So far, so good for the USA, who have already secured their spot in the World Cup knockout rounds as group winners after wins over Paraguay and Australia. Mauricio Pochettino and his players could be forgiven for easing their foot off the pedal for Thursday’s return to Los Angeles to face Turkey.
Indeed, Pochettino may choose to rest some of his best players and ease Christian Pulisic back into action after injury. The USMNT head coach wants competition within his squad and Thursday’s match against Turkey may be useful to foster that before the matches that really matter.
Elsewhere, Ecuador need a win over Germany to stand any realistic chance of making the last 32 while Sweden take on Japan looking to bounce back from their 5-1 humbling at the hands of the Netherlands.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks and online streaming options.
Curaçao v Côte d’Ivoire
Time (ET): 4pm
Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium
How to watch
United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC Two (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Curaçao’s historic draw with Ecuador kept alive their slim chances of making it out of Group E. Dick Advocaat’s side now aim to frustrate Côte d’Ivoire in a similar way. The Blue Wave have been one of the stories of this World Cup so far and a win would all but certainly keep it going into the knockout rounds.
Côte d’Ivoire were made to rue Germany’s comeback from 1-0 down in their previous match, but still have still demonstrated enough in their two outings at this World Cup to suggest they could be a factor beyond the group stage. Their attacking talent in particular makes them a threat.
Player to watch: Yan Diomande, Côte d’Ivoire – The RB Leipzig winger has been one of the most electrifying players at this World Cup with several of Europe’s biggest clubs lining up to sign him this summer.
What to read
Curaçao team guide
Côte d’Ivoire team guide
Ecuador v Germany
Time (ET): 4pm
Stadium: New York New Jersey Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
While Ecuador entered the World Cup as dark horses, they have so far failed to live up to their pre-tournament billing. Indeed, Sebastian Beccacece’s team have struggled for firepower in the final third and are still searching for their first goal. Now would be a good time for them to find their finishing instincts.
Germany weren’t at their best against Côte d’Ivoire, but still had enough on their bench to turn around the game and make it two wins from two matches. Julian Nagelsmann has to prove his team have the right balance to win the World Cup for a record-equaling fifth time.
Player to watch: Felix Nmecha, Germany – With a goal and an assist from two games, Nmecha has established himself as a starting figure in Germany’s midfield double pivot. His energy and willingness to play forward have been very valuable.
What to read
Ecuador team guide
Germany team guide
Japan v Sweden
Time (ET): 7pm
Stadium: Dallas Stadium
How to watch
United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Japan are flying under the radar as one of the most quietly impressive teams at this World Cup so far. Indeed, Hajime Moriyasu’s side swept aside Tunisia with ease after controlling large periods of their opening match against the Netherlands. They will use this final group game to tune up for the knockout rounds.
Sweden’s strengths and weaknesses have been highlighted for all to see. They became the first side in World Cup history to lose their second match by a four-goal margin after winning their first match by a four-goal margin. Graham Potter’s outfit need more control.
Player to watch: Alexander Isak, Sweden – The Liverpool forward has looked something like his old self at this World Cup and could be a difference-maker if Potter can find the right system to harness him without destabilising the rest of the team.
What to read
Japan team guide
Sweden team guide
Tunisia v Netherlands
Time (ET): 7pm
Stadium: Kansas City Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC Two (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Tunisia won’t have fond memories of the 2026 World Cup. Already out of the tournament after defeats to Sweden and Japan, the first of which prompted the firing of Sabri Lamouchi and Herve Renard’s hiring in his place, the African outfit have arguably been the worst team in the entire tournament.
Fresh from putting five past Sweden, the Netherlands could be set for another big win. Not always known for their attacking prowess under Ronald Koeman, the Dutch may have found the right balance in the forward line after introducing Brian Brobbey as a focal point in their last match.
Player to watch: Brian Brobbey, Netherlands – The Sunderland striker was too much for Sweden to handle and played an important role in bringing others into the game as well as scoring two goals of his own.
What to read
Tunisia team guide
Netherlands team guide
Paraguay v Australia
Time (ET): 10pm
Stadium: San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
How to watch
United States: FS1 / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV4 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Paraguay produced a gutsy performance to beat Turkey despite playing the second half with 10 men after Miguel Almiron’s red card. A draw for Gustavo Alfaro’s side will all but secure their place in the last 32 although a narrow loss could also be enough to carry the South Americans out of Group D.
While Australia were kept at arm’s length by the USMNT in Seattle, their strength in defence and threat on the break, as demonstrated in the 2-0 win over Turkey, could give them an advantage in their final group fixture. Tony Popovic’s team have outperformed pre-tournament expectations.
Player to watch: Nestory Irankunda, Australia – The Watford attacker was a dagger through Turkey’s heart in Australia’s opening fixture and could be the threat in quick transition that gives the Socceroos another impressive result.
USA v Turkey
Time (ET): 10pm
Stadium: Los Angeles Stadium
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: ITV1 (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
Few teams have progressed through their opening two matches of this World Cup more comfortably than the USA. On paper, Thursday’s encounter with Turkey looked to be their biggest test when Group D was drawn. With Turkey already out, though, it’s unclear what this match will hold.
Turkey’s early elimination from the tournament was a shock, especially considering Vincenzo Montella’s team are ranked 11th out of 48 sides for expected goals (xG) and 10th for big chances created. They could take out some pent-up anger on the co-hosts in Los Angeles before heading home.
Player to watch: Ricardo Pepi, USA – Pochettino could rotate his lineup for a dead-rubber and start Ricardo Pepi, giving the PSV forward an opportunity to make his mark and prove why he should be ahead of Folarin Balogun in the pecking order.
Leave a Reply