Turkey shocked FIFA World Cup co-hosts USA with a dramatic stoppage-time winner, Australia booked their place in the knockout stage, while Ecuador stunned Germany in another thrilling night of World Cup action.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES – SOUTHERA
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage delivered more drama and late twists as several teams battled for qualification spots in a thrilling round of matches across the United States.
Turkey 3-2 USA
Turkey produced one of the tournament’s most dramatic moments after defeating the USA 3-2 with a stunning 98th-minute winner in Los Angeles.
The Americans made a dream start when defender Auston Trusty scored in just the third minute. However, Turkey quickly responded through young star Arda Güler before Barış Yılmaz gave the visitors a 2-1 lead before half-time.
USA midfielder Sebastian Berhalter leveled the match shortly after the break as home fans celebrated the return of Christian Pulisic from injury. The AC Milan forward impressed after coming off the bench and nearly scored, only to see his effort strike the post.
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Just when the match looked set to end in a draw, substitute Kaan Ayhan bundled home a dramatic late winner deep into stoppage time.
Despite the defeat, Mauricio Pochettino’s USA side still advanced to the round of 32 as Group D winners and will now face Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Australia 0-0 Paraguay
Australia secured qualification for the knockout rounds after a tense goalless draw against Paraguay in San Francisco.
The Socceroos finished second in Group D behind the USA on goal difference after a disciplined defensive performance.
Although Australia dominated possession, they struggled to create clear chances against Paraguay’s organized backline. Paraguay remains hopeful of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.
The result increased pressure on Scotland, whose hopes of reaching the knockout stage now depend on other group outcomes.
Australia will face the Group G runners-up in the next round.
Ecuador 2-1 Germany
Ecuador pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating four-time world champions Germany 2-1 in New Jersey.
Germany started strongly with Leroy Sané scoring after only 109 seconds, but Ecuador responded brilliantly as Nilson Angulo quickly equalized.
The South American side continued attacking and eventually found the winner in the 77th minute through Gonzalo Plata, sparking wild celebrations among Ecuadorian supporters.
The victory secured Ecuador’s place in the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Germany suffered their first defeat of the tournament despite already qualifying for the knockout rounds.
The latest results have intensified the race for qualification, with several teams now relying on goal difference and final group-stage matches to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
