The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued to deliver drama, late goals and statement performances on Sunday as Germany announced themselves as genuine contenders, Japan snatched a dramatic point against the Netherlands, and Ivory Coast left it late to break Ecuadorian hearts.
Across three matches, fans witnessed 13 goals, a stunning late equaliser, a last-minute winner and the biggest victory margin of the tournament so far.
Here's everything that happened on another action-packed day of World Cup football.
Amad Diallo's Late Heroics Earn Ivory Coast Victory
Ivory Coast kicked off their Group E campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador, thanks to a dramatic 90th-minute winner from Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.
The result was particularly painful for Ecuador, whose impressive 19-match unbeaten
run came to an end after they had dominated large spells of the opening half.
John Yeboah and Alan Minda both rattled the crossbar inside the first 30 minutes as Ecuador looked the more dangerous side. Enner Valencia also squandered an early opportunity as the South Americans repeatedly threatened the African champions.
However, Ecuador failed to convert their chances and gradually allowed Ivory Coast back into the contest.
The game turned after Amad Diallo was introduced in the second half. The winger immediately added energy and creativity to Ivory Coast's attack, while fellow substitute Ange-Yoan Bonny helped increase the pressure on Ecuador's tiring defence.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the final minute of normal time. Wilfried Singo surged down the right flank before delivering a low cross into the area, where Diallo calmly side-footed home to spark wild celebrations.
The victory gives Ivory Coast an early advantage in Group E ahead of a much tougher challenge against Germany in their next fixture.
Japan Fight Back to Hold Netherlands in Dallas Thriller
One of the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far saw Japan snatch a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands in Group F.
The Dutch largely controlled possession throughout the contest and appeared destined for victory before Daichi Kamada struck in the 89th minute to rescue a crucial point for Japan.
Ronald Koeman's side dominated much of the first half, with Donyell Malen forcing an early save and Virgil van Dijk eventually breaking the deadlock five minutes after the restart with a towering header.
Japan responded immediately.
Keito Nakamura's deflected strike levelled the scores just six minutes later and reignited the contest. However, the Netherlands regained control midway through the second half when Crysencio Summerville produced a brilliant curling finish to restore their advantage.
For a long period, that goal looked likely to separate the two sides.
But Japan once again refused to back down. Their persistence paid off in the closing moments when Kamada bundled home a late equaliser following a dangerous corner delivery, sending the Japanese bench into celebration.
The result leaves Group F wide open, with both sides taking a point from one of the most competitive opening fixtures of the tournament.
Germany Send Early Warning With Seven-Goal Masterclass
Germany produced the most dominant performance of the World Cup so far, thrashing debutants CuraÇao 7-1 in Houston to move to the top of Group E.
Julian Nagelsmann's side entered the tournament under pressure after disappointing campaigns in Russia and Qatar, but Sunday's performance suggested Germany could once again be serious contenders.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring inside six minutes before CuraÇao briefly shocked the four-time champions.
Livano Comenencia equalised in the 21st minute, scoring CuraÇao's first-ever World Cup goal and sparking emotional celebrations among the Caribbean nation's supporters.
Any hopes of an upset were quickly extinguished.
Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany's lead with a header before Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 3-1.
The floodgates opened after the break.
Jamal Musiala struck within two minutes of the restart, Nathaniel Brown added a fifth, Deniz Undav got on the scoresheet and Havertz completed his brace late on to cap off a ruthless display.
The 7-1 victory is the biggest win of the tournament so far and sends an early warning to the rest of the field.
Germany now face Ivory Coast in what suddenly looks like one of the standout fixtures of the group stage, while CuraÇao will look to regroup against Ecuador.
FIFA World Cup Results at a Glance
Group E
- Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador
- Germany 7-1 CuraÇao
Group F
- Netherlands 2-2 Japan
Updated FIFA World Cup Group E Table
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Germany | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | +6 | 3 |
| 2 | Ivory Coast | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| 3 | Ecuador | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| 4 | CuraÇao | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | -6 | 0 |
Updated FIFA World Cup Group F Table
| Position | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Netherlands | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2 | Japan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 3 | Sweden | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | Tunisia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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