NETHERLANDS FACES SWEDEN AS GERMANY SEEKS KNOCKOUT SPOT

The 2026 World Cup continues on Saturday with matches across three groups. Germany plays Ivory Coast in Toronto, seeking to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014. The Netherlands faces Sweden in Houston, whilst Ecuador plays Curaçao in Kansas City, Missouri.

Sweden leads its group after defeating Tunisia 5-0 in its opening match. The team's attacking options include Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak, who scored in that victory. The Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan in its opener, conceding goals in the second half after holding leads at two separate points. Germany won 7-0 against Curaçao, the tournament's largest margin of victory so far. Ivory Coast's Elye Wahi, arrested in May on accusations he potentially manipulated match actions for betting purposes, was initially denied entry to Canada before being permitted to join the squad.

A German victory over Ivory Coast could clinch qualification from Group E pending the Ecuador versus Curaçao result. The Netherlands requires a win against Sweden to strengthen its position ahead of a final group match against Tunisia. Germany has not progressed from the group stage at the World Cup since winning the tournament in 2014.