In Group E, Germany opens its campaign against World Cup debutant Curaçao in Houston, looking to avoid a third straight early exit after shocking group stage eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Later, the Netherlands faces a dangerous Japan side in Dallas in one of the most intriguing opening matches of the group stage. The Samurai Blue famously upset both Germany and Spain four years ago and will be eager to claim another heavyweight scalp in its Group F opener.
Group E's other matchup sees Ecuador take on Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, with Chelsea star Moisés Caicedo leading an Ecuador squad many view as a dark horse. The day concludes in Monterrey, Mexico, where Sweden and Tunisia battle for what could prove to be a crucial three points in a wide open Group F.
Sunday's World Cup Schedule
Four group stage matches are on the slate for Sunday:
- 1 p.m. ET (Fox): Germany vs. Curaçao, NRG Stadium (Houston)
- 4 p.m. ET (Fox): Netherlands vs. Japan, AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
- 7 p.m. ET (FS1): Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador, Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
- 10 p.m. ET (FS1): Sweden vs. Tunisia, Estadio BBVA (Monterrey, Mexico)
USMNT's Opening Night Win Over Paraguay
For one night, the USMNT looked like the team fans always hoped it could be. Taking into account the World Cup's magnitude, the pressure of being a host, SoFi Stadium's sweeping backdrop, the weight of an opening match, the number of eyeballs watching on screens both wide and handheld, the 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Friday stands alone in U.S. men's soccer lore.
The U.S. has not much in the sport's preeminent competition: nine victories in 37 prior matches over 11 appearances and, since 1990, just two victories in 22 attempts against South American and European opponents. The Americans have been more apt to pull off a seismic upset (England in 1950, Colombia in 1994, Portugal in 2002) than to dominate an opponent with pedigree. To not only win but to do so in such a punishing, attractive style shook a nervous fan base at home and sent tremors rippling across planet fútbol.
Saturday's World Cup Results
The 2026 World Cup rolled on Saturday with four matches on the schedule. While the Brazil vs. Morocco showdown had top billing, Australia delivered the day's biggest stunner in a 2-0 win over Türkiye.
The Aussies took an early lead on a counter capped off by a brilliant first touch and finish by Nestory Irankunda in the 27th minute, then strapped in and held off Türkiye's salvos. Australia would then double its lead in the 75th minute on a strike from Connor Metcalfe from just outside the box and hold on for the win. The result delivers a surprising early jolt to Group D. Australia now sits on three points alongside the U.S. while Türkiye and Paraguay are still searching for their first World Cup points.
As for Brazil vs. Morocco, one of the most anticipated matches of the opening round lived up to the hype, ending in an entertaining 1-1 draw. Ismael Saibari gave Morocco the lead on a clinical counterattack before Vinícius Júnior answered with a brilliant equalizer. Despite several promising chances, neither side could find another breakthrough.
Scotland beat Haiti 1-0 in its World Cup opener to move to the top of Group C. John McGinn scored in the 28th minute, finishing a rebound after Che Adams was denied following a long ball from Grant Hanley. Haiti had spells in possession but could not break through a disciplined Scotland defense.
Switzerland and Qatar kicked off Saturday's action.
