FIFAWC26 : Netherlands Japan draw 2-2, Sweden , Germany win big, Equador lose

 



Day 4 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 produced a festival of attacking football, with 18 goals across five matches. Germany and Sweden delivered emphatic victories, Japan rescued a dramatic draw against the Netherlands, and Ivory Coast snatched victory in the dying moments against Ecuador. It was a day packed with goals, late drama and standout individual performances. 


Germany 7–1 Curaçao

 E – Houston

Germany produced the most dominant performance of the tournament so far, crushing World Cup debutants Curaçao 7-1 in a breathtaking display of attacking football. Yet the match also provided a historic moment for Curaçao, who scored their first-ever World Cup goal. 

Germany struck after just six minutes when Felix Nmecha exchanged passes on the edge of the area before curling a superb effort into the corner to score the fastest goal of the tournament. Curaçao stunned the four-time champions in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia benefited from a loose ball and fired home via a deflection, registering his nation's first World Cup goal and levelling the match at 1-1. 


The Germans quickly regained control. In the 38th minute, Nico Schlotterbeck rose highest to head home from a set-piece and restore the lead. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Kai Havertz converted a penalty to make it 3-1. 


Germany were ruthless after the break. Two minutes into the second half, Jamal Musiala finished brilliantly from a tight angle after being released by Joshua Kimmich. Nathaniel Brown volleyed home in the 68th minute, before substitute Deniz Undav added a sixth ten minutes later. Havertz completed the rout in the 88th minute, racing clear and delicately lifting the ball over goalkeeper Eloy Room for his second goal of the match and Germany's seventh. 


Goals

6' Felix Nmecha (Germany)

21' Livano Comenencia (Curaçao)

38' Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany)

45+5' Kai Havertz (Germany, penalty)

47' Jamal Musiala (Germany)

68' Nathaniel Brown (Germany)

78' Deniz Undav (Germany)

88' Kai Havertz (Germany) 


Netherlands 2–2 Japan

Group F – Dallas

One of the best matches of the tournament so far saw the Netherlands and Japan share the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw. Both teams displayed attacking intent throughout and neither deserved to lose. 


The Dutch took the lead through captain Virgil van Dijk, who powered home a header from a Ryan Gravenberch delivery. Japan responded impressively and equalised through Keito Nakamura, whose clinical finish capped a swift counterattack. 


The Netherlands looked set for victory when debutant Crysencio Summerville produced a magnificent strike to make it 2-1. However, Japan refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time, a corner caused confusion in the Dutch penalty area and Daichi Kamada forced the ball home to earn a dramatic point for the Blue Samurai. 


Goals

Virgil van Dijk (Netherlands)

Keito Nakamura (Japan)

Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands)

Daichi Kamada (Japan) 


Ivory Coast 1–0 Ecuador

Group E – Philadelphia

A match that appeared destined for a goalless draw was decided in dramatic fashion by a moment of brilliance from Ivory Coast's rising star Amad Diallo. Both sides defended resolutely and clear chances were scarce for much of the contest. 


As the match entered the final minute of normal time, Wilfried Singo surged forward on a powerful run and delivered the ball into a dangerous area. Diallo timed his movement perfectly before steering a composed finish beyond the Ecuadorian goalkeeper. The late goal sparked wild celebrations among the Ivorian supporters and secured a crucial 1-0 victory. 


Goal

90' Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast) 


Sweden 5–1 Tunisia

Group F – Monterrey

Sweden joined Germany among the day's biggest winners with a dazzling 5-1 demolition of Tunisia. The Scandinavian side attacked relentlessly and overwhelmed their opponents with pace, movement and clinical finishing. 


The star performer was Yasin Ayari, who scored twice with outstanding long-range strikes. Sweden's attacking stars Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also opened their World Cup accounts with well-taken goals. Tunisia briefly threatened when they reduced the deficit, but Sweden never lost control of the contest. Substitute Mattias Svanberg added further gloss to the scoreline, scoring just 12 seconds after coming onto the field. 


Goals

Yasin Ayari (2) – Sweden

Alexander Isak – Sweden

Viktor Gyökeres – Sweden

Mattias Svanberg – Sweden

Tunisia – 1 goal 


Germany's seven-goal blitz and Sweden's five-goal masterclass were the headlines of Day 4, while Japan's last-gasp equaliser against the Netherlands and Amad Diallo's dramatic winner for Ivory Coast provided unforgettable moments. After four days of action, the 2026 World Cup is already delivering excitement, surprises and outstanding football. 


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