Ecuador national football team defeated Germany 2-1 at MetLife Stadium to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Leroy Sané gave Germany an early lead after two minutes, but Nilson Angulo equalised before Gonzalo Plata scored the winner 13 minutes from time. Despite the defeat, Germany finished top of Group E.
Ivory Coast sealed second place in Group E with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao national football team in Philadelphia. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals to send the West Africans into the World Cup knockout stage, while Curaçao ended its debut campaign with one point.
The Netherlands completed a perfect Group F campaign by beating Tunisia national football team 3-1. An own goal by Ellyes Skhiri put the Dutch ahead before Brian Brobbey and Jan Paul van Hecke added further goals. The Dutch will face Morocco national football team in the Round of 32.
Japan secured second place in Group F after a 1-1 draw with Sweden national football team. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring before Anthony Elanga equalised with a long-range strike. Sweden remained in contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, while Japan will take on Brazil national football team in the next round.
Already-qualified United States men s national soccer team suffered their first defeat of the tournament, losing 3-2 to Turkey national football team in Los Angeles. Coach Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes to the starting lineup before Kaan Ayhan scored the stoppage-time winner. Despite the victory, Türkiye were eliminated after finishing behind on overall standings.
Meanwhile, Australia earned a goalless draw against Paraguay national football team in Santa Clara to finish second in Group D and advance to the knockout stage. Paraguay stayed in contention for qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.
