By Juan Samuel Santana Chávez

The FIFA World Cup 2026 experienced an intense matchday this Sunday, June 14th, corresponding to the first round of groups D, E, and F. Five matches delivered resounding victories, a thrilling draw, and results that are beginning to shape the landscape for the next round. Australia kicked off the action with a solid 2-0 victory over Turkey in Group D, earning their first three points and momentarily taking the lead in the sector.

The day's biggest blowout was delivered by Germany, who showed no mercy to Curaçao, winning by a commanding score of 7-1 in Houston. The team coached by Julian Nagelsmann displayed their full offensive power with goals from Felix Nmecha, Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav, sending a clear message in Group E. Curaçao, making their World Cup debut, scored a consolation goal through Livano Comenencia.

Group F hosted one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far, with a 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan. The Dutch took the lead on two occasions thanks to Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville, but the Asian team responded with goals from Keito Nakamura and Koki Ogawa to snatch a valuable point. Later, Sweden debuted with authority, thrashing Tunisia 5-1, driven by outstanding performances from Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyökeres.

The matchday concluded with Ivory Coast's narrow 1-0 victory over Ecuador in Philadelphia, thanks to a late goal from Amad Diallo. The result left the Africans in second place behind Germany in Group E, while the Ecuadorian team is now obligated to secure points in their next commitment to keep their aspirations of advancing to the next phase alive. With these results, the 2026 World Cup continues to deliver excitement and confirm that every point will be decisive in the fight for qualification.