Ivory Coast secured a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 2-0 victory over Curacao in Philadelphia. The win confirmed second place in Group E and marked the first time the African nation has reached the knockout rounds under the tournament’s current format.

Ivory Coast started the match well and took the lead after just seven minutes. Yan Diomande collected the ball after Curacao failed to clear their defence and passed across goal for Nicolas Pepe, who calmly finished into the bottom corner.

The team continued to create chances and nearly doubled their advantage before the 20-minute mark, but Amad Diallo missed the target from another Diomande cross.

Curacao tried to respond and managed a few efforts through Jurien Gaari, Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna, but they were unable to seriously trouble the Ivory Coast defence.

The second goal arrived shortly after the hour mark. Ibrahim Sangare played an accurate pass into the penalty area where Pepe controlled the ball before finishing confidently past goalkeeper Eloy Room. The result confirmed Ivory Coast’s progress while Curacao ended the tournament without reaching the next round.

In Group E’s other match, Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey and qualify for the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams.

Germany, who had already secured qualification, made a fast start and scored after less than two minutes when Leroy Sane finished from close range. Ecuador believed the goal should have been ruled out for a foul earlier in the move, but it was allowed to stand.

The South American side responded well and equalised in the ninth minute. Nilson Angulo found space outside the penalty area and struck a low shot into the net for Ecuador’s first goal of the tournament.

During the second half, Germany were awarded a penalty, but after a VAR review the decision was overturned because Ecuador had been fouled earlier in the build-up.

Ecuador continued to push forward and found the winning goal in the 77th minute. Gonzalo Plata reacted quickest from a corner to score from close range after Germany failed to deal with the delivery. Ecuador defended well during the closing minutes to secure an important victory and a place in the last 32.

In Group F, Japan and Sweden drew 1-1, a result that was enough for both teams to reach the knockout stage. Japan finished second in the group while Sweden progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.

The first half offered few clear opportunities as neither side took many risks. Japan broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half when Daizen Maeda finished a well-worked move after good passing around the edge of the Swedish penalty area.

Sweden equalised seven minutes later through Anthony Elanga, who curled a left-footed effort into the far corner from outside the box.

Sweden looked the stronger side during the closing stages. Alexander Isak came close to scoring but was denied by goalkeeper Zion Suzuki before later hitting the crossbar from a corner. Despite those chances, neither team could find another goal and both advanced to the next round.

Australia also secured qualification after a goalless draw against Paraguay in San Francisco. The result was enough for Australia to finish second in Group D on goal difference, while Paraguay remained in a strong position to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Australia controlled possession for much of the match but struggled to create clear opportunities against a well-organised Paraguay defence.

Paraguay focused mainly on staying compact and limiting Australia’s attacks. They offered little going forward in the opening half but improved after the break. Substitute Mauricio almost scored a late winner, but neither side managed to break the deadlock.

The draw suited both teams, with Australia confirming automatic qualification and Paraguay waiting for the remaining group results to decide their fate.

In the final Group D match, Turkey ended their campaign with a 3-2 victory over group winners USA in Los Angeles. Although Turkey had already been eliminated, they finished the tournament with a positive result.

USA took an early lead after three minutes when Auston Trusty headed home from a corner.

Turkey responded well and turned the game around before half-time with goals from Arda Guler and Baris Yilmaz.

The United States equalised shortly after the restart when Sebastian Berhalter scored from the edge of the penalty area. Christian Pulisic also returned from injury as a second-half substitute and was close to scoring, but his effort struck the post.

As the match moved into added time, Turkey found the winning goal. Can Uzun’s cross was turned into the net by Kaan Ayhan in the 98th minute to give Turkey their first victory of the tournament.

Despite the defeat, the USA had already secured top spot in Group D and will face Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32, while Turkey’s World Cup campaign came to an end after the group stage.