Curaçao make history despite heavy defeat
Curaçao created a memorable World Cup moment on Sunday by scoring their first goal in the tournament during their first ever appearance, even though they were beaten 7-1 by Germany.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is now in full flow, with teams already fighting for the points needed to reach the knockout rounds. The top two sides in each group will move on, which has added early pressure to every opening fixture.
Sunday brought several major football nations into action, while debutants also found their own place in the tournament story.
Morocco and Brazil share points in Group C
One of the first major fixtures of the tournament saw five-time world champions Brazil face reigning African champions Morocco in a strong Group C contest.
Morocco, who reached the semifinals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, started with confidence. They pressed Brazil high, forced mistakes in dangerous areas and looked sharp whenever they attacked.
Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz played a perfectly timed through ball to PSV striker Ismael Saibari, who lifted a clever finish over experienced Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the 21st minute to put Morocco ahead.
Brazil struggled to build from deep early on but later found more control. A quick exchange between Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimarães and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior opened space inside the box.
Vinicius then showed his quality, moving past the Moroccan defence before firing a powerful shot into the top right corner in the 32nd minute. Both teams had chances after that, but neither found a winner as the match ended level.
Scotland take control as Australia stun Turkey
The other Group C match saw Haiti face Scotland at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots. Scotland went ahead through John McGinn in the 28th minute, and that goal helped them secure three points and move top of the group.
Group D then delivered what many viewed as an early surprise. Turkey, appearing at the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, lost 2-0 to Australia after a strong performance from the Socceroos.
Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring for Australia in the 27th minute, giving his team the lead before halftime. Connor Metcalfe added the second in the 75th minute to seal the win. Australia moved onto three points and sit second in the group behind co-hosts the United States, who lead on goal difference.
Germany dominate as Curaçao enjoy landmark moment
Germany had little trouble in their opening Group E fixture, easing past Curaçao with a 7-1 victory.
Curaçao, the Dutch Caribbean island that became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup, still left the match with a historic achievement. Their goal against Germany was their first ever at the tournament.
Despite the scoreline, that moment added another chapter to a remarkable run for a nation making its debut on football’s biggest stage.
Netherlands held by Japan after late equaliser
Japan against the Netherlands turned into one of the more entertaining matches of the day and gave the Dutch side a serious test.
Japan looked dangerous in the first half and came close at least twice, but they could not turn their pressure into a goal. The Netherlands, captained by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, struck shortly after the restart.
Van Dijk opened the scoring in the 51st minute, guiding the ball into the far corner past Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
Japan responded quickly. Keito Nakamura hit a powerful shot into the bottom left corner in the 57th minute to bring his team level.
The celebrations were brief. Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who plays for recently relegated West Ham, cut inside from the right and curled a fine finish into the bottom left corner in the 64th minute.
The Netherlands then adjusted their approach and tried to protect the narrow lead. Japan kept pushing and found a late equaliser in the 89th minute, forcing the ball past Bart Verbruggen from a corner to earn a 2-2 draw.
Ivory Coast join Germany near the top of Group E
Ivory Coast also played in Group E on Sunday, facing Ecuador in a tight match that stayed level until the final moments.
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 win. The result handed the African side three points and placed them second in the group behind Germany.
More matches are scheduled for Monday and the early hours of Tuesday. Spain will face Cape Verde at 6 pm CET, while Belgium meet seven-time African champions Egypt at 9 pm CET. Saudi Arabia then take on Uruguay at midnight, before Iran play New Zealand at 3 am on Tuesday.
