Groups E and F of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already delivered goals, drama, late winners, giant-killing scares and tense qualification battles.
While Germany has secured their place in the knockout rounds with a perfect record, the race for qualification remains fiercely contested elsewhere, particularly in Group F, where three teams remain in contention heading into the final group matches.
Group E: Germany dominates as Ivory Coast holds the advantage
Current Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Germany | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 6 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Ecuador | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| Curaçao | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 1 |
Germany has been the standout team in the group, collecting six points from six and scoring nine goals in the process. Their campaign began with a ruthless 7-1 demolition of Curaçao, a performance that announced them as serious contenders. Germany recovered from Curaçao’s surprise equalizer to overwhelm their opponents with goals from Felix Nmecha, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav in a devastating attacking display.
Germany’s winning mentality
What has stood out most about Germany is its ability to respond under pressure. Against Ivory Coast, the Germans fell behind after Franck Kessié’s opener and even had an earlier goal disallowed. Rather than panic, Julian Nagelsmann’s side dominated possession and eventually found an equalizer through Deniz Undav before the striker struck again deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory.
That late winner may prove significant as Germany became one of the first teams from these groups to guarantee qualification for the Round of 32.
Ivory Coast’s late heroics
The Elephants have been one of the tournament’s most resilient sides. Their opening match against Ecuador looked destined for a goalless draw until Amad Diallo struck in the 90th minute to hand Ivory Coast a crucial 1-0 victory.
That dramatic winner has proven invaluable. Although Ivory Coast were edged 2-1 by Germany in their second match, they remain second in the standings and are favourites to qualify.
Ecuador’s frustration
Few teams have been as unfortunate as Ecuador. They hit the woodwork multiple times against Ivory Coast before conceding in stoppage time and then dominated possession against Curaçao without finding a breakthrough.
The 0-0 draw with Curaçao was particularly frustrating. Ecuador controlled 73 per cent possession, created numerous chances and even appealed for a late penalty that was overturned following a VAR review. Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced several outstanding saves to preserve the point.
Curaçao’s fighting spirit
Although at the bottom of the group, Curaçao deserve credit for their resilience. After suffering a heavy defeat to Germany, they regrouped impressively to earn a hard-fought draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room emerged as the hero, repeatedly denying Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata in one of the tournament’s most spirited defensive performances.
What happens next?
Germany is already through and can secure the top spot with at least a draw against Ecuador.
Ivory Coast face Curaçao knowing victory guarantees qualification. A draw could also be enough, depending on Ecuador’s result against Germany.
Ecuador must beat Germany and hope Ivory Coast fail to win. Their lack of goals so far is becoming a major concern.
Curaçao still have a mathematical chance but likely needs a victory over Ivory Coast and help from Germany.
Group F: Three-way battle for Qualification
Current Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Netherlands | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | +4 | 4 |
| Japan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 4 |
| Sweden | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| Tunisia | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 0 |
Unlike Group E, Group F remains completely open.
The Netherlands and Japan lead with four points each, while Sweden sits just one point behind. Tunisia have lost both matches and is on the brink of elimination.
Netherlands and Japan impress
Both the Dutch and the Japanese have looked dangerous going forward, scoring seven and six goals respectively. Their identical goal differences of +4 underline how closely matched they have been through two rounds.
Japan’s attacking football has been particularly eye-catching, while the Netherlands have demonstrated their traditional balance between attack and defensive organisation.
Sweden refuses to go away
Sweden bounced back strongly after an opening setback and remains firmly in the qualification hunt. Their six goals scored show they possess enough attacking quality to challenge either of the top two teams.
The Swedes know that victory in their final match could dramatically alter the group standings.
Tunisia’s difficult campaign
Tunisia have endured a nightmare tournament so far. Two defeats, just one goal scored and nine conceded leave them rooted to the bottom of the group. The North Africans now require a miracle to avoid an early exit.
Key storylines ahead of the Final Matchday
Group F has produced one of the most intriguing battles of the tournament. With only one point separating first and third place, every goal could determine qualification.
- The Netherlands control their destiny, but it is not yet safe.
- Japan have matched the Dutch stride for stride and could still finish top.
- Sweden remains the dangerous outsider capable of snatching qualification.
- Tunisia are playing for pride but could still influence who advances.