World Cup Day 4: Germany, Netherlands Initiate Group Stage Play

The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with its fourth day of group stage action, as Group E and Group F begin their respective tournaments on Sunday.

Germany is set to play Curaçao at 1 p.m. ET in Houston, Texas. Germany, a four-time World Cup trophy winner, seeks to improve upon its performance after being eliminated in the group stage in the last two tournaments. The team is a favorite to win its group, holding a FIFA ranking of No. 10. Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz is among the players to watch. Curaçao, one of four debutantes in the expanded tournament, will be coached by Dick Advocaat, with brothers Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna anchoring its midfield.

The Netherlands will compete against Japan at 4 p.m. ET in Dallas, Texas. Ranked No. 8 by FIFA, the Dutch team, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, faces a challenging opening match. Japan previously advanced from its group in 2022 by defeating Germany and Spain, eliminating Germany from the knockout rounds. The match is also anticipated to feature significant fan engagement, including the Netherlands' Oranje Fanwalk making its first appearance on American soil.

Elsewhere in Group E, Ecuador and Ivory Coast will kick off their tournament at 7 p.m. ET in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Ecuador, considered a dark horse, had a strong qualifying run and will rely on its defensive strengths. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is a key player for Ecuador, which last made a knockout appearance in 2006. Ivory Coast, one of two African teams to qualify without conceding a goal, brings a strong defense and talented attackers, including Nicolas Pépé. Captain Franck Kessié, with over 100 caps, will guide the team.

Sunday's schedule also includes Sweden vs. Tunisia at 10 p.m. ET in Monterrey, Mexico. Sweden qualified for the tournament despite not securing a win in its qualifying campaign, positioning the team with a need to prove itself in the group stage.

According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, Sunday marks the beginning of group stage play for several prominent teams and debutantes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.