World Cup day 15: Scotland forced even closer to World Cup exit as Groups D, E and F decided

FULL-TIME: Turkey 3-2 USA

Full-time in LA and it's a first loss of the tournament for the USA. The heavily-rotated Americans weren't able to see off a winless Turkey side, and an unfortunate last-minute goal means they take six points and six alone from their group.

GOAL! Turkey 3-2 USA

Turkey have their first win of the World Cup! It's the substitute Ayhan right at the death to ensure the Turks don't go home without a win. Then, the whistle blows. They are, in fact, still going home.

FULL-TIME: Paraguay 0-0 Australia

Full-time, and a steadfast Australia are straight through to the last 32. It's also another blow for Scotland, as Paraguay move one point clear in the "league table" of twelve best third-placed teams.

GOAL! Turkey 2-2 USA

The USA are back on level terms! Sebastian Berhalter scores - and it's all square in LA!

And we're back...

And we're back for the final 45 minutes of Group D. As it stands, the top three are all going through - though that could change with a Paraguay goal.

HALF-TIME: Paraguay 0-0 Australia

All square at the break - and as it stands, the Socceroos are guaranteed a place in the last 32. They've looked good so far, but a goal in the second half would be absolutely crucial.

HALF-TIME: Turkey 2-1 USA

Turkey lead at the break against a much-rotated USA team. It's been getting a little fiery here - even though it's a dead rubber. As a reminder, Turkey have already been knocked out, while the USA are already through!

GOAL! Turkey 2-1 USA

Turkey lead for the first time this tournament! It's Orkun Kokcu with the breakthrough!

GOAL! Turkey 1-1 USA

That's more like it from Turkey. It's Real Madrid star Arda Guler who slots a fine finish home past ex-Arsenal man Matt Turner to bring his side back from the brink.

GOAL! Turkey 0-1 USA

Bad to worse for this abysmal Turkey side. They're playing a heavily-rotated USA team, they boast two young stars in Kenan Yildiz and Arda Guler in their XI... and they're 1-0 down inside three minutes to centre-back Auston Trusty.

KICK-OFF: Paraguay vs Australia, Turkey vs USA

Paraguay vs Australia lineups announced

Paraguay: Gill; Maidana, Alderete, Gomez (C), Velazquez, Caceres; Enciso, Galarza, Cubas, Gomez; Avalos.

Australia: Beach; Herrington, Souttar (C), Circati; Bos, Irvine, O'Neill, Behich; Volpato, Metcalfe, Irankunda.

Turkey vs USA lineups announced

Turkey: Cakir; Elmali, Bardakci, Kabak, Celik (C); Kokcu, Ozcan, Guler; Yildiz, Aydin, Yilmaz.

USA: Turner; McKenzie, Robinson, Trusty, Scally; McKennie (C), Berhalter, Reyna; Aaronson, Weah, Pepi.

FULL-TIME: Japan 1-1 Sweden

Level at full-time between Japan and Sweden - and both sides will go through to the last 32. Goals from Daizen Maeda and Anthony Elanga hand both nations a point apiece.

FULL-TIME: Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands

That's all. The Netherlands are through - and look likely to win the group. Even if Japan net a late, late winner, they'll still be one goal behind the Dutch. All eyes on a showpiece finish in Dallas...

GOAL! Japan 1-1 Sweden

The Swedes draw level! Anthony Elanga's attempted cross catches Japan napping and puts his country back on terms.

GOAL! Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands

Daylight for the Dutch. Jan Paul van Hecke is eventually awarded the goal after tipping it in from a corner!

GOAL! Japan 1-0 Sweden

Japan have a breakthrough! It's Celtic man Daizen Maeda who's played in behind before bursting past the Swedish keeper and nestling it into the corner. As it stands, the Japanese are level on points with the Dutch...

GOAL! Tunisia 1-2 Netherlands

Tunisia have one back! It's Hazem Mastouri from the corner. One more for the north African side could really liven this group up...

Back underway in Group F... despite teething difficulties

And we're back for the last 45 of Tunisia vs Netherlands. Dutch coach Ronald Koeman is furious as only 10 of the Tunisia side have made it out onto the field.

After a brief pause, Tunisia's own-goal-scoring captain Elyes Skhiri is back out of the changing room.

Japan vs Sweden has just restarted in Dallas, too.

A huge 45 ahead.

HALF-TIME: Japan 0-0 Sweden

All square in this finely-poised clash at the break. A winner will be guaranteed a second-placed spot in the group - though Japan could still top it if they score enough goals...

HALF-TIME: Tunisia 0-2 Netherlands

The Dutch take a commanding early lead into the break thanks to a strike from Brian Brobbey and an own goal from Ellyes Skhiri within the first seven minutes.

Tunisia have been dire all tournament - and though they've tightened up since their early wobble, it's still been one-way traffic. They're on course to finish without a single point in the groups, having only scored one goal and conceded 11.

Group F kicks off to flying start as Netherlands run riot over Tunisia

Where were we?

Group F's final fixtures are now underway, with Sweden facing Japan and the Netherlands playing Tunisia.

It's already 2-0 to the Dutch thanks to goals from Brian Brobbey and an own goal from Ellyes Skhiri - but it's still goalless in Japan-Sweden.

Your line-ups for tonight's crunch duo are as follows:

Japan vs Sweden

Japan: Suzuki; Ito, Itakura (C), Seko; Nakamura, Kamada, Tanaka, Sugawara; Maeda, Ueda, Doan.

Sweden: Zetterstrom; Gudmundsson, Hien, Lagerbielke; Stroud, Ayari, Lindelof (C), Bernhardsson; Isak, Gyokeres, Elanga.

Tunisia vs Netherlands

Tunisia: Dahmen; Abdi, Ben Hmida, Skhiri (C), Talbi, Valery; Mejbri, Khedira, Gharbi, Slimane; Mastouri.

Netherlands: Verbruggen; Ake, Van Dijk, Van Hecke, Dumfries; Reijnders, De Jong, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Brobbey, Malen.

England likely to face Ecuador

England are now likely to face Ecuador in the World Cup last 32 after the South Americans stunned Germany 2-1 to finish second in Group E. Ecuador's dramatic victory saw them leapfrog Ivory Coast in the standings, setting up a probable meeting with England if the Three Lions finish top of Group L as expected.

Former Manchester United star and Ecuador international Antonio Valencia is desperate for his country to face the Three Lions.

Speaking to Hajper, he said: "I think England are in a good place, but England always seem to find these summer tournaments difficult. The training camps are difficult for them, so I think it will be very hard for them to reach a final.

"But you never know. They also have a young team, a new coach, and a mentality to compete and to win. That is positive. I hope England can go as far as possible. It is a country that gave me a lot, so I will always wish them the best."

Full time!

Ecuador have done it! They are celebrating like crazy, they are assured of a spot in the last 32 after beating Germany 2-1. It is just the second time they have ever reached the World Cup, having done so in 2006.

Scotland, however, have been pushed down further the best third-ranked teams - their qualification hopes are getting slimmer and slimmer. They are now eighth in that mini-table.

That is because Ecuador now have four points, whereas Scotland have three - and a minus-3 goal difference too.

Ivory Coast also are through as Group C runners-up after beating Curacao 2-0, who are going home after finishing bottom in their debut World Cup.

England qualification waits

As things stand, Ecuador's 2-1 lead over Germany has completely changed the qualification picture.

Before Ecuador went in front, England were on course to qualify for the last 32 alongside Ghana, Portugal, the Netherlands, Japan, Egypt and Spain, as there would have been four groups where the third-placed team could finish with no more than three points.

However, Ecuador's second goal moves them onto four points, meaning they would leap into the best third-placed rankings and England would no longer be guaranteed a place in the knockout stage.

The goal is also bad news for Scotland, as Ecuador would move above them in the best third-placed standings. Meanwhile, Curaçao are heading out, with defeat to Ivory Coast leaving them bottom of Group E.

And there it is!

Sorry Scotland. I've absolutely jinxed that.

Ecuador have scored a potential winner here against Germany and the New Jersey Stadium has gone absolutely ballistic.

It comes from a corner, which is flicked on at the near post and Manuel Neuer looks like he is going to collect it.

However, he does not see Gonzalo Plata, who simply throws a leg out and the balls flies over the veteran keeper's head.

It is a poor error from Neuer but Germany, who will finish top either way, won't mind too much.

As for Ecuador - they are in DREAMLAND!

Ivory Coast in dreamland

Another goal for Nicolas Pepe and Ivory Coast can breathe a huge sigh of relief.

That should see them qualify for the knockout stage for the very first time in their history.

Meanwhile, Germany vs Ecuador is set up for a grandstand finish - with the South Americans going for it.

A win for them would see them almost certainly qualify as one of the best third-ranked sides in the competition - nudging Scotland down in the process...

Lively starts!

Germany struck quickly against Ecuador through Leroy Sane but the lead did not last long as Nilson Angulo equalises, sending the largely Ecuadorian crowd into a frenzy.

But with the Germans already topping the group, the real drama is in the other game - where Ivory Coast have taken the lead against Curacao through Nicolas Pepe.

A win will see them finish runners-up in the group and go through to the knockout round.

Tonight's confirmed line-ups

Confirmed World Cup Group E line-ups (9pm BST)

Ecuador vs Germany

Ecuador: Galindez; Hincapie, Pacho, Joel Ordonez; Pedro Vite, Alan Franco, Caicedo; Gonzalo Plata, John Yeboah, Nilson Angulo; Enner Valencia.

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Raum; Pavlovic, Nmecha; Sane, Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz. Antonio Rudiger returns for his first appearance of the tournament, replacing the injured Nico Schlotterbeck.

Curacao vs Ivory Coast

Curacao: Room; Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Floranus; Fonville, Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna; Tahith Chong, Locadia.

Ivory Coast: Fofana; Ousmane Diomande, Operi, Kossounou, Guela Doue; Kessie, Sangare; Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, Nicolas Pepe; Ange-Yoan Bonny. The Elephants make four changes, while Curacao stick with the same XI that earned a draw against Ecuador.

Palmer reacts to World Cup snub

Cole Palmer has broken his silence after being left out of England’s 2026 World Cup squad, insisting he is not dwelling on the disappointment.

The Chelsea star admitted missing the tournament hurt but said there is no point “crying over a decision you can’t change.”

Palmer revealed he is using the summer to rest and reset following an injury-disrupted season that affected his form and fitness.

England boss Thomas Tuchel defended the decision, citing Palmer’s lack of consistency and impact during the campaign. Despite the snub, Palmer remains supportive of England and is focused on returning stronger for Chelsea next season.

Group E conclusion - What does everyone need?

Tonight’s Group E finale promises plenty of drama as Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curacao battle for qualification.

Germany have already secured top spot and only need to avoid injuries and maintain momentum heading into the knockout stage.

Ivory Coast are in the strongest position among the remaining teams and can guarantee progression with a win or draw against Curacao.

Ecuador face the toughest task, needing a victory over Germany and favourable results elsewhere to keep their hopes alive.

Curacao must defeat Ivory Coast and hope Ecuador fail to win. With qualification and possible third-place advancement at stake, every goal could prove decisive tonight.

Klopp walks out

😱 Jürgen Klopp walked out of an interview after DW asked about comments by Bastian Schweinsteiger, a fellow World Cup pundit.

Schweinsteiger was accused of using racist stereotypes during his analysis of Germany's opponents Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 pic.twitter.com/BOcG3aANmk

— DW Sports (@dw_sports) June 24, 2026

Jurgen Klopp walked out of a press conference in New York on Wednesday after a Deutsche Welle journalist questioned him about fellow German pundit Bastian Schweinsteiger's controversial analysis of Ivory Coast.

Schweinsteiger, working for ARD during Germany's 2-1 victory on Saturday, had characterised the Ivorians' approach as "African football" that was "a bit wild, not quite as tactical."

The 41-year-old's remarks drew sharp criticism across Germany, with accusations of racial stereotyping. Philipp Awounou, a Black German journalist, told Der Spiegel that terms like "wild" and "unpredictable" carry "racist, colonial roots," historically used to stigmatise Black people as uncivilised and dangerous. However, Awounou emphasised that Schweinsteiger "is absolutely not a racist."

South Africa's appeal over Themba Zwane red card dismissed

South Africa, who have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history, have had their appeal against a three-match suspension for midfielder Themba Zwane dismissed by Fifa.

Zwane was sent off after a VAR check showed the midfielder hit Mexico's Roberto Alvarado around the head.

The contest, which was the opening game of the tournament, saw three people sent off, including Sphephelo Sithole and Cesar Montes.

Commenting on Fifa's decision with Zwane, the South African Football Association said: "We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offence that Themba is said to have committed."

Qatar paying fans to watch nation at World Cup despite many 'never having watched a football game before'

Qatar are understood to be paying for thousands of supporters to attend its 2026 World Cup matches in the United States, with many recipients having never watched a football game in their lives.

It has been reported that the Gulf state is covering flights, accommodation and match tickets worth thousands of pounds for people willing to don Qatari colours at venues including Seattle's Lumen Field.

The revelations echo allegations of manufactured support that emerged during the 2022 tournament, which Qatar hosted and subsequently denied.

Approximately 1,000 individuals have been present throughout the group stage, receiving guidance on how to behave as World Cup supporters whilst enjoying all-expenses-paid trips courtesy of the Qatar Football Association (QFA), according to The Telegraph Sport.

Read the full story here.

England assessing Declan Rice's fitness ahead of final World Cup group game

England are assessing Declan Rice's fitness ahead of the Three Lions' final World Cup game on Saturday.

Rice was seen with strapping to his left calf after England's game against Ghana, but told reporters that he was "all good".

Thomas Tuchel only made a couple of changes for their second group, with the German suggesting he is tempted to shuffle the squad for England's last group match.

He said: "I was not even sure if [we would] do the full rotation [if we had already won the group]. Maybe we would have.

"But still, I am not shy to do some rotation now if we think that some players should be on the pitch, but maybe more moderate than before.

"It's also maybe not fair if you just throw 10 new players in and say: 'Okay, let's perform'. Let's see."

Antonio Rudiger to step in for Nico Schlotterbeck

Antonio Rudiger is set to step in for Nico Schlotterbeck, after the German's World Cup campaign came to an end with an ankle injury.

Rudiger, who had been struggling with knee pain, has recovered and is fit for tonight.

Germany's manager, Julian Nagelsmann, said: "His knee doesn't bother him right now, he feels very good, and I think he did a great job when he came into the match last time.

"We hope that Antonio is being rewarded with more match time."

What's coming up tonight?

Another six games of World Cup action are to come tonight, as nations try to qualify for the round of 32.

Two fixtures kick off at 9pm for the conclusion of Group E, with Curacao in action against the Ivory Coast, while Ecuador entertain Germany.

At midnight, Japan play Sweden in Group F and Tunisia face the Netherlands.

The nighttime games see Paraguay take on Australia from 3am and Turkey play their final World Cup match against the United States.

EXPLAINER: What do Scotland need to go through?

Scotland's World Cup hopes hang by a thread as they wait to learn their fate and whether they make it to the knockout stages.

Out of the 12 teams that finish in third-place in the group stages, eight will enter the round of 32.

If teams finish level on points, which is a likely possibility, rankings will be marked on goal difference.

Scotland's minus-three goal difference sets them back, requiring several results to go their way for their World Cup campaign to continue.

Read the full breakdown here.

Steve Clarke thinks Scotland are 'going home'

Scotland manager Steve Clarke believes his team are heading home after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Brazil.

Brazil dominated the match and took advantage of Scotland's mistakes, securing a comfortable victory.

The result leaves Scotland's chances of reaching the knockout stage hanging by a thread.

Clarke admitted his side have not done enough to deserve qualification and fears their World Cup campaign is effectively over following the disappointing loss.

Read his full thoughts here.

John McGinn hopeful 'the journey is not over'

John McGinn hopes Scotland's World Cup "journey is not over" after their crushing 3-0 loss to Brazil.

The midfielder scored the only goal of Scotland's group stages in their opening contest against Haiti.

"We lose poor goals at poor times against a team that can punish you with quality," McGinn told BBC Sport. "We had a few chances, but we've got to wait now.

"The lads are gutted, we fell short on quality, but we gave it absolutely everything. The lads are empty now. It's unlikely [that we qualify], but we'll wait and see.

"It's a bit raw at the minute, but we appreciate the support of the fans, we know it's difficult to be there. Hopefully, the journey is not over, and if we have to go again, we will go again."

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