The fourth day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered drama, goals and standout individual performances as Japan earned a thrilling draw against the Netherlands, Ivory Coast snatched victory through a late Amad Diallo strike, while Germany and Sweden produced dominant wins in their opening group matches.
The most entertaining contest of the day came in Group F, where Japan twice came from behind to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw. After a goalless first half, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring early in the second period with a powerful header. Japan responded quickly through Keito Nakamura, who finished confidently to level the match. The Netherlands regained the lead when Crysencio Summerville found the net in the 64th minute, but Japan refused to give up. With just minutes remaining, Daichi Kamada scored a dramatic equaliser, ensuring the points were shared in one of the tournament’s best matches so far.
In Group E, Germany produced a ruthless display to crush Curaçao 7-1. Kai Havertz led the charge as the Germans showcased their attacking depth and efficiency. Jamal Musiala, Felix Nmecha and Nathaniel Brown were also among the standout performers as Germany sent an early warning to the rest of the tournament. Although Curaçao celebrated scoring their first-ever World Cup goal, Germany’s quality proved overwhelming throughout the match.
Later in the same group, Ivory Coast secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador. The match appeared destined for a draw until Amad Diallo produced a moment of brilliance in the 90th minute. The winger finished clinically after excellent work from Wilfried Singo, handing the African side a crucial opening win and putting them in a strong position in the group standings.
Sweden were equally impressive in Group F, defeating Tunisia 5-1 in a one-sided encounter. Yasin Ayari starred with two goals, while Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres also opened their World Cup accounts. Substitute Mattias Svanberg added another goal moments after entering the pitch as Sweden moved to the top of the group on goal difference. Tunisia managed a consolation goal through Omar Rekik but struggled to cope with Sweden’s attacking intensity.
After four days of action, the expanded World Cup continues to deliver excitement, with Japan’s resilience, Germany’s firepower, Sweden’s clinical finishing and Amad’s late winner providing some of the tournament’s most memorable moments so far.
