World Cup Roundup: Ecuador Delivers Late Fireworks; USA And Türkiye Battle in L.A.

This past week, the opening World Cup match on each day gave us the most fireworks. The Netherlands struck four goals against Sweden on Saturday, a feat equaled by Spain in its win over Saudi Arabia. On Monday, Lionel Messi set the record for most World Cup goals scored, while on Tuesday Cristiano Ronaldo reminded the world of what he’s still capable of. Today, it was Ecuador that brought the chaos with a late win over Germany that saw the South American side qualify for the round of 32. Among the opening matches on Friday? Norway vs. France. Get your popcorn – or kettle corn – ready. Here’s the best of Match Day 15 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: BEST OF THE DAY Moment Of The Day After getting one point from its first two matches in Group E against the Ivory Coast and Curaçao, Ecuador had to beat Germany to advance to the round of 32. So, naturally, the Ecuadorians conceded in the second minute. Leroy Sané gave Germany an early lead, but it only lasted seven minutes before Nilson Angulo equalized with a great goal. Tension was building when Ecuador got a corner kick in the 77th minute. Kevin Rodríguez headed the cross right toward Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, but Plata got his left foot on the ball first to poke home the goal Ecuador needed. With it, Ecuador is into the knockout stages. Goal Of The Day Sweden needed to win or draw against Japan, which got the opening goal on Thursday at Dallas Stadium. The Swedes are known for their strikers – Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal) and Alexander Isak (Liverpool) – but it was another playmaker who stepped up. Elanga picked up possession on the right wing and unleashed a beautiful curling effort that snuck into the far post of Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki. Sweden held on for the draw to book a spot into the round of 32 thanks to the Newcastle winger’s effort. Assist Of The Day Ivory Coast was in control the entire time against Curaçao, and it doubled its lead in the second half after a decisive pass from Sangaré. The Nottingham Forrest midfielder picked up the ball and played Nicolas Pépé in very well, with his pass barely eluding a Bosnian defender. From there, Pépé’s second goal of the game was inevitable. Save Of The Day A draw was enough for both Sweden and Japan to advance to the round of 32, but neither team played for a draw. The best chance of a scoreless first half was right before halftime, when Japanese winger Keito Nakamura had a shot saved by Zetterstrom after a tidy bit of play at the edge of the 18-yard box. The Derby County keeper dove to his left and made sure the game remained scoreless after 45 minutes. Ecuador vs. Germany Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast Japan vs. Sweden Tunisia vs. Netherlands Türkiye vs. USA Paraguay vs. Australia