United States and Germany Target Perfect Group Records as World Cup Knockout Race Intensifies

Posted : 25 June 2026

Co-hosts the United States and Germany will look to complete flawless group-stage campaigns on Thursday as the race for places in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout rounds reaches a crucial stage.

The United States have already secured first place in Group D after victories over Paraguay and Australia. Mauricio Pochettino's side will face eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles, with the opportunity to maintain their winning momentum ahead of the last 32.

With qualification already assured, the U.S. coaching staff could choose to rotate key players. Several regular starters are one booking away from suspension, making squad management an important consideration before the knockout phase begins.

Forward Christian Pulisic, who recently returned from a calf injury, stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive approach despite having already clinched top spot. The Americans are hoping their strong start can help them achieve their best World Cup run since reaching the quarterfinals in 2002.

Elsewhere in Group D, Australia and Paraguay will meet in a decisive contest for second place. Australia currently hold the advantage on goal difference, meaning a draw would likely be enough to send them through, while Paraguay are also in a strong position to advance.

Germany have already guaranteed first place in Group E after consecutive victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast. The four-time world champions have responded impressively after suffering group-stage exits at the previous two World Cups.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has welcomed the team's progress but insists there is still work to be done. Germany will face Ecuador, who must win to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds alive.

Ivory Coast remain favorites to secure second place in Group E and are expected to face Curacao, who still have an outside chance of progressing after earning a draw against Ecuador in their previous outing.

Group F remains one of the most competitive sections in the tournament, with the Netherlands, Japan, and Sweden all still capable of finishing at the top of the standings.

The Dutch enter their match against Tunisia as favorites, especially after Tunisia's disappointing campaign, which included heavy defeats and a mid-tournament coaching change. Japan and Sweden, meanwhile, will meet in a crucial clash that could determine the group winner.

On Wednesday, Brazil confirmed first place in Group C with a convincing victory over Scotland. Vinicius Junior continued his excellent form by scoring twice, while Neymar made his first international appearance in nearly three years after returning from injury.

Morocco also advanced after defeating Haiti in an entertaining encounter, finishing level on points with Brazil but missing out on first place due to goal difference. Scotland's hopes now depend on whether their record is sufficient to qualify among the best third-placed teams.

Mexico completed a perfect Group A campaign with a comfortable win over the Czech Republic and secured the advantage of playing their Round of 32 match at the iconic Estadio Azteca.

One of the tournament's biggest surprises came from South Africa, who qualified for the knockout stage for the first time in their history after defeating South Korea to finish second in Group A.

Switzerland topped Group B following a victory over Canada, while Bosnia-Herzegovina strengthened their qualification hopes by defeating Qatar and securing one of the coveted third-place positions.

With more places in the knockout rounds still up for grabs, Thursday's matches promise to shape the final picture of the expanded 48-team World Cup.

United States and Germany Target Perfect Group Records as World Cup Knockout Race Intensifies

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