The final round of the World Cup group stage continues Thursday and Friday with matches that will decide the standings in three groups. The main focus is on the Netherlands hosting Tunisia and Germany meeting Ecuador, while the United States return to Los Angeles for an exhibition-style game against Turkey.
In Group 4, the United States and Turkey meet in a match that changes nothing. The Americans have already clinched first place after beating Paraguay and Australia, while Turkey lost to both and will finish last. Mauricio Pochettino received positive news as Christian Pulisic returned to training after missing the previous match, and the AC Milan midfielder is expected to start. Tyler Adams, who is carrying a yellow card, is likely to be rested. In San Francisco, Australia and Paraguay both know a draw would send them through, since each has three points after two rounds and Australia hold the better goal difference. Paraguay also understand that four points would make passage from third place almost certain. Miguel Almiron will miss out after being sent off in the win over Turkey.
In Group 5, Germany have already secured both a round-of-16 place and first place after Denis Undav scored the winner against Ivory Coast. As a reward, the Stuttgart striker is expected to start against Ecuador as the No. 10 ahead of Jamal Musiala, with Nick Woltemade leading the line. German reports say Oliver Baumann may replace Manuel Neuer in goal as part of the rotation. Ecuador, with only one point from two matches, must win to advance. Curaçao still have a chance to reach the last 32 after their surprise draw with Ecuador, but they need to upset Ivory Coast. The Ivorians will be without Wilfried Singo, who was injured against Germany, although the injury is not expected to rule him out for the rest of the tournament. Ivory Coast have three points and will qualify if they avoid defeat.
In Group 6, the Netherlands can guarantee first place with a win over Tunisia. Ronald Koeman's side have four points, and with Tunisia having conceded nine goals, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey are expected to keep scoring. Koeman is deciding between Doniel Malen and Chisom Sarmvella for one attacking spot. Tunisia are already out with no points. The other match in the group, in Dallas, pits Japan against Sweden in a game where a draw would suit both teams, though neither is expected to settle easily. Anthony Elanga could start for Graham Potter's side, while Takumi Kubo remains unavailable for Japan.
