Koki Ogawa and Japan are aiming for their first-ever knockout-round victory at this year's World Cup. The Samurai Blue have the technical ability to challenge any opponent, having topped their group at the previous World Cup ahead of Spain and Germany.
Germany vs Curaçao
Germany begin their World Cup campaign against Curaçao in Houston. Julian Nagelsmann's side are often overlooked as contenders despite their pedigree, having failed to advance past the group stage in the last two tournaments. However, they enter on a nine-match winning streak and face a Curaçao team making their World Cup debut. The 72-place gap in the FIFA rankings reflects the talent disparity.
Player to watch: Kai Havertz – after missing half of the 2025/26 season through injury, the German forward is fresh and in form, scoring in three of his last four games for club and country.
Netherlands vs Japan
The Netherlands, three-time World Cup finalists, open against dark horse Japan in Dallas. Ronald Koeman's squad may not boast their greatest generation, but they remain a formidable force. Japan, known for their technical prowess, won their group at the last World Cup, making this a compelling group-stage matchup.
Player to watch: Cody Gakpo – the Liverpool winger's form will be crucial for the Dutch attack, reminiscent of his standout performances in Qatar three and a half years ago.
Côte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador
Ecuador have dark horse potential after finishing second in Conmebol qualifying behind Argentina. Their defense, anchored by Willian Pacho and Piero Hincapié, conceded just five goals in 18 qualifiers. Côte d'Ivoire boast tricky wingers like Yan Diomande and Simon Adingra, who could break through Ecuador's sturdy backline.
Player to watch: Yan Diomande – the RB Leipzig winger is tipped as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool and could use this World Cup as a springboard.
Tunisia vs Sweden
Sweden qualified through the back door after finishing bottom of their standard group, reaching the playoffs via their Nations League ranking. Despite this, Graham Potter's team possesses top-level quality. Tunisia aim to escape the group stage for the first time at their seventh World Cup, though they have won only one of their last seven matches.
Player to watch: Alexander Isak – after an injury-hit debut season at Liverpool, the striker has a chance to remind the world of his talent alongside Premier League champion Viktor Gyökeres.
How to Watch
- Germany vs Curaçao: 1pm ET, Houston Stadium. USA: FOX/Telemundo (Fubo). Canada: TSN. UK: BBC/ITV. Australia: SBS.
- Netherlands vs Japan: 4pm ET, Dallas Stadium. Same broadcasters.
- Côte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador: 7pm ET, Philadelphia Stadium. USA: FS1/Telemundo (Fubo). Canada: TSN. UK: BBC/ITV. Australia: SBS.
- Tunisia vs Sweden: 10pm ET, Monterrey Stadium. Same broadcasters.
