By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
The 2026 FIFA World Cup served up another thrilling round of group-stage action on Sunday, with Japan producing a dominant display to eliminate Tunisia, Paraguay stunning Turkey to keep their knockout hopes alive, and Brazil returning to winning ways with an emphatic victory over Haiti.
Japan secured a comprehensive 4-0 win over Tunisia in Group F, condemning the North Africans to an early exit from the tournament. Daichi Kamada opened the scoring inside four minutes before Ayase Ueda netted twice and Junya Ito added another in a one-sided contest. The victory lifted Japan to four points and put them firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
In one of the biggest surprises of the day, 10-man Paraguay held on to defeat Turkey 1-0 in Group D despite playing the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage. Matias Galarza’s strike after just 64 seconds proved decisive, while Miguel Almirón’s first-half dismissal failed to derail Paraguay’s resilient defensive effort. Turkey, despite registering 32 attempts on goal and dominating possession, exited the tournament without scoring in two matches.
Brazil bounced back from their opening draw in style, easing past Haiti 3-0 to move to the top of Group C. Matheus Cunha starred with a brace before Vinícius Júnior added a third in first-half stoppage time, leaving Haiti as the first nation officially eliminated from the competition.
Hosts United States also booked their place in the last 32 with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal by Cameron Burgess and a header from Alex Freeman secured consecutive wins for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, guaranteeing top spot in Group D.
Elsewhere, the Netherlands delivered one of the performances of the tournament by thrashing Sweden 5-1. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored twice, while Crysencio Summerville completed the rout as the Dutch moved to the brink of qualification.
In Group E, tournament debutants Curaçao celebrated a historic milestone by earning their first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against Ecuador. Veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-equalling 15-save masterclass to frustrate the South Americans and keep Curaçao’s qualification hopes alive.
Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages also remain intact despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco. An early goal from Ismael Saibari proved enough for the Africans, but Steve Clarke’s side can still advance with a positive result in their final group match against Brazil.
With places in the knockout rounds still up for grabs, the final round of group fixtures promises even more drama as several nations battle to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
