New Delhi: Day 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered major surprises and decisive results as several teams secured places in the knockout rounds while others saw their campaigns come to an end.
The biggest upset of the day came in Group E, where four time champions Germany suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Ecuador. Germany had taken the lead inside two minutes through Leroy Sane, but Ecuador responded strongly and levelled before the break through Nilson Angulo. With the match heading towards a draw, Gonzalo Plata struck the winner late in the game to send Ecuador into the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third placed teams.
Despite already having secured top spot in the group, Germany’s defeat raised concerns over their tactical approach heading into the knockout stages.
Elsewhere in Group E, Ivory Coast secured second place with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Curacao. Nicolas Pepe scored both goals as the African side reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history.
The Netherlands continued their impressive form in Group F with a convincing 3-1 victory over Tunisia, completing the group stage with three wins from three matches. The Dutch now head into the next round full of confidence after another dominant attacking display.
Japan and Sweden also progressed after playing out a 1-1 draw, a result that proved enough for both sides to advance.
In Group D, Australia secured qualification with a hard fought goalless draw against Paraguay, while the United States suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Turkey despite already confirming top spot in the group.