The USA, Australia, Japan, the Netherlands, Germany and the Ivory Coast have progressed to the round of 16

The US began to leave gaps between the lines: it was through one of these that the goal came, with Yilmaz, in the 31st minute, doing well to beat the defender to the near post.

The United States are not about to make a fool of themselves in front of their own fans, and in the second half they equalised from a set-piece: Berhalter scored in the 49th minute with a powerful shot that went through a crowd of players.

The closing stages of the match thus became more open, with chances at both ends: a US header saved by the Turkish goalkeeper and an Anatolian counter-attack stopped at the last moment set the scene for the decisive turning point. With the clock running past stoppage time, Ayhan produced the decisive moment in the 98th minute, making a perfect run onto a cross to seal a 3–2 victory.

At Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, with qualification within reach for both teams, the other side of football takes centre stage: organisation, caution and balance. Australia line up with compact formations and a medium-to-low centre of gravity.

Paraguay are trying to build up play, but are struggling to get behind the defence: a few long-range efforts and a couple of dangerous crosses that fail to find a decisive touch.

The clearest chance came in the second half: an Australian counter-attack led to a shot from close range, which was saved by the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

In the closing stages, the South Americans stepped up the pressure, but lacked composure. The 0–0 draw was the natural outcome of a match in which neither side really managed to take the decisive risk.

United States – 6

Australia – 4

Paraguay – 4

Turkey – 3

The United States will play their round of 16 match against Bosnia in San Francisco. Australia are second in their group and have qualified. Paraguay, on 4 points, have a good chance of being picked as one of the best eight teams from the 12 groups.

The match between Tunisia and the Netherlands at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City effectively lasts just a few minutes. The Netherlands start with intensity and, on their first attack, break through the opposition’s defence thanks to an own goal by Skhiri in the 3rd minute, who deflects a low cross into his own net.

Four minutes later, the second goal came: in the 7th minute, Brobbey launched a deep central attack and caught the Tunisian defence off guard.

Tunisia, already out of the competition, struggled to respond but found a moment of pride in the second half: Mastouri, in the 54th minute, fired home a precise shot following one of their few well-constructed team moves.

It looked as though the match was back in the balance, but the Netherlands quickly restored their lead: the third goal came from Van Hecke in the 62nd minute, from a set-piece. And in the closing stages, the Oranje even came close to a fourth, hitting the crossbar, before seeing out the match until the final whistle.

The match between Japan and Sweden at AT&T Stadium in Dallas is more tactical than spectacular, but features some moments of real quality.

A tight first half: both teams were careful not to give away any space. Sweden tried their luck with crosses and physical play, whilst Japan relied on quick passing and runs into the box.

The match came to life in the second half: Maeda scored in the 56th minute, latching onto a through ball from Doan. Sweden responded immediately, showing mental resilience: in the 62nd minute, Elanga produced a deadly curling left-footed shot following a solo run. In the closing stages, both sides eased off the pace, aware of their favourable position.

Netherlands – 7

Japan – 5

Sweden – 4

Tunisia – 0

In the round of 16, the Netherlands are set to face Morocco in Monterrey. Japan are in second place and will take on Brazil. As for Sweden, who are hoping to qualify via the play-offs for the best third-placed teams, their fixture is yet to be confirmed.

The Ivory Coast took control of the match against Curaçao with physical play and high pressing, and broke the deadlock after just a few minutes at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia: Pépé scored in the 7th minute, finishing off an assist from the left. Curaçao tried to respond with great enthusiasm, but lacked precision in their final pass.

The second half was more evenly matched, but the Africans controlled the transitions. The second goal came from a well-executed counter-attack: it was Pépé again in the 64th minute, scoring his second of the match.

Germany got off to a flying start, with Sané scoring in the 2nd minute after capitalising on a turnover by Ecuador as they tried to play the ball out of their half.

At MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey, it looks as though one side is taking complete control, but the match quickly takes a different turn. Ecuador step up the pace, fight hard for second balls and equalise through Angulo, who finishes well from outside the box.

From there, an open game ensued: Germany created chances through build-up play, whilst Ecuador launched swift counter-attacks. The decisive moment came in the second half: a corner, a chaotic scramble, and Plata scored the winning goal in the 77th minute. The match ended with a display of South American resilience, as Germany attacked but lacked clarity.

Germany – 6

Ivory Coast – 6

Ecuador – 4

Curaçao – 0

Round of 16

Germany and the Ivory Coast, both on six points, have qualified for the round of 16 as first and second in their group respectively, and will soon find out who their opponents are. Ecuador, who had been a disappointment so far but secured a prestigious victory over the Germans, are in contention for a place amongst the best eight third-placed teams.