Côte d'Ivoire make history as groups settle, Charlie Hebdo row and goals record | OneFootball

Côte d'Ivoire reached the World Cup knockouts for the first time, as the 15th matchday confirmed group winners Netherlands, Germany and the United States.

According to Le Progres, Ecuador beat Germany 2-1, yet Germany still topped their group, and Côte d'Ivoire saw off Curaçao 2-0 through a Nicolas Pepe brace.

Türkiye edged the United States 3-2, Paraguay drew 0-0 with Australia, the Netherlands beat Tunisia 3-1 and Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden as Anthony Elanga struck from distance. Ecuador progress as a best third-placed team, Tunisia go out after three defeats and 12 conceded.

Round of 32 ties are taking shape. The Netherlands will face Morocco and Brazil, led by Neymar, will play Japan. Sweden await France or Norway, and Côte d'Ivoire could meet France or Norway after crossing with Group I, having beaten France in a pre-tournament friendly.

Charlie Hebdo faced criticism online and from several politicians after a cartoon by Félix showed Didier Deschamps holding a funerary urn like a trophy with an offensive caption, prompting messages of support for "DD".

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart noted the 2026 ball seems to float on long-range strikes, troubling goalkeepers, echoing earlier research on a "drag crisis effect" with the Adidas model. The tournament has already produced 176 goals, eclipsing 2022's 172, with numbers to rise before the 19 July final.

Source: Le Progres