FIFA World Cup 2026 (June 26): Previews, Live Streaming, Standings & Scenarios

Last Updated:June 25, 2026, 11:18 IST

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage heats up as USA chase perfection, Germany rotate, and Ecuador fight for survival across key clashes involving Netherlands, Japan, and Australia.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast

Qualification for the last 32 is on a knife-edge as Curaçao and Côte d’Ivoire meet in the final round of group fixtures on Wednesday. The stakes are simple but brutal: both sides can still reach the knockout phase for the first time in their histories—Curaçao on their World Cup debut, and Côte d’Ivoire still chasing a first real breakthrough after group-stage exits in 2006, 2010, and 2014.

The permutations are tight, but the math is straightforward. A win guarantees progression for either side, while a draw would also be enough for Côte d’Ivoire to get through. Curaçao, meanwhile, must push for victory. Expect a cautious start, but the game could open up quickly if either side scores first.

Curaçao possible starting lineup: Room; Brenet, Floranus, Gaari, Obispo, Fonville; Bacuna, Comencia, Bacuna; Locadia, Chong.

Côte d’Ivoire possible starting lineup: Fofana; Doué, Kossounou, Agbadou, Konan; Kessie, Sangaré, Oulaï; Amad, Bonny, Diomande

Prediction: Curaçao 0–3 Côte d’Ivoire

Ecuador vs Germany

Germany head into the final round already assured of top spot in Group E, regardless of results. That comfort gives Julian Nagelsmann room to rotate, rest key players, and fine-tune tactics for the knockout stage. Two wins from two have already secured their passage.

Ecuador, though, are in survival mode. Only a win guarantees progression, and even then they may still need help to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Their campaign has been mixed—solid defensive structure on paper, but inconsistency has crept in after a narrow loss to Côte d’Ivoire and a disappointing 0–0 draw with Curaçao.

Germany’s dominance contrasts sharply with Ecuador’s urgency, but that pressure could also push the South Americans into a more aggressive, nothing-to-lose approach.

Ecuador possible starting lineup: Galíndez; Franco, Pacho, Hincapié; Yeboah, Caicedo, Alcívar, Vite, Estupiñan; Valencia, Plata

Germany possible starting lineup: Baumann; Anton, Thiaw, Rüdiger, Raum; Goretzka, Stiller; Amiri, Lewelling, Beier; Undav

Prediction: Ecuador 1–1 Germany

Tunisia vs Netherlands

Tunisia arrive at Arrowhead Stadium with pride as their only objective, already eliminated from Group F contention. The Netherlands, meanwhile, are chasing top spot and enter as heavy favourites after a dominant group stage.

The Eagles of Carthage have struggled badly across two matches, offering little in attack and even less consistency at the back. The new World Cup rule prioritising head-to-head over goal difference has also sealed their fate early, leaving no mathematical route back.

The Dutch, by contrast, have been efficient and controlled. With qualification already secured, they are expected to rotate slightly but still maintain clear superiority in quality and structure.

Tunisia possible starting lineup: Dahmen; Valery, Rekik, Talbi, Ali Abdi; Skhiri; Slimane, Hannibal; Chaouat, Saad, Mastouri

Netherlands possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Van de Ven; De Jong, Reijnders, Gravenberch; Malen, Brobbey, Gakpo

Prediction: Tunisia 0-3 Netherlands

Japan vs Sweden

Japan and Sweden meet in Dallas with everything still to play for in Group F, both level on points after a win apiece. It’s a classic top-two showdown with knockout qualification hanging in the balance.

Japan continue to build on their reputation as giant-killers after strong performances against European opposition in recent tournaments, including famous wins over Germany and Spain at the last World Cup. Their structure, discipline, and pace in transition remain key weapons.

Sweden, however, must respond after a damaging defeat to the Netherlands that exposed defensive gaps and limited creativity in the final third. They’ll need a sharper attacking edge to keep pace in what could be a tight, tactical battle.

Japan possible starting lineup: Suzuki; Tomiyasu, Itakura, Ito; Doan, Sano, Tanaka, Nakamura; Ito, Kamada, Ueda

Sweden possible starting lineup: Nordfeldt; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Elanga, Bergvall, Karlstrom, Ayari, Gudmundsson; Gyokeres, Isak

Prediction: Japan 2-1 Sweden

Turkiye vs USA

The USA aim to finish the group stage with a perfect record as they face Turkey in Los Angeles. A 2-0 win over Australia has put the hosts top of the group, while Turkey sit bottom after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Paraguay.

Momentum and squad depth heavily favour the Americans, who have looked organised and confident across both matches. Turkey, already eliminated, have little pressure but also little form to lean on.

Expect the USA to control possession and tempo, even if Turkey show brief attacking bursts through individual quality.

Turkey possible starting lineup: Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Kabak, Kadioglu; Ozcan, Calhanoglu; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz; Gul

USA possible starting lineup: Freese; Scally, McKenzie, Trusty, Arfsten; Roldan, Berhalter; Weah, Reyna, Zendejas; Pepi

Prediction: Turkey 1-2 USA

Paraguay vs Australia

Paraguay and Australia face off in a decisive Group D clash in San Francisco, with both teams level on three points and fighting for progression. Turkey’s elimination has already guaranteed both sides a top-three finish, but finishing positions still matter for momentum and seeding.

Paraguay’s attack has lacked sharpness, with limited creativity in the final third. Australia, meanwhile, haven’t been perfect but have shown more balance and threat going forward.

This could be a tight, physical contest, but Australia’s slightly better attacking cohesion may tip the balance.

Paraguay possible starting lineup: Gill; Caceres, G Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Velazquez, Cubas, D Gomez, Galarza; Pitta, Enciso

Australia possible starting lineup: Beach; Circati, Souttar, Burgess; Italiano, O’Neill, Okon-Engstler, Bos; Volpato, Toure, Irankunda

Prediction: Paraguay 0-1 Australia

FIFA World Cup 2026: Live Streaming & Telecast In India TV Channels

TV Channels

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Live Streaming

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About the Author

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His...Read More

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