Several important games took place on June 25 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Results helped shape the knockout round picture.
In Group D, Turkiye defeated the United States 3-2. Arda Guler scored early for Turkiye, followed by Baris Alper Yilmaz. The U.S. responded with goals from Auston Trusty on a corner and Sebastian Berhalter. Kaan Ayhan scored a late winner for Turkiye in stoppage time. The U.S. had already secured first place in the group.
Ecuador pulled off a comeback win over Germany 2-1 in Group E. Leroy Sane gave Germany an early lead, but Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata scored for Ecuador. The result sent Ecuador into the Round of 32 for the first time since 2006.
Japan and Sweden played to a 1-1 draw in Group F. Both teams advanced to the knockout stage from the group.
Other results included the Netherlands beating Tunisia and Ivory Coast defeating Curacao 2-0. These outcomes helped several teams lock in their spots or improve their standing ahead of the final group games. The expanded 48 team format means more teams move forward from the group stage.