Another busy day is underway at the FIFA World Cup as Ivory Coast reached the knockouts for the first time. Ecuador stunned Germany, the Netherlands topped Group F, and Japan and Sweden advanced. Meanwhile, Türkiye shocked the USA and Australia drew with Paraguay to progress.
Former Arsenal F.C. forward Nicolas Pepe struck twice as Ivory Coast secured second place in Group E and reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Emerse Fae’s side only needed a point to progress, but took control early in Philadelphia. Pepe opened the scoring inside seven minutes after Yan Diomande capitalised on a defensive lapse and squared for the winger to slot home.
Curacao showed flashes of attacking intent through Jurien Gaari, Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna, but carried little real threat. Their hopes faded after the hour mark when Ibrahim Sangare released Pepe in the box, and the former Arsenal man calmly finished for his second to seal a historic win for Les Elephants.
Ecuador booked their place in the Round of 32 with one of their biggest World Cup victories, coming from behind to beat group winners Germany.
Germany struck first through Leroy Sane, whose early finish marked the country’s quickest World Cup goal since 1934. But Ecuador responded within seven minutes through Nilson Angulo, who fired through traffic to level.
The decisive moment came late on when Gonzalo Plata bundled home from close range after Kevin Rodriguez flicked on a corner, sealing a famous comeback. Despite defeat, Germany still topped Group E on goal difference, while Ecuador advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
The Netherlands topped Group F after a commanding win over Tunisia in Kansas City.
The Dutch were gifted an early opener when Tunisian captain Ellyes Skhiri turned Denzel Dumfries’ cross into his own net. Brian Brobbey doubled the lead minutes later with his third goal of the tournament after a headed assist from Virgil van Dijk.
Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Hazem Mastouri pulled one back in the second half, but Jan Paul van Hecke restored the two-goal cushion with a header that deflected in. The result sent the Netherlands through as group winners and set up a last-32 meeting with Morocco.
Japan and Sweden both progressed after a tense draw in Dallas.
After a cautious first half, Japan broke through early in the second period when Daizen Maeda finished off a slick move orchestrated by Ritsu Doan and Ayase Ueda.
Sweden responded quickly thanks to a moment of brilliance from Anthony Elanga, whose curling long-range strike beat Zion Suzuki to level the match.
The result guaranteed Japan second place in Group F, setting up a daunting clash with Brazil, while Sweden advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and now await their Round of 32 opponent.
Türkiye claimed a dramatic 3-2 victory over a much-changed United States side, with Kaan Ayhan scoring deep into stoppage time. Despite the defeat, the USA had already secured top spot in Group D and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32. Sebastian Berhalter scored and assisted for the Americans, while Arda Güler and Barış Alper Yılmaz were also on target for Türkiye, who had already been eliminated.
Australia and Paraguay played out a goalless draw that was enough to keep both sides on course for the World Cup round of 32, with the Socceroos finishing second in Group D on goal difference after edging a largely uneventful contest.
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The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
Pakistan is set to become a founding member of the China-led World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO), with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar travelling to Shanghai on Thursday to sign the founding agreement during a two-day visit.
Space exploration just got sweeter as scientists say they have discovered a type of sugar called erythrulose in outer space.
Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed that the UK's "unwavering" support for Ukraine will continue, during his final visit to the country as Prime Minister.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the reimposition of a U.S. naval blockade on all Iranian ports and warned that power plants and bridges could be targeted next week unless Tehran returns to negotiations.
The United States carried out a third consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, targeting military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz as Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian shipping and proposed a 20% fee on cargo passing through the strategic waterway.
The U.S. military announced that it has completed a new wave of strikes against Iranian military targets under U.S. President Donald Trump's orders. The operation targeted command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone facilities, and coastal surveillance sites across multiple locations.
The death toll from the fire at a live music pub in Bangkok has climbed to 32 after two more victims died from their injuries, according to Thailand's Police Hospital.
Ukraine and Russia exchanged fresh attacks on Tuesday, with Kyiv targeting shipping and energy infrastructure inside Russia while Moscow launched another large-scale missile and drone assault on Ukrainian cities.
As the 2026 Fifa World Cup tournament draws to a close, there’s much to anticipate and yet so much to look back at.
Defending champions Argentina came from behind with two late goals to beat England 2-1 on Wednesday, booking their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final where they will face Spain.
Spain booked their place in the World Cup final with a composed 2-0 victory over France on Tuesday, ending the hopes of the tournament favourites and moving within one match of a second World Cup title.
Argentina and England will meet in a blockbuster World Cup semi-final after both sides came through gripping quarter-final ties that were settled in extra time.
South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who helped Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time, has died at the age of 25.
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