Germany’s final push before the knockouts: Former champions face Ecuador, Japan and Sweden in a do-or-die battle

The excitement of FIFA World Cup 2026 is at its peak. Leaving behind the disappointment of 2018 and 2022, 2014 champion Germany seems to be in full swing this time. The German team, which has secured its place in the knockouts by performing brilliantly in Group-E, will now face Ecuador in its last match of the group stage at the New Jersey Stadium on Thursday night. The German team intends to send a strong message in the knockout rounds with this win. Star player Deniz Undav, who has scored three goals and two assists so far, will prove to be the biggest challenge for Ecuador. On the other hand, for Ecuador this match will be the last attempt to save its reputation.

Host America’s mission to maintain the ‘rhythm’

Co-host America, which has made it to the knockouts from Group D, will now face Turkey in its final league match. The matter of concern for the coach in this match to be held in Los Angeles is the yellow card suspension of four main players of the team. However, it is a matter of relief for the fans that star player Pulisic has recovered from his calf injury and has resumed training. The team’s only aim is to win this match and maintain its momentum and confidence before the knockouts.

Japan vs Sweden: Who gets the ticket to the last 32?

The match of Group-F is going to be the most exciting, where the teams of Japan and Sweden will face each other to get the ticket to the knockout. In this match to be held in Texas, Japan’s entire strategy will be to stop Sweden’s lethal strikers Alexander Isak and Victor Gyckeres. While Sweden are upbeat after a big 5-1 win over Tunisia, their crushing 1-5 defeat against the Netherlands has exposed their weaknesses. Japan’s restrained game is making this match very thorny.

Other teams in the race for knockout

• Australia vs Paraguay (Group D): This match to be held in San Francisco is decisive from the knockout point of view. Both teams have equal chances after a win over Turkey and a loss to America.

• Ivory Coast vs Curaçao (Group E): By winning this match, Ivory Coast would like to complete the formalities of becoming the second team after Germany to reach the knockout from the group.

• Netherlands vs Tunisia (Group F): For the Dutch team, which is coming after thrashing Sweden 5-1, defeating Tunisia will make the path to the knockout easier. The Dutch team is trying to enter the knockouts with full confidence.