World Cup 2026 day four: Sweden and Germany secure massive wins in day of late drama

That's it from us...

What a day of World Cup action - from 2am on Sunday morning to 5am today.

A results round-up from the last 27 hours:

• Haiti 0-1 Scotland
• Australia 2-0 Turkey
• Germany 7-1 Curacao
• Netherlands 2-2 Japan
• Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador
• Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

Looking ahead to this evening, Spain vs Cape Verde kicks off at 5pm, before Belgium vs Egypt at 8pm, then Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay at 11.

Iran, who were finally allowed into the US after a host of visa troubles last night, will face off against New Zealand at 2am tomorrow.

We'll be back this evening bringing you all the latest updates as we get them...

FULL-TIME: Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

A five-star display for the Swedes, with Yasin Ayari, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Mattias Svanberg all on the scoresheet - with Tunisia's Omar Rekik getting one back just before the break.

Sweden now enjoy a four-goal cushion and a two-point lead at the top of Group F, which will be absolutely vital with games against Japan and the Netherlands to come.

GOAL! Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

It's getting embarrassing now for Tunisia - and it's the half-Tunisian Yasin Ayari who fires Sweden five up.

Ayari didn't celebrate his earlier rocket. It's a different story this time - and, perhaps to spare the Tunisians' blushes, the referee has blown the final whistle too...

GOAL! Sweden 4-1 Tunisia

It's a fourth for the Swedes, and it's the substitute Mattias Svanberg - just seconds after coming off the bench.

The super-sub had seen his goal chalked out for offside before VAR stepped in to clear things up, and the goal stands.

Absolute ecstasy on the Sweden bench. It's a remarkable turnaround under Graham Potter.

The former Chelsea boss took over the national team after a winless qualifying campaign - and now they're free-scoring on the biggest stage of all.

GOAL! Sweden 3-1 Tunisia

It's a third for Sweden, and it's another of their Premier League stars among the goals.

Viktor Gyokeres has just pounced on a sleepwalking Tunisian defence to thunder one into the bottom corner and restore Sweden's two-goal cushion.

Tunisia have found out just how devastating him and Alexander Isak can be when they combine tonight.

We're back underway for the second half... Sweden 2-1 Tunisia

The players are back out for the second half in Monterrey after a raucous first 45 minutes.

Sweden will be looking to exploit their lethal strike partnership as much as they can - but Tunisia have proven they won't go down without a fight. All to play for!

GOAL! Sweden 2-1 Tunisia

Tunisia get one back and it's 2-1 just before half time.

Omar Rekik, who used to play for Arsenal, guides the ball in with a header after a great cross from Hannibal Mejbri.

The goal is sure to raise hopes for the nation and give the side a bit of confidence.

GOAL! Sweden 2-0 Tunisia

It's 2-0, and another rocket from one of Sweden's Premier League stars.

Tunisia had been trying to work up a clever goal of their own on the edge of the Swedish box, but it's knocked long to Viktor Gyokeres on the halfway line.

The Arsenal man then lays it off to Liverpool's Alexander Isak, who races down the left wing and fires it into the far bottom corner from the edge of the box.

GOAL! Sweden 1-0 Tunisia

It's a Swedish wondergoal to open the scoring against Tunisia tonight from Brighton's Yasin Ayari.

Viktor Gyokeres races to the edge of the box and thunders the ball at Tunisian keeper Abdelmouhib Chamakh, who blocks it - only for it to fall into the path of the lurking Ayari.

The 22-year-old half-Tunisian then hits it even harder than the Arsenal man and rockets it in - though refuses to celebrate.

Kick-off!

We're underway in Monterrey for Sweden vs Tunisia - and we'll bring you all the latest updates as they come in...

Sweden vs Tunisia - lineups

Sweden: Nordfeldt; Lindelof, Hien, Lagerbielke; Gudmundsson, Ayari, Karlstrom, Bernhardsson, Nygren; Isak, Gyokeres.

Tunisia: Chamakh, Ben Hmida, Rekik, Talbi, Valery; Skhiri, Khedira, Abdi, Mejbri, Slimane; Saad.

FULL-TIME: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador

They've done it!

The Ivory Coast have survived a barrage of late Ecuador corners and succesfully defended their late, late lead.

Ecuador, beaten for the first time in nearly two years, now face a nervy test ahead.

Next up for the Ivorians? A Germany brimming with confidence after smashing Curacao 7-1 before taking on the Caribbean nation themselves in Pennsylvania again.

Ecuador will likely have to beat Curacao, their next opponents, to give themselves a chance at a third-placed finish and a route to the knockouts.

But it's Germany who they'll face in their final group game in New Jersey.

PICTURED: Amad Diallo wheels away after a potential winner

It's joy in Pennsylvania for young Amad Diallo after his potential late winner.

The finely-balanced tie had looked to have fizzled out in the second half, but this has just injected some fire into both sides. It's end-to-end stuff now.

GOAL: Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador

It's more late drama after the Netherlands-Japan game earlier tonight - with Manchester United man Amad Diallo breaking Ecuadorian hearts.

Galatasaray man Wilfried Singo turned and sprinted down the right hand side from inside his own half to cross in from the edge of the box.

Waiting was Diallo, who turned in Singo's cross just seconds before time to surely take it for the Ivorians.

Seven minutes of added on time to come... Will that prove the winner?

We're back underway in Pennsylvania - follow live

The second half in this midnight thriller has just kicked off - and it has a strong first 45 to live up to.

Both sides will feel they have a chance to push on and win this - and we'll bring you all the latest updates as they come in...

HALF-TIME: Ivory Coast 0-0 Ecuador

It's half-time in Pennsylvania - and no goals so far.

Both sides have come agonisingly close to a breakthrough, with Ecuador twice rattling the bar and the Ivorians forcing Hernan Galindez into a desperate save.

Despite the water break, it's been a high-tempo first half - we'll be hoping for more of the same in the next 45.

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador to come... Lineups below

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Konan, Agbadou, Singo, Doue; Toure, Kessie (C), Fofana, Diomande; Wahi, Pepe.

Ecuador: Galindez; Hincapie, Pacho, Ordonez; Vite, Caicedo, Franco, Minda; Yeboah, Valencia (C), Plata.

FULL-TIME: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

After a poor first half, this World Cup clash truly took off after the break with three cracking goals and a last-minute equaliser.

Japan take home a point after the Netherlands went 2-1 up and it is nothing more than they deserve.

As for the Dutch, they will be ruing their match plan - especially the last 15 minutes where Ronald Koeman changed the system to a back-five - a decision that completely backfired.

GOAL: Netherlands 2-2 Japan

Oh my word, a last-minute equaliser for Japan and not many will say they don't deserve it!

They have huffed and puffed and they get their rewards in the 90th minute from a corner.

Shiogai climbs highest to head it, it brushes Kamada and goes in - but there are question marks of the goalkeeping, as Bart Verbruggen got a hand to it but not enough as it crossed the line.

The Dutch fans will be furious with how their side have handled themselves over the last 15 minutes - they have backed off further and further and Japan have given it everything.

GOAL: Netherlands 2-1 Japan

The Netherlands are back in front and it's a beauty of a finish by Crysencio Summerville.

Moments after getting booked, the West Ham winger cut inside on his left-foot and curled a beauty into the bottom-left corner.

Stunning goal in what is shaping up to be a brilliant match. 2-1.

GOAL: Netherlands 1-1 Japan

Japan have answered back instantly, with a fabulous left-footed shot by Keito Nakamura.

The winger cut inside and fizzed past Bart Vertbruggen who could not get down quick enough after a small deflection on the way.

We had to wait 50 minutes for the first goal, and have been treating to a second not long after. 1-1.

GOAL: Netherlands 1-0 Japan

There's the goal we were waiting for, and it comes for Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

The big centre-half rose after the Netherlands recycled the ball out to Ryan Gravenberch.

Van Dijk found himself in a promising position, heading where Suzuki had just come from to give the Netherlands the lead.

A clever header in a move from the defender we have seen many times before.

Back underway between Netherlands and Japan

We are back underway between the Netherlands and Japan for another 45 minutes.

Does feel this game could be won by a one-goal margin, time will tell.

HALF TIME: Netherlands 0-0 Japan

The Netherlands and Japan are all-square at half time, with both sides having half-chances but neither challenging Bart Vertbruggen or Zion Suzuki.

The Japanese had a couple of looks just before the break, with Ayase Ueda going close, but hitting his effort into the side-netting.

Nothing to split the two sides after 45, second half to come.

Netherlands and Japan goalless after 20 minutes

Neither side has broken the deadlock so far after 20 minutes between the Netherlands and Japan.

Both teams have traded blows, but neither has created any clear-cut chances so far.

A real contrast to the early game of day four, which already had a couple of goals by this point.

Netherlands vs Japan lineups confirmed

After a brilliant contest between Germany and Curacao, attention turns to the Netherlands against Japan.

Lineups have been confirmed with the Dutch setting up with: Verbruggen, Dumfries, Van Hecke, Van Dijk, Van de Ven, Gravenberch, Reijnders, De Jong, Summerville, Malen, Gakpo.

Japan lineup with: Suzuki, Watanabe, Taniguchi, Ito, Doan, Kamada, Sano, Nakumura, Kubo, Maeda, Ueda.

FULL TIME: Germany 7-1 Curacao

Curacao's first World Cup game ends in defeat, as they lose to Germany 7-1.

A devastating defeat to Julian Nagelsmann's side, who were relentless in front of goal.

Curacao did have a moment to celebrate thanks to Livano Comenencia, who got their first-ever goal at the World Cup.

GOAL: Germany 7-1 Curacao

We've been here before. In a flashback to 2014 when Germany thumped Brazil 7-1, they are on track to do it again.

Kai Havertz gets himself in behind and a delightful dink means the Germans have seven.

A hammering for poor Curacao who are no match at all for the relentlessness of Germany.

GOAL: Germany 6-1 Curacao

As quick as they got their fifth, the sixth goes in.

This time Deniz Undav gets on the act after Joshua Kimmich picked him up and the Germans have six.

7-1 is well on the cards now for Germany, heard that score line somewhere before.

GOAL: Germany 5-1 Curacao

The Germans are running riot in their opening game as Nathaniel Brown got himself on the scoresheet.

A lovely strike as Germany continue to hammer the underdogs.

GOAL: Germany 4-1 Curacao 

A beautiful finish by Jamal Mesiala just after the game restarts.

Joshua Kimmich slid the ball into the box. It was found by Musiala and he knew exactly where to put it.

HALF TIME

Curacao will face an uphill struggle in the second half as Germany lead by two at the break

GOAL: Germany 3-1 Curacao

Kai Havertz has scored Germany's third goal following a penalty.

He slotted it in the bottom left corner after a stutter.

GOAL: Germany 2-1 Curacao

Following a corner from Germany, Nico Schlotterbeck made his way to the front post almost unmarked.

A simple header was all it took for Germany to take the lead again.

GOAL: Germany 1-1 Curacao

Curacao have bounced back just minutes after Germany found the back of the net.

The ball rolled out for Livano Comenencia on the edge of the box, where he beat Germany's Manuel Neuer to sink it in.

GOAL: Germany 1-0 Curacao

After a beautiful cross by Florian Wirtz, Felix Nmecha slotted one into the top bins.

Germany and Curacao lineups confirmed

Germany and Curacao's lineups have been confirmed, with kick from 6pm.

Germany: Neuer, Kimmich, Tah, Schlotterbeck, Brown, Nmecha, Pavlovic, Sane, Musiala, Wirtz, Havertz.

Curacao: Room, Floranus, Obispo, Bazoer, Fonville, Comenencia, L Bacuna, J Bacuna, Chong, Hansen, Locadia.

John McGinn insists there are 'more gears to go up' at World Cup

John McGinn insisted that Scotland have "more gears to go up" after his goal helped his nation beat Haiti 1-0.

He said: "The good thing for us is we've got more gears to go up. Haiti score a lot of goals and are dangerous up front, so the crucial thing was that we kept a clean sheet.

"Brazil and Morocco are two teams who are in the top 10 in the world.

"We know the qualities they possess, but it might suit us a little bit better to play on the counter-attack and make it difficult for them. We know what's at stake."

Graham Potter ready to manage first World Cup match

Former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter is ready to manage his first World Cup match as Sweden plays Tunisia.

The Sweden boss spoke to reporters ahead of his side's opening game, sharing how he has taken the long road to reach this stage.

Potter said: "If somebody had said to me when I started out coaching a bunch of students at Leeds Met University that I would end up via the fourth division in Swedish football here at the World Cup, of course I would have taken that journey. It's incredible.

"So now I'm just at a point where I'm super-grateful, super-grateful for the career I've had, for the life I've had, and to be here now."

Somali referee who was denied entry into US for World Cup to receive salary in full

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States for the World Cup, is reportedly set to receive his salary in full.

Referees for this summer's World Cup are understood to earn around £75,000 for the tournament.

Artan had been poised to make history as the first Somali official to take charge of a World Cup match, having been selected among seven African referees representing the Confederation of African Football.

Read the full story here.

Analysis: What Scotland's win means in the context of their group

Scotland's 1-0 win against Haiti leaves them top of Group C after one game, following Brazil's draw with Morocco 1-1.

The win was the Tartan Army's first in 36 years, with John McGinn the hero in Boston.

However, by only winning by one goal, they mathematically cannot finish on a positive goal different with just three points, which may impact their chance of progressing through in third place.

In 1998, three points and a -2 goal difference was enough for Colombia and likewise Poland in 2006.

So despite only scoring one goal against Haiti, who are ranked 83rd in the world, should Scotland keep the ball out like they did last night and only lose by a one or two goal margin, the 1-0 win could be enough.

All of these worries can be forgotten if Steve Clarke's side find a result against either Brazil or Morocco, with a draw against either them surely being enough to progress to the last 32.

Familiar face with Premier League fans to become oldest manager in World Cup history

A familiar face to Premier League fans during his tenure with Sunderland in 2015, Dick Advocaat is set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history.

The Dutchman will take charge of Curacao at 6pm against Germany at the age of 78.

Speaking ahead of his side's match, Advocaat said: "The team spirit here is something I have never experienced before.

"We have everything to gain for the island, and it is amazing to be a part of this. When you see what the team has achieved, it makes you proud as a coach."

England camp forced to shelter indoors after 'deadly' tornado warning issued

Over in Kansas City, the England camp was forced to shelter indoors after a "deadly" tornado warning was issued.

Heavy storms hit the area, with an emergency alert being sent to phones alerting thousands of people, including the England camp, to take shelter.

The players opted to stay inside their Inn at Meadowbrook hotel in Prairie Village.

Read the full story here.

Where does McGinn rank with Scottish greats?

The first Scottish goalscorer at a World Cup since 1998, a Europa League winner this season after scoring two goals in the semi-final, his country's fifth-highest goalscorer and fourth-highest capped player, that's just to name a few of his accolades.

John McGinn continues to etch his name into Scottish history, with his deflected strike giving the Tartan Army their first win at a World Cup since 1990.

No doubt a legend in the Scottish game, as his talent continues to show on the biggest stage of them all.

Speaking after the victory against Haiti, McGinn said: "We've been through a lot of hurt as a country.

"A generation of supporters hasn't seen this. But the pride on my face this morning seeing all the kids going to the parks in a Scotland kit and painting their faces.

"Hopefully, when kids get up tomorrow, they'll be beaming with pride because I am. It sets things up for Friday [against Morocco]."

Steve Clarke insists pressure is off with opening win

Scotland manager Steve Clarke insists that the pressure is off his side now after their opening win against Haiti.

He said: "The next two games against teams inside the world top 10 will be tough games, but obviously we're going into them with a little bit less pressure than everybody put on us going into this game.

"As well as everyone else, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves going into the first game.

"If we defend as well as we did there and show the same resilience and hopefully play a little bit better with the ball and create a little bit more, we'll be okay."

Scotland off to winning ways

Scotland got off to winning ways in Boston with John McGinn's deflected strike enough to secure all three points.

The Aston Villa midfielder becomes the first Scottish goalscorer since Craig Burley in 1998 against Norway.

Steve Clarke shared his delight with the result in his post-match interview, telling captain Andy Robertson it was "about time we won a game in the group stage".

"Everyone said must win. We won the game. That's what this team is all about. They can play, but if they have to dig in they do that as well. Defensively outstanding," he told the BBC.