FIFA World Cup: Netherlands and Germany in Knockout Stage, Japan Sneaks In

The Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden have advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 from Group F while Tunisia has been eliminated.

On Friday morning, Japan played a 1-1 draw against Sweden, finishing as group runners-up and reaching the last 32.

Sweden, despite finishing third, also qualified for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. Three-time runners-up Netherlands defeated Tunisia to secure their place in the knockouts.

At Dallas Football Stadium in the U.S., Japan and Sweden both booked their knockout spots after their draw.

Daizen Maeda scored in the 56th minute to give Japan the lead, but six minutes later Anthony Elanga equalized for Sweden.

Japan advanced with 5 points as Group F runners-up, while Sweden collected 4 points and qualified as one of the best eight third-placed teams.

This marks Japan’s third consecutive knockout qualification. Since debuting in 1998, Japan has reached the knockout stage in 2018, 2022, and now 2026, as well as in 2002 and 2010.

Sweden, who reached the final in 1958, has now cleared the group stage for the 10th time. After failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Sweden returned strongly this time.

Japan also became the first Asian nation to reach the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Netherlands, meanwhile, continued their tradition of advancing past the group stage in every World Cup appearance.

In Friday’s earlier match, the Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1 to reach the last 32. Tunisia conceded an own goal by Elias Skhiri in the 3rd minute, followed by a strike from Brian Brobbey in the 7th minute to double the Dutch lead.

Hazem Mastouri pulled one back for Tunisia in the 56th minute, but Jan Paul van Hecke scored in the 62nd minute to seal the win.

Australia advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after holding Paraguay to a goalless draw.

The match, played Friday morning at the San Francisco Bay Area Football Stadium in the U.S., ended 0-0 despite both teams creating several scoring chances.

From Group D, co-host USA topped the table with 6 points, while Australia finished as runners-up to secure their place in the knockouts. Paraguay, with the draw, still has a chance to qualify.

This marks Australia’s third time reaching the knockout stage in seven World Cup appearances.

From Group E, Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador booked their places in the knockout stage, while debutants Curaçao were eliminated.

On Friday morning, Ivory Coast defeated Curaçao 2-0 to secure second place in the group. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals, in the 7th and 64th minutes.

Germany, who had already qualified for the knockouts, lost their final group match 2-1 to Ecuador at the New York–New Jersey Football Stadium.

Leroy Sané gave Germany the lead in the 2nd minute, but Nilson Angulo equalized in the 9th minute. Gonzalo Plata then scored in the 77th minute to seal Ecuador’s victory.

Despite the defeat, Germany still finished as group winners with 6 points, while Ivory Coast also collected 6 points but trailed on goal difference.

Ecuador, with 4 points, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. Curaçao, participating in their first-ever World Cup, exited after three straight losses.