Co-hosts the United States and Germany will bid to complete perfect World Cup group stage campaigns on Thursday, while the Netherlands and Japan look poised to join them in the last 32.
USA and Germany Eye Perfect Records
The US have clinched top spot in Group D with a game to spare after wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will try to maintain that momentum against already eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles. Forward Christian Pulisic, who has recovered from a calf injury, urged the US to keep their foot on the accelerator. "Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win, so that's why we're going to push for it," said Pulisic.
Germany are guaranteed to advance as winners of Group E following wins over Curacao and Ivory Coast, putting first-round exits in the two previous World Cups behind them. "I'm very happy that we're not at the end of our journey yet, but it is very important that we remain modest," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Netherlands and Japan in Contention
Group F remains wide open with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden still able to finish first. In Kansas City, the Dutch face a woeful Tunisia team that have suffered successive four-goal defeats and sacked their coach after the opening game. Japan are level with the Netherlands on four points going into their clash with Sweden in Arlington.
Other Group Stage Highlights
Brazil clinched first place in Group C on Wednesday as Vinicius Junior notched two more goals in a 3-0 win over Scotland in Miami, where Neymar made his first international appearance since October 2023. Co-hosts Mexico sailed into the last 32 with a 3-0 defeat of the Czech Republic in an ebullient Estadio Azteca to wrap up a perfect Group A record. The biggest surprise of the day was South Africa's qualification for the first time in their history as they pulled off a shock 1-0 win against South Korea to grab second place in Group A.
