The 15th day of the 2026 World Cup closes out three more group-stage brackets and begins to shape the field for the round of 32. The focus is on Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to play in a World Cup, while Japan, Sweden, Paraguay, and Australia all face decisive matches for qualification. Germany also looks to finish with a perfect record against Ecuador.
In Group 5, Germany leads with 6 points and a plus-7 goal difference, ahead of Ivory Coast on 3, Ecuador on 1, and Curaçao on 1. Curaçao, which has about 180,000 residents, already scored its first World Cup goal in a 7-1 loss to Germany and earned its first point in a 0-0 draw with Ecuador. A win over Ivory Coast in Philadelphia at 23:00 would guarantee a place among the final 32 and could even put Curaçao second in the group. Germany plays Ecuador at the same time in New Jersey. Ivory Coast is favored to take second place, though a draw could be enough if Ecuador does not upset Germany.
Group 6 features a direct showdown between Japan and Sweden in Arlington at 02:00, while Tunisia meets already-qualified Netherlands in Kansas City. Japan and the Netherlands each have 4 points, Japan and Sweden are separated by one point, and Tunisia has been eliminated. Japan drew the Netherlands in the opener and only needs a draw to advance, while Sweden must win to guarantee qualification. If the Netherlands were to slip against Tunisia, the winner could also end up first in the group.
In Group 4, the United States already secured first place and Turkey has finished last, leaving Australia and Paraguay to fight for second place in Santa Clara at 05:00. Australia has a better goal difference, while Paraguay arrives after a hard-fought win over Turkey and Australia after losing to the United States. A draw would send both through, but a loss could leave the defeated side third with a negative goal difference and at risk of elimination.
