Soccer
Germany and Sweden impress ahead of Spain’s WC opener─── MORGAN PIEK 08:18 Mon, 15 Jun 2026
The goals continued to flow at the 2026 Football World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico on Sunday as Germany and Sweden delivered emphatic statements of intent, while Australia and Ivory Coast also opened their campaigns with valuable victories.
Five matches were played across Groups D, E and F. With 20 goals produced in these matches, it offered fans another reminder of the quality and unpredictability that make the World Cup football’s greatest spectacle.
Australia secured a disciplined 2–0 victory in Vancouver over Turkey in Group D. The Socceroos were organised at the back and clinical when opportunities presented themselves, claiming three important points to join the United States at the top of the group after the Americans' opening-round victory over Paraguay.
Germany then produced the performance of the tournament so far. The four-time world champions dismantled Curaçao 7–1 in Houston in a ruthless attacking display that immediately sent a warning to the rest of the teams. The Germans were in complete control from the outset, carving open the Curaçao defence with ease and showcasing the depth of talent that has made them one of the favourites for the title.
While Germany stole the headlines, Group E became even more intriguing later in the day when Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1–0 in Philadelphia. The Africans displayed tremendous discipline and resilience to secure a hard-fought victory, ensuring they remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stages. The result means Germany and Ivory Coast sit level on three points heading into their highly anticipated showdown later this week.
Group F delivered two entertaining encounters. The Netherlands and Japan shared the spoils in Dallas in a thrilling 2–2 draw in one of the matches of the tournament so far. Both sides played with attacking intent and neither was willing to settle for a point until the final whistle. The result leaves the group finely balanced heading into the second round of fixtures.
Sweden then capped off an entertaining day with a commanding 5–1 victory over Tunisia in Guadalupe. The Swedes were clinical in front of goal and looked dangerous every time they surged forward. Their convincing win sees them top Group F on goal difference ahead of the Netherlands and Japan.
After four days of action, several teams have already begun to separate themselves from the pack. Germany's seven-goal haul and Sweden's five-goal performance have set an early benchmark, while Australia, Ivory Coast and Scotland have all shown they possess the organisation and determination required to progress beyond the group stage.
Attention now turns to Monday's fixtures, when another three football heavyweights begin their World Cup journeys.
The action kick-offs on 18:00 when the 2010 champions in South Africa and pretournament favourites, Spain, face newbies Cape Verde in Atlanta. At 21:00, it’s over to Seattle where the Red Devils of Belgium will come up against Egypt, on what it’s former Liverpool great Mo Salah’s 34th birthday.
At midnight it's over to Miami in Florida where Saudi Arabia will take on two-time champions Uruguay. At 3am in Los Angeles, Iran will be up against New Zealand.
