Germany has booked its place in the round of 16 at Mundial 2026 and now leads Grupo E with six points. Julian Nagelsmann’s side did it by beating Curazao 7-1 in its opening match and Costa de Marfil 2-1 in its second, a start that leaves it with a plus-seven goal difference and no need to wait for the final whistle on Thursday.
That is why the search around Grupo E Mundial 2026 is centered on one simple fact today: one team is already through, and three others are still trying to stay alive. Costa de Marfil has three points, while Ecuador and Curazao each have one, which keeps the last round open even after Germany has settled the first question in the group.
For Sebastián Beccacece, the picture is tighter and less forgiving. Ecuador drew 0-0 with Curazao in the second round after losing 1-0 to Costa de Marfil in the opener, so it reaches the last day needing to add points to keep its qualification hopes alive. Curazao, making its World Cup debut, is in the same position: one point, no margin, and a final match that still matters.
The format explains why the group is not done yet. Germany already has the direct place reserved for the leader, but the rest of the group can still sort itself through the remaining direct spots and through the path available to the best third-placed teams. That means the table has not closed on Ecuador, Costa de Marfil or Curazao, even if only Germany has already crossed the line.
The final round will be played on Thursday, June 25, at 15:00 ET, with Ecuador facing Germany and Costa de Marfil meeting Curazao. Beccacece’s team will need to produce its response there, because the math is no longer about catching Germany; it is about whether Ecuador can do enough in one afternoon to remain in the tournament.
