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Six nations sealed their qualification for the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup on matchday 15, bringing us another step closer to the final line-up of 32 teams.

Here’s a full recap of Thursday’s action, covering all the key moments you might have missed overnight.

Ecuador pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the tournament by defeating Germany 2-1 in New Jersey.

La Tricolor were held to a goalless draw by Curaçao on matchday two, but they bounced back from an early blow on Thursday to secure a miraculous progression into the round of 32.

Germany made a strong start when Leroy Sane finished neatly into the bottom left corner. However, the goal arguably should have been ruled out due to a high boot from Aleksandar Pavlovic in the buildup.

Ecuador responded swiftly, equalising through a superb strike from Nilson Angulo. Pedro Vite dispossessed Felix Nmecha before finding Angulo, who fired the ball between Pavlovic’s legs and into the net for Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament.

The South Americans nearly suffered a setback early in the second half when the referee awarded Germany a penalty after Kai Havertz was brought down in the box. VAR intervened, however, spotting a foul in the lead-up and overturning the decision.

Both teams searched for a winner, but Ecuador found the breakthrough with 13 minutes remaining. Gonzalo Plata, unmarked in the six-yard area from a corner, nudged the ball past Manuel Neuer from close range to put his side ahead.

The South American side held firm to record their most significant victory in history, advancing to the knockout stage for the first time since 2006—the very year the tournament was hosted in Germany. The celebrations were extraordinary, with manager Sebastian Beccacece climbing into the stands to share the moment with supporters and family members.

Ivory Coast, long admired for their talented squads, finally broke their group-stage curse by securing qualification for the next round with a comfortable win over Curaçao in Philadelphia, thanks to two goals from former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe.

Yan Diomande dispossessed a defender and set up Pepe for an easy tap-in in the seventh minute. In the second half, Ibrahim Sangare threaded a perfect through ball for Pepe, who slotted home calmly with his left foot.

Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and will now face either France or Norway in the round of 32.

Japan missed out on topping Group F but will nonetheless be content with a draw against Sweden in Arlington, a result that secured them second place in the group.

Sweden were equally pleased, qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams despite suffering a heavy defeat to the Netherlands earlier in the tournament.

Japan displayed their trademark fluid passing throughout the match, particularly in their opening goal. After a well-worked move in the attacking third, Ritsu Doan delivered a precise through ball to Daizen Maeda, who finished confidently to cap off a fine team effort.

That was Japan’s seventh goal of the tournament—the most they have ever scored in a World Cup group stage.

Sweden hit back quickly through Newcastle United winger Anthony Elanga, who cut inside from the right flank and curled a brilliant left-footed strike past goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to level the match.

That goal ensured Sweden’s progression, though Elanga appeared unaware of the qualification scenario at the time.

Tunisia’s campaign ended in further disappointment as they slumped to a third consecutive defeat, losing to the Netherlands in Kansas City. Their ordeal began early when Ellyes Skhiri inadvertently turned the ball into his own net just two minutes into the match. Brian Brobbey doubled the Dutch lead five minutes later with his third goal of the tournament.

Hazem Mastouri pulled one back for Tunisia after the break, but Jan Paul van Hecke quickly restored the Netherlands’ two-goal cushion. The Oranje advance as group winners, while Tunisia exit the competition with zero points and a -10 goal difference, marking one of the poorest records of the summer.

In one of the most predictable fixtures of the group stage, Australia and Paraguay played out a goalless draw in Santa Clara.

As previously discussed in relation to FIFA’s change from goal difference to head-to-head as the first tiebreaker, both sides had little motivation to chase a win.

Australia, having lost to the USA, could not top the group, but a point was enough to secure second place and progression. Paraguay, meanwhile, could have overtaken them with a win but chose not to risk missing out entirely. With four points, they remain well-placed to qualify.

Türkiye’s campaign ended early after being eliminated in just two matches, but they bowed out in style, defeating co-hosts USA 3-2 in a thrilling encounter in Los Angeles.

Auston Trusty gave the Americans an early advantage, but Arda Güler equalised in the 10th minute. Türkiye then took the lead on the half-hour mark when Baris Alper Tilmaz converted Orkun Kökcü’s cut-back inside the box.

The USA levelled shortly after the break through Sebastian Berhalter’s powerful strike from the edge of the area, but Kaan Ayhan sealed Türkiye’s memorable victory in the 98th minute, sliding in at the far post to spark jubilant celebrations from the Turkish fans.