World Cup today: Germany and Sweden look to book their places in last 32

WorldFootball
20 Jun 2026 • 9:33 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

World Cup today: Germany and Sweden look to book their places in last 32

  • Today at the 2026 World Cup features action from the second round of games from groups E and F, respectively, with Sweden, Germany and Ivory Coast all looking to guarantee their places in the last 32.
  • Sweden made a strong statement by defeating Tunisia 5-1, with Viktor Gyökeres and Alexander Isak both scoring in the rout. A win would progress them to the next round but they face a talented Netherlands team, who drew their opening match with Japan. Netherlands v Sweden kicks off at 6 pm BST in Houston and is available to watch on the BBC.
  • Germany thumped World Cup debutants Curaçao 7-1 in their World Cup opener, but Julian Nagelsmann's team expected to face a tougher test against Ivory Coast, who won their first game 1-0 against Ecuador. A win for either would guarantee progression to the last 32, with the action kicking off at 9 pm BST in Toronto and will be broadcast on ITV 1.
  • Potential dark horses for the tournament, Ecuador, who boast an impressive squad with an experienced defence, will look to get their World Cup back on track against Curaçao. The action starts at 1am BST from the Kansas City Stadium and will be shown on BBC One.
  • Finally, Tunisia, after suffering a heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden, sacked their head coach and appointed the veteran Hervé Renard. They face Japan, who, having drawn with the Netherlands, will want to get their first win on the board. That match begins at 5 am BST from Monterrey and will be shown on BBC One.

IN FULL