U.S. falls to Turkey 3-2 on goal in final seconds; Americans advance to round of 32 of World Cup anyway

Australia and Paraguay played to a mutually beneficial draw in one of the tournament's least surprising results.

The Socceroos advanced as Group D runners-up, while Paraguay (1-1-1) will have to wait for official notification as a third-place qualifier. With a goal difference of -2, it's near-lock for Paraguay to play in the round of 32.

Kaan Ayhan, center, scores Turkey's third goal. Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images

What a late strike by Turkey! With only two minutes left in stoppage time, Kaan Ayhan bounced a kick through the legs of U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner to beat the U.S. 3-2. The loss won't affect the U.S.' chances of making the knockout round; that was already assured. But it puts a damper on its final tuneup of the group stage.

A skillful run by Australia's Jordan Bos, who dribbled through multiple defenders, ended in an easy save at close range in the 83rd minute.

Bos might have lost his balance in the final step.

No one is throwing in the towel in Santa Clara, but this crucial Group D match just feels like it's headed for divided points.

At the second hydration break, Australia has outshot Paraguay 9-4 in the goalless contest.

Substitutions don't usually draw a roar from the crowd, but this one in the 57th minute just did for the U.S. Christian Pulisic is back after having missed the last four halves of soccer with a calf injury. He takes the place of Tim Weah.

Australia's Nestory Irankunda took a dramatic fall to the Levi's Stadium turf when he was bumped in the area by Paraguay's José Canale.

No penalty. No VAR review.

Sebastian Berhalter celebrates the second U.S. goal.  Jamie Squire / Getty Images

After a few shots by the U.S. caromed around the goal, the ball spat backward toward Sebastian Berhalter, who fired a low missile of a shot into the back of the net for a 2-2 tie in the 48th minute. Berhalter, the son of former U.S. national coach Gregg Berhalter, grabbed the ball under his arm and celebrated as teammates ran off the bench toward him.

It is now the most goals the U.S. has scored at any single World Cup in its history, eight.

Turkey leads 2-1 as the second half begins in Inglewood. One key question is whether coach Mauricio Pochettino will try to play Christian Pulisic. Pulisic hasn't played since was kicked in the calf in the U.S. opener on June 12, but he is available to play today. Let's see whether he gets some time to play full speed against game competition.

Australia and Paraguay completed the first 45 minutes of what could be a mutually beneficial draw. The goalless half, though, hasn't been the result of two teams' playing out the string, as Australia has clearly had the better of it.

The Socceroos have outshot third-place Paraguay 6-1 and taken all three of the match's corner kicks.

No, this match won't affect the path the U.S. takes through the knockout round, but tell that to the fans in red, white and blue kits in the stadium who have fallen quiet after Turkey rebounded from a 1-0 deficit after just two minutes to take a 2-1 halftime lead.

Both teams have found holes in their opposing defenses, and as these lineups tire in the second half, it figures there will be more opportunities for each to hunt goals.

About a minute after Mark McKenzie of the U.S. had fallen hard to the ground after an attempted header and taken offense to the hit from Salih Özcan of Turkey, it looked like McKenzie would have the last laugh. He fired in a rebound of a Pepi shot for a goal, but it was waved off for being offside.

Sarah Stier - FIFA / FIFA via Getty Images

Turkey quickly went on the offense, moving the ball around the box with crisp passes until it found the foot of Orkun Kökçü, who buried the pass for a 2-1 lead for Turkey in the 31st minute. The stadium sounds a bit shellshocked at the concession of two quick goals.

The boot of Paraguay's Andrés Cubas accidentally struck the face of Australia's Connor Metcalfe as they went to ground seeking to win possession.

Metcalfe was bloodied and had to change shirts as he remained in the match.

It's scoreless in Santa Clara, but Paraguay must be feeling some discomfort as the Socceroos have been the better side at the first hydration break.

David M. Barreda / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The match's three corner kicks have all been taken by Australia, and it has outshot Paraguay 4-0.

A tie would probably send third-place Paraguay through to knockout play.

As a young boy, Tim Weah was generally aware his father had played professional soccer. There were clues all around the house: photos from his career, the jersey on the wall. Then when Tim was 10 years old, his father brought him to the World Cup in South Africa.

George Weah was going for work as a TV commentator. But he also wasn’t going to miss the first World Cup being hosted by an African nation. George is from Liberia and is considered one of the greatest players the continent has ever produced. In his prime, he played for European powers Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan and in 1995 won the Ballon d’Or, which was given at the time to Europe’s best player. He’s still the only African-born player to ever receive the honor.

In South Africa, George took his son to games and young Tim saw how strangers reacted to seeing his father, crowding around him, asking for photos.

“You kind of realize, OK, yeah, he’s an important person,” Tim said. “That’s when I really found out, like, wow.”

A late tackle by Berhalter has earned a yellow card. Any card at this point is tricky; one more and a player would be banned for the next U.S. game on July 1.

Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images

The celebration from the American contingent in the stadium has paused after a goal in the 10th minute by Arda Güler leveled the score at 1-1.

After that score in the second minute against Turkey, the U.S. now has scored seven goals in the tournament, which equals the most the U.S. men have scored at any World Cup (tying the seven in 1930 and 2002).

And we’re only a few minutes into the third match.

Australia and Paraguay have kicked off at the home of the San Francisco 49ers.

Third-place Paraguay would most likely be able to qualify for knockout play with a draw, so this could be a highly defensive match.

Jared C. Tilton / FIFA via Getty Images

After a first corner kick by the U.S. came close to a goal in the first minute, a second corner shortly afterward was pounded into the low corner of the net in only the second minute by Auston Trusty. It's already a 1-0 lead for the U.S., and the goal led to a booming roar in the stadium.

Kickoff has arrived in Inglewood, California, where a throng of U.S. fans has packed the stadium to watch the U.S. face Turkey. It's the final match of the group stages for both, with the U.S. moving on after this while Turkey will be headed home.

Not wanting to put any players who have already picked up yellow cards in danger of earning a second and a one-game suspension during the knockout round, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has put several players on his bench tonight. They will join other typical starters who will effectively rest tonight after they led the U.S. to wins in its first two games of the tournament.

On my walk into SoFi Stadium for the third and final U.S. group-stage game tonight, I couldn't help but feel a stark difference to the atmosphere outside and inside the stadium from the Americans' World Cup opener here almost two weeks ago. That night was freighted with meaning; a win could set the team up for potential advancement, while a loss could dim those hopes.

Etienne Laurent / AFP via Getty Images

Tonight is different, though. The U.S. is already assured of playing in the round of 32 on July 1, while its opponent, Turkey, is assured of not making the knockout stage. There hasn't been nearly as much revelry inside the stadium as a result. There are still a few fans walking around in Uncle Sam costumes and even one wearing a customized "G. Washington" jersey, but with tonight's result not affecting coach Mauricio Pochettino's path in the knockout round, it's not quite as heightened a scene.

The Japanese move on as the second-place finisher of Group F while Sweden is a shoo-in for a third-place qualification.

A cautious first half opened up in the back 45 minutes with both teams showing stretches of quality.

Paul Ellis / AFP via Getty Images

Japan's Daizen Maeda broke through in the 59th minute, converting feeds from teammates Ayase Ueda and Ritsu Doan.

Sweden likely booked its ticket to the round of 32 when Anthony Elanga electrified the packed house with a thunderous strike from the area's edge in the 62nd minute.

That’s game. Tunisia put up a valiant effort despite the nonstop Dutch offensive. The Oranje already had the advantage as the leader of Group F. 

The Netherlands dominated with 72% possession and seven shots on goal, compared with Tunisia’s 28% possession and four shots on goal. 

Tunisia fired at goal into the final minutes of stoppage time, but no dice. 

Overall, the Dutch have scored 10 goals from their three group stage matches. The loss is Tunisia’s third. Even though Tunisia fired its manager after its first loss, it appears it couldn’t switch up the pace. 

Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki stretched out to save a threatening header by Alexander Isak in the 94th minute.

Great shot from Tunisia's Hannibal Mejbri in the 76th minute with a left-footed rocket toward the goal, but Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen tips it over the crossbar.

The Netherlands almost just got a fourth goal — but it got lucky when the shot bounced off the crossbar.

In the 66th minute, Tunisian goalie Aymen Dahmen left the goal empty to punch the ball away, but on the rebound, the Dutch fired from the left, and the ball soared toward the goal, hit the crossbar and bounced back out.

Anthony Elanga scored the equalizer in the 62nd minute for Sweden.

Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki appeared to have that far corner of his net covered. But Elanga's bending blast still found its way into the Japanese goal.

The goal could be huge for Sweden, as a draw and a third-place finish at four points would all but assure the Blågult a place in knockout play.

That was fast! The Netherlands just struck again.

The left corner kick from Tijjani Reijnders was met by a header by Jan Paul van Hecke in 62nd minute!

But it may be declared an own goal as it bumped off Tunisia's Anis Ben Slimane's head moments later before it whizzed into the goal. 

The Netherlands is up 3-1.

Tunisia has turned up the pressure and scored in the 54th minute!

Hannibal Mejbri had a corner kick, and Hazem Mastouri soared up to head it to the back of the net.

The Japanese finally broke through to take the lead as Daizen Maeda tapped home a lovely score in the 59th minute.

In one of prettiest team goals of this tournament, Ayase Ueda skillfully found Ritsu Doan, who threaded it to Maeda.

The goal scorer then took an artful first touch before drilling it home.

The winner of tonight's crucial Australia-Paraguay match will move on to the round of 32.

But what if they tie? A draw would send the Socceroos through as Group D runners-up based on goal difference. A tie would put both squads at four points, with Paraguay probably going forward, but that's not guaranteed.

A draw would also open all sorts of conspiratorial doors and hark back to the infamous "Disgrace of Gijón" in 1982, when West Germany and Austria appeared to conspire for a score that would advance themselves at the cost of Algeria.

Davidson College applied mathematician Tim Chartier ran 1,000 simulations of Paraguay's finishing with four points, and in just one instance did La Albirroja not advance.

Chartier didn't want to open suggestions of mutual agreement but said, "Either way, it informs how you play." 

And we're back for the second half in Kansas City— and it's fully raining now!

Let's see whether Tunisia can even the score.

Halftime whistles blew in Arlington, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri, as Group F looked like a Dutch treat.

With first-place Netherlands leading Tunisia 2-0, it's hard to imagine the Oranje losing control of Group F.

Sweden and Japan are scoreless at AT&T Stadium. A tie in Texas would put Japan through as the second-place squad, while Sweden would be in very strong position to advance as a third-place team.

It's halftime, and Netherlands is in the lead.

No doubt Tunisia's goalkeeper, Aymen Dahmen, has been feeling the heat with the Dutch attacks, but he has made a few saves.

Tunisia had a moment just now not far from the Netherlands' net, but with no luck.

The Netherlands has maintained about 70% possession with three shots on goal, compared with Tunisia’s one, and 306 accurate passes, compared with Tunisia's 111.

Jacob Widell Zetterström's strong, outstretched left hand denied Keito Nakamura a possible first goal in this tightly contested match.

Japan countered with its first substitution as Shogo Taniguchi took the place of Kou Itakura in the 39th minute.

Hien limped off the pitch grabbing his left leg and forcing an early substitution.

Lucas Bergvall of Tottenham Hotspur took his place.

Sweden's Isak Hien grabbed the shirt of Japan's Ayase Ueda, pulling him down, drawing the match's first yellow card and ending a promising Samurai Blue push.

The Oranje are leading possession and for the most part have been hovering perilously close to Tunisia’s net.

We've seen several attempts, but all too wide or high.

In the 33rd minute, a Dutch corner kick went awry. Tijjani Reijnders shot but sent it right to Tunisia’s goalkeeper, Aymen Dahmen. 

Ecuador coach Sebastián Beccacece. Maddie Meyer / FIFA via Getty Images

Sebastián Beccacece gets emotional speaking about his players.

Beccacece, Ecuador's head coach, told reporters that he was immensely proud of his young team and the emotional maturity it showed in the face of adversity in the tournament. The team is united, Beccacece told reporters, and has built on a family-like bond to help when it struggles.

"I already told my footballers I don’t need any results to know how much you’re worth," he said. "You’re a process, not a result."

At the first hydration break, Japan and Sweden are locked in a very even match.

Sweden might have more to lose tonight, as a bad loss could push it down the rankings of potential third-place teams at three points.

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half.

"When you have such a good start into a game and you get the lead, you have to focus a bit more on patience to prepare the spaces. ... Today we lose a little bit of control after the lead," Nagelsmann said.

He turned his attention to Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Germany will play its round of 32 game. He still doesn't know which team his players are going to face, but he said it's important to take lessons away from today's match, such as the lack of control and physicality that lost the game.

"We would have loved to win — it was not possible today," Nagelsmann said. "We have to accept it. It is important that we remain patient and we win on Monday. That's key."

Tunisia was awarded a corner kick, and a subsequent header by Anis Ben Slimane flew to the middle of the box, but it was easily saved by Netherlands goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Japan's Ao Tanaka threw his body into Swedish speedster Anthony Elanga, suddenly ending a promising attack at midfield.

No yellow shown was to Tanaka for what appeared to be a very intentional takedown.

Ronald Koeman, Head Coach of Netherlands, celebrates after the team's second goal by Brian Brobbey #19. Michael Steele / Getty Images

Netherlands scores a second goal in the seventh minute!

It started with a free kick about 23 yards away from the net, volleyed across players and was slammed in by Netherland's Brian Brobbey from the right of the box.

Japan's Daizen Maeda's big run into the area ended in a gentle lean, or perhaps push, by Sweden's Gabriel Gudmundsson.

No penalty was called in the fifth minute.

Netherlands gets a goal in the second minute! It was an own goal by Tunisian midfielder Ellyes Skhiri. 

Netherlands is up 1-0. 

It’s game time! Netherlands face off with Tunisia in Kansas City — despite risks of storms.

Tunisia is already eliminated at the bottom of Group F, but Netherlands will be gunning to win the top spot of the group as it’s currently tied with Japan. 

The match between second-place Japan and third-place Sweden, both still with a chance to win Group F, is underway from Arlington, Texas.

Dutch fans have taken over Kansas City, Missouri, ahead of the team's game against Tunisia.

The official OnsOranje social media accounts posted quite a few photos of the streets filled with Dutch fans and Netherlands flags as supports do their collective march to the stadium.

The Netherlands is tied on points and goal difference with Japan, making its game against Tunisia crucial to who leads Group F.

No offense to George Washington, but people parking close to Sofi Stadium for tonight’s match will need to bring the Benjamins.

The official FIFA parking website said a space at the stadium was going for $275 and $226 this afternoon around four hours before the match.

Next door at the Forum, parking was around $145, according to the website for its parking service prover. Oversized vehicles, like RVs or buses, will run you $600, according to the site.

There were some cheaper options around $100 for those willing to walk a bit from the Locust Street and East Manchester Boulevard area.

LA Metro, which runs buses and trains in the city, has been urging people to use public transportation to and from the World Cup matches.

The stands are still filled with yellow as Ecuador's remain in the stands, loudly cheering, as they celebrate with the team and staff.

Players have remained on the pitch, some draped in there country's flag, as they show love to their fans.

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Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images

In an absolutely unreal rally following an early deficit, Ecuador has defied the odds to beat group leader Germany here in New Jersey.

The team's mistakes cost the players early on when Germany scored in the 2nd minute to earn the lead. But the 9th minute goal from Nilson Angulo brought a confidence that swept through the rest of the match.

The second half was dominated by Ecuador, as Germany seemed to lack any sense of urgency. But Ecuador, which had only 1 point entering the match, was hungry for a big win. And the belief from Ecuador's supporters was loud.

Gonzalo Plata became a national hero today with his deflection in the 77th minute to put the team ahead.

There are tears among Ecuador's fans after a heart-stopping final few minutes when Germany finally woke up and tried to score again. The supporters started singing a few minutes after the final whistle blew, and the team exchanged hugs on the field.

Willian Pacho #6 of Ecuador celebrates with teammates. Buda Mendes / Getty Images

Ivory Coast clinches second place in Group E and will advance to the knockout stage.

That ends the World Cup for Curaçao.

Chants of "si se puede" roar through the crowd as Ecuador fans do their best to let their team know they are here in these final few minutes.

The Spanish anthem of "yes, we can" is proof they are keeping the faith.

Seven minutes are added to the clock — can Ecuador keep Germany at bay and take the win?

Gonzalo Plata, who just scored, was shown a card after a nasty tackle.

That's the third yellow card for Ecuador in this match.

The stadium is alive with Ecuadoran supporters on their feet and rejoicing in the final 10 minutes or so of the game.

The second goal is not something these players are taking for granted as they fight for another shot at Germany's net. They've turned up the heat on their attack in a frantic push for more insurance on this lead.

Germany is countering with its own press but without the same desperation as Ecuador.

Curaçao is starting to increase the desperation late in this second half.

Players flew off Ecuador's bench after a goal from Gonzalo Plata gave them the lead 2-1.

Patrick Smith / FIFA via Getty Images

After Ecuador sent the ball into the box on a corner kick, Kevin Rodríguez headed it onward, but it wasn't on target, until Plata extended his foot to deflect it into the top of the German net. Plata was fighting a pretty strong German defense and a hold on his jersey to get up there.

It was an emotional moment for the South American team, who gathered around Plata in celebration. His teammates kissed the top of his head as the fans celebrated.

Fofana just made a two-handed stop on a shot from Tahith Chong. That was Curaçao’s second shot on goal.

We’re about 15 minutes from stoppage time.

This singer left quite an impression.

A brief Sabrina Carpenter appearance on the stadium jumbotron earned a loud cheer from the crowd at the Germany vs. Ecuador game.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer came out of the net to go for the ball, as a Ecuadorian player challenged the net. Amid the chaos, the ball trickled away and the net was temporarily left wide open. Ecuador tracked the ball down, crossed it into the box, but Gonzalo Plata shot off target.

After the sequence, Plata lay on the grass and put his hands on his head in frustration.

The players are taking a water break on this hot afternoon just as things were starting to pick up in the second half.

That could be the nail in the coffin for Curaçao.

Off a fantastic pass from Ibrahim Sangaré, Pépé received the ball in the right side of the box and buried a shot into the net with his left foot.

Ivory Coast now has a two-goal lead with under 25 minutes to go until stoppage time.

Both keepers made incredible saves in this 62nd and 63rd minute.

Germany's Manuel Neuer decisively punched the ball away after a strong shot from Ecuador's striker Enner Valencia.

Not long after, Ecuador's Hernán Galíndez stopped a counter attack from Germany's Florian Wirtz.

While the first half of the match was full of battles and speed runs from one goal to another, the players seem to be taking a more methodical pace after returning from the locker room.

It's been fairly evenly matched in this first 15 minutes back on the pitch but it's clear Ecuador is much more hungry for a win as they press hard to get into the attacking third.

Despite the slower pace, both teams are still as chippy as ever.

Floranus just took a left-footed strike from the top of the box that only barely went over the top of the crossbar. That was the closest Curaçao has come to a goal so far.

Ecuador captain Moises Caicedo took a header at Germany's goal in the 54th minute after a cross from John Yeboah.

The angle was off and just missed the net.

Kessié used some slick dribbling skills to give himself an opening for a shot near the top of the box, but he couldn’t put enough mustard on his left foot, and his attempt bounced off a defender out of bounds for a corner.

We’re nearly 10 minutes into the second half, with Ivory Coast leading 1-0.

Alan Franco earn's Ecuador's second yellow card in the 50th minute of the game.

Let’s see if Curaçao can finally put some pressure on the goal and find an equalizer.

We'll see if anyone can break this 1-1 tie.

In the early moments, Germany was awarded a penalty kick, only for it to be called back to a foul on Germany called via replay review.

Ivory Coast leads at halftime, and has largely dominated this match so far. Ivory Coast leads in possession, expected goals and accurate passes.

Armando Obispo of Curacao controls the ball against Juergen Locadia of Ivory Coast. Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

Germany and Ecuador return to the locker room with a 1-1 draw after a pretty physical and fast-moving first half.

The early goal from Germany was a bit demoralizing for the South American team, but Nilson Angulo was able to shake it off with a beautiful shot in the ninth minute to equalize. It was exactly the confidence boost needed to the notably younger Ecuador team as it put the pressure back on Germany.

As for Germany, it hasn't been able to break through Ecuador's defense since Leroy Sané's goal in the second minute. Kai Havertz had the best chance with a header in the 25th minute but was denied by the keeper.

Ecuador's defense has tightened up significantly over the course of this first half. If they can keep their momentum going, it's possible they walk away with the vital 3 points they need to avoid being grouped.

Officials announced 4 minutes of stoppage time would be added to a fast-paced first half.

Hincapié appeared to pull the jersey of a German player and was shown a yellow card. That was the first card in a match that's been pretty physical.

U.S. referee Tori Penso shows a yellow card to Ecuador's defender Piero Hincapie today. Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images

Moments later, Germany’s Aleksandar Pavlovic received a yellow, too.

Curaçao is still struggling to create chances.

Not sure how this comes across on television screens but from here in the press box, it's a bit tough to spot the officials on the field.

Or rather, it's hard to tell their aqua-colored shirts apart from the aqua color of Germany's shorts.

Ecuador is showing a fighting spirit today, needing a win against Germany probably to advance. The possession battle is currently 55% for Germany and 45% for Ecuador, and Ecuador continues to pressure the German end.

The energetic Ecuadoran team, bolstered by a goal and a raucous crowd, has been given new life in this game.

The team took up residence in the attacking third for a quite some time ahead and kept the press going even after Germany's attempts to clear. A goal kick that allowed Germany to transition briefly into the Ecuador's half.

That led to a header by Kai Havertz that was stopped by Ecuador's Hernán Galíndez. But Ecuador quickly recovered for the counter attack.

Fans have been instructed to move indoors at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, which is hosting tonight’s match between Tunisia and Netherlands.

Gaari just got hit square in the head off an Amad Diallo shot, which stopped the match. The stoppage lined up with the hydration break, with Ivory Coast mostly controlling the action to this point.

The Germany vs. Ecuador game has been tense and chippy in the early going, both teams making spirited runs. Germany has controlled 66% of the possession so far, but Ecuador has been standing tall. That early equalizer goal seems to have given Ecuador confidence that it can hang with Germany.

Another Yan Diomande pass made it into the center of the box, but there was confusion as two Ivory Coast players went for the ball. The result was a weak shot that didn’t really threaten to score.

The stands have erupted here in New Jersey after Nilson Angulo found the corner of the Germany's net.

Angulo's right-footed shot was a nutmeg between the German defender's legs and straight into the right side of the goal. Manuel Neuer, a veteran keeper, reacted just a touch late as the ball went just out of his reach.

The equalizer was exactly what Ecuador’s fans needed to get loud, roaring with joy after Germany's early lead was cut.

Ivory Coast is on the board early in Philly.

After Yan Diomande made a great play to win the ball in the left side of the box, he found Nicolas Pépé in front of the goal with a pass, and Pépé buried a goal with his left foot.

Hernan Galindez of Ecuador concedes a first goal to Leroy Sane of Germany. Patrick Smith / FIFA via Getty Images

Germany has already scored. Wow, that was quick.

Germany went on the attack basically as soon as the game kicked off, and as it pressured the Ecuadorian goal, Germany looked as if it might be called for a high kick. But the referee let the play go on, and Germany's Leroy Sané ended up burying the ball in the back of the net. Germany leads Ecuador 1-0.

We’re underway in Philadelphia.

Ecuador and Germany players have taken the pitch and started play here at Metlife Stadium.

For Ivory Coast:

For Curaçao:

Maybe we spoke too soon. A large contingent of German fans have taken their seats behind the German goal, many of them waving German flags, creating a somewhat disorienting effect. Imagine trying to take a penalty kick with that behind the net.

About 20 minutes away from kickoff, the stadium seems about split now between German and Ecuador fans.

One of the most striking aspects of Ecuador's team today is that all but three of its starting 11 were born before the turn of the century.

The oldest member of the team, 39-year-old goalkeeper Hernan Galindez, will be bringing his years of experience to the backline. But the captain's band will be donned by Moisés Caicedo, the 24-year-old midfielder.

Caicedo has made a name for himself as a regular starter for Chelsea in recent years — and his appearance in the Champions League leaves no doubt about his experience in high stakes matches.

But will Caicedo be able to shepherd this youthful group against the veterans of Germany?

But that's largely thanks to its opening 7-1 win over Curaçao. Germany followed that with a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast. Through two games, Germany has taken 42 shots, including 19 shots on target, and scored 9 goals.

As of Thursday afternoon, this is the top of the leaderboard for team goals scored:

1. Germany: 9 in two games
2. Canada: 8 in three games
3. Brazil: 7 in three games
4. Norway: 7 in two games
5. Netherlands: 7 in two games
6. Switzerland: 7 in three games

The Deutschland starting 11 will be captained by defender Josh Kimmich:

Ecuador's starting lineup will be led by 24-year-old Moisés Caicedo:

Walking around the concourse at New York-New Jersey Stadium, about two hours before the Germany-Ecuador game, I saw a LOT more fans in Ecuador yellow than German fans. Several of them were draped in the Ecuador flag and I spotted one man who had painted his entire upper body at least in Ecuadorian colors.

Why is that the case? Well, New Jersey is actually home to a large Ecuadorian population. Plus: Germany has already secured its spot in the knockout round, whereas Ecuador probably needs a win if it stands any chance of advancing.

Joe Prince-Wright, Nick Mendola, and Andy Edwards look ahead to tonight's match between the USMNT v. Turkiye and discuss how the Americans will line up after already clinching Group D.

Christian Pulisic said he was feeling positive about his recovery from a calf injury and hopes to play a role in the United States’ final World Cup group match against Türkiye today, though his availability remains uncertain.

Pulisic has not played since being substituted at halftime in the win over Paraguay after feeling discomfort in his left calf. He missed Friday’s 2-0 victory over Australia, despite saying he had been close to featuring in that match.

“I’m feeling good,” Pulisic told reporters at the U.S. training camp yesterday.

I've just arrived to Metlife Stadium a few hours ahead of the Ecuador v. Germany game and it could not be a better day to play.

My phone tells me it's 84 degrees and I can confirm that sun is beaming down on the pitch, but thankfully it doesn't feel too hot at all. There's a nice breeze blowing in that makes the stadium feel much more bearable.

The pitch is watered before the Ecuador v. Germany match at MetLife Stadium today. Jan Woitas / dpa via Getty Images

It could not possibly be more different than Monday's game between Norway and Senegal, which was humid with some intermittent rain.

Fans are starting to trickle into the stands. I've seen a lot of bright yellow Ecuador jerseys and flags around so far. Germany fans are mixing it up by wearing both the white home kits and the dark blue away jerseys.

Brasil mostró su poderío ofensivo al vencer 3-0 a Escocia, mientras que México derrotó a República Checa para cerrar como líder de grupo con paso perfecto. El Tri hizo historia al sumar nueve puntos en la fase de grupos.

Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick announced his retirement from international football today, a day after the country exited the World Cup in the group stage.

“This decision is not impulsive, nor did it come about overnight. It’s an idea I’ve been carrying with me for quite some time and one I’ve thought long and hard about,” he wrote on Instagram.

Korean soccer fans woke up this morning, knowing their team’s hopes for advancement hang by a thread.

The World Cup’s new, forgiving format allows the top eight of the 12 third-place teams, like third-place South Korea (1-0-2), to move on to knockout play with as few as three points. So how many points will it take this year to finish in the top eight of 12 third-place teams?

It’s hard to say because there are no other examples of an elite world soccer competition with 48 teams in this exact format. The closest possible comparison could be the past three UEFA European Championships that’s used a system allowing four of six third-place finishers to move on.

Of those 18 third -place European finishers from 2016, 2020, and 2024, nine had three points, and four of those teams advanced based on goal differential. None of those four advancing teams had a goal differential worse than -1.

Korea, after its stunning 1-0 loss to South Africa on Wednesday night, is at -1 goal differential.

Fans will be allowed to bring rainbow flags when Egypt faces Iran in Seattle’s designated “Pride Match” at the World Cup, FIFA said on Thursday, setting up an awkward collision between local celebrations and two nations where homosexuality is criminalized.

Friday’s group game falls on Seattle’s Pride weekend, a scheduling quirk that emerged only after December’s draw pitted the two Muslim-majority countries against each other.

Egypt and Iran objected ⁠after the ​draw, with Egypt’s Football Association saying such events clashed with its cultural and religious values. Both countries impose severe penalties on LGBTQ people.

While the World Cup has brought the biggest names in soccer back into the international spotlight, one particular feathered fan is drawing just as many headlines.

Merlin, a 2-year-old duck, has taken the internet by storm, captivating fans with his tiny form-fitting Team Mexico jersey and confident waddle around his home of Mexico City.

The duck — who skyrocketed to internet fame in early June after he was seen reveling in the festivities following Mexico’s first victory in the tournament — has since become a proud symbol of the team, overshadowing FIFA’s official Mexico mascot, Zayu the Jaguar.

Thousands of Sweden fans are expected to march through Arlington on Thursday afternoon ahead of the Group F match against Japan at Dallas Stadium this evening.

Organizers said they’ll gather at about 1 p.m. near Choctaw Stadium, the former home of the Texas Rangers; the march starts around 3:30 p.m. and ends near Dallas Stadium in Arlington at about 4:30 p.m. They held a similar march in Houston, but they’ll be looking for a more positive result compared to that match, where they lost to the Netherlands 5-1.