World Cup Day 15: Curaçao Chases History, Japan Faces Sweden in a Direct Clash

The 15th day of the 2026 World Cup closes out three more group-stage groups and begins shaping the round of 32. The headline attraction is tiny Curaçao, which is still chasing its first-ever World Cup win and could reach the knockout stage with a victory over Ivory Coast. Germany, meanwhile, aims to stay perfect against Ecuador.

In Group 5, Germany leads with 6 points and a +7 goal difference, followed by Ivory Coast on 3 points, Ecuador on 1 point with a minus-1 goal difference, and Curaçao on 1 point with a minus-6 goal difference. Curaçao, the smallest country ever to appear at a World Cup with about 180,000 residents, has already scored its first tournament 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 advancement, possibly even from second place. Ivory Coast is favored, but a draw may be enough if Ecuador does not upset Germany in New Jersey.

Group 6 features a direct battle between Japan and Sweden in Arlington at 02:00, while Tunisia meets the Netherlands in Kansas City. The Netherlands and Japan both have 4 points and a +4 goal difference, Sweden has 3 points, and Tunisia is already eliminated. Japan, after drawing the Netherlands in the opener, needs only a draw to advance, while Sweden says it has “7 lives” after barely qualifying. The winner advances for sure, and could even finish first if the Netherlands slip against Tunisia.

In Group 4, Paraguay and Australia meet in Santa Clara at 05:00 in another crucial fight for second place, while the United States faces Turkey in Inglewood. The U.S. has already clinched first place with 6 points and a +5 goal difference, Australia and Paraguay each have 3 points, and Turkey is eliminated. A draw sends both Paraguay and Australia through, but a loss could leave the defeated side with a negative goal difference and risk elimination.