Mexico Go Perfect, Netherlands Top Group F — World Cup Day 15

Six matches, fifteen goals, and three groups wrapped up their group stage. Mexico finished with a perfect record, Netherlands topped Group F with a dominant win over Tunisia, and Ecuador stunned Germany with a comeback victory. Here is what happened on June 25.

Czechia 0-3 Mexico

Mexico completed a perfect group stage with a 3-0 win over Czechia, sealing first place in Group A with nine points from nine. After a goalless first half where Czechia frustrated them, Mexico broke through after the break and scored three unanswered goals. The clean sheet — their third in three matches — says as much as the goals. Mexico are the only team in the tournament to finish the group stage with a 100% record. Czechia exit with one point.

South Africa 1-0 South Korea

South Africa kept their tournament alive with a gritty 1-0 win over South Korea. Goalless at half-time, a second-half goal was enough to lift South Africa to second place in Group A on four points. South Korea, who needed a win to have any chance of progressing, finish third on three points and are eliminated. South Africa now wait to see if their four points are enough to go through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Ecuador 2-1 Germany

The result of the day. Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in a match that was level at half-time. Germany struck first, but Ecuador responded and turned the game around to claim a famous victory. The loss drops Germany to second in Group E on goal difference, while Ecuador's four points keep them in contention for a best third-placed spot.

Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast booked their place in the knockout stage with a composed 2-0 win over Curaçao, leading 1-0 at half-time and adding a second after the break. The win puts Ivory Coast through alongside Germany, both on six points. Curaçao bow out with one point from their debut World Cup campaign.

Tunisia 1-3 Netherlands

Netherlands confirmed top spot in Group F with a commanding 3-1 win over Tunisia. Two goals before the break put the Dutch in control, and a third early in the second half effectively ended the contest before Tunisia pulled one back late. Netherlands finish top of the group with seven points from three games, unbeaten and with a +6 goal difference.

Japan 1-1 Sweden

Japan did enough. A 1-1 draw with Sweden was all Japan needed to secure second place in Group F, and they got it. After a goalless first half, both sides found the net in the second, but Sweden could not find the winner they needed. Japan advance as runners-up on five points; Sweden finish third on four points and face a nervous wait for the best third-placed table.

Group Impact

Group A — Mexico 9pts (winners, perfect record), South Africa 4pts (second), South Korea 3pts, Czechia 1pt. Mexico through as group winners. South Africa are second but will need other results to go their way for the best third-placed spots.

Group E — Germany 6pts (+6 GD, winners), Ivory Coast 6pts (+2 GD, runners-up), Ecuador 4pts, Curaçao 1pt. Germany and Ivory Coast advance. Ecuador's four points give them a solid chance of going through as a best third-placed team.

Group F — Netherlands 7pts (winners), Japan 5pts (runners-up), Sweden 4pts, Tunisia 0pts. Netherlands and Japan through. Sweden's four points put them in the best third-placed conversation.

Looking Ahead

Groups G through L round out the group stage over the next few matchdays. The Round of 32 is starting to take shape, with Mexico, Germany, Netherlands, and Japan among the teams through. The race for the best third-placed spots will be settled over the coming days, with several teams on three or four points still in contention.