World Cup 2026: Germany through, Netherlands & Japan impress, Curacao make history - BBC Sport
Germany has successfully advanced to the World Cup 2026, with standout performances from the Netherlands and Japan. Additionally, Curacao has made history by qualifying for the tournament.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen significant developments as Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, and Curacao made headlines in their respective matches. Germany secured their place in the knockout stages after a comeback victory against Ivory Coast, winning 2-1. Meanwhile, the Netherlands delivered an impressive performance, defeating Sweden 5-1, which nearly guarantees their advancement to the last 32.
Curacao's Historic Moment
In a remarkable achievement, Curacao earned their first-ever World Cup point by holding Ecuador to a goalless draw. This match showcased Curacao's discipline and work-rate, with former Scotland defender Rachel Corsie praising their performance despite a previous heavy defeat. Ecuador, on the other hand, struggled to create significant scoring opportunities and now faces a challenging task against Germany in their final group match.
Japan's Progress
Japan continued their strong showing in the tournament by defeating Tunisia in what marked the 1000th World Cup game. This victory brings them closer to securing a spot in the knockout rounds, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
As the group stage progresses, the competition intensifies, with teams like Ecuador needing a win against Germany to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. The upcoming matches will be crucial as teams vie for a place in the next round of the tournament.
Source: bbc.com