FIFA 2026: Group D, E & F set for decisive final round battles
KATHMANDU: As the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 enters its decisive final phase, Friday will feature crucial last-round matches from Groups D, E, and F that will determine the final teams advancing to the Round of 32.
In Group D, the United States has already secured qualification with 6 points and will aim to finish as group winners when they face Türkiye. Türkiye, having lost both of their opening matches and sitting on zero points, will play for pride in their final fixture. The other match in the group sees Australia take on Paraguay, with both teams level on 3 points. The winner of this encounter will secure a place in the knockout stage. Both matches are scheduled for Friday at 7:45 AM Nepal time.
In Group E, Germany has also confirmed its place in the knockout stage after winning both of its matches to reach 6 points. They will face Ecuador in their final group game, with Ecuador needing a victory to keep its qualification hopes alive after collecting just 1 point so far. In the second fixture, Ivory Coast will meet Curaçao in a must-win contest for both sides. Ivory Coast has 3 points, while Curaçao has 1 point, making the match a high-pressure decider. These matches will kick off at 1:45 AM Nepal time on Friday.
Group F presents the most competitive scenario. The Netherlands and Japan are level at the top with 4 points each, while Sweden remains in contention with 3 points. Tunisia, yet to earn a point, is on the verge of elimination. Japan will face Sweden in a crucial showdown where a draw could be enough for Japan to progress, while Sweden may require a victory to advance. In the other fixture, the Netherlands will take on Tunisia, with the Dutch side strongly positioned to secure qualification. Both matches in this group will be played at 4:45 AM Nepal time.
With knockout berths still undecided in two groups and intense battles expected across all fixtures, Friday’s matches are set to deliver defining moments of drama and new stories in the journey toward the Round of 32.
