the woodwork three times but struggled to have clear cut chances. It was not until the 68th minute that they had their first shot on goal. Ivory Coast also found a new burst of energy in the later stages of the game after hitting the woodwork early in the second half.
The game looked set to be heading for a stalemate as it appeared the discipline of Sebastián Beccacece’s side woul prevail. But Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, brough on in the 56th minute, scored the winner for The Elephants from a wonderful left foot strike in the 90th minute.
The three-time AFCON winners will head into the game against Germany on June 20 feeling confident while Ecuador will look to pick their first points when they face Curacao on June 21.
Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
Sweden lit up Estadio Monterrey with a five-star performance to open their World Cup 2026 campaign against Tunisia. With a team filled with attacking riches, the Blågult showed what their capable with some stunning goals to go top of Group F.
Yasin Ayari scored a sensational top corner goal after seven minutes but didn’t celebrate with Tunisia being the country of his father’s birth. Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, who had a injury ridden first campaign at Anfield, then doubled the lead with a strong run and finish at the half hour mark.
The Eagles of Carthage huffed and puffed and did a get goal back after Omar Rekik scored a header two minutes from the end of the first half. But any chances of a comeback were buried after Isak fed Arsenal forward Viktor Gyokeres for Sweden’s third goal in the 59th minute. Isak was the provider again with substitute Mattias Svanberg scoring less than 20 seconds after coming on. Ayari then put the cherry on the top with another stunning finish from the distance as Graham Potter’s men made a statement.
They will now face Netherlands in a enticing encounter on June 20 while Tunisia have to dust themselves up for a meeting with Japan on June 21.
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