On June 25, Ecuador caused a major shock at the 2026 World Cup by coming from behind to defeat title contender Germany 2-1 in the final Group E match at MetLife Stadium (New York/New Jersey), thereby opening up a great opportunity to secure a knockout-stage spot and raising many questions about the form of "Die Mannschaft" ahead of the elimination rounds.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national team will play their final group stage match against Uzbekistan, aiming for a victory to secure a spot in the knockout rounds of the 2026 World Cup, while also continuing to write a new chapter in the country's football history after more than half a century.

On June 26 Beijing time, the World Cup groups E and F concluded their matches. After third-placed teams Ecuador and Sweden both earned 4 points, they joined Bosnia and Herzegovina in securing spots in the knockout stage. As a result, South Korea, also a third-placed team in its group, saw its chances of advancing shrink further.

On June 26 Beijing time, after Ecuador shocked Germany with a comeback win to reach the World Cup knockout stage, President Daniel Noboa Azin announced a one-day national holiday to celebrate the event, officially recorded in Administrative Decree No. 431.

A narrow 0-1 defeat to South Africa in the final group match pushed South Korea into a "hair's breadth" situation. From a position of control, the representatives of the Land of Kimchi only have 3 points and a goal difference of -1, losing their fate and nervously waiting for results from other groups to hope to become one of the eight best third-placed teams to advance to the knockout stage.

Thailand head coach Anthony Hudson believes that the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, taking place in July, will be an excellent chance for young players to prove themselves as the team aims for their eighth title in the 30-year history of Southeast Asia's premier tournament.

Currently, over ten midfielders are rumored to be potential signings for Manchester United, but in reality, the club is only actively working on West Ham United's Matheus Fernandes. With Tottenham Hotspur making an aggressive push, the Red Devils risk losing out on the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder if they don't respond more promptly. The situation surrounding M. Fernandes' transfer is not overly complicated; he is open to playing for both Manchester United and Tottenham, while West Ham will only accept the highest bid.

With less than a month left before the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup kicks off, coach Kim Sang Sik is entering the phase of finalizing the squad for the Vietnamese national team. South Korean media have shown great interest in the preparations of the 48-year-old strategist, especially in completing his coaching staff and building a lineup aimed at defending the Southeast Asian championship.

In one of the final round matches of Group F at the World Cup, which ended on June 26 Beijing time, the Netherlands defeated Tunisia 3-1. In the first half, Dumfries caused an own goal by Skhiri just 141 seconds into the match, and Brobbey fired home to extend the lead. In the second half, Masouri pulled one back for Tunisia, while Van Hecke sealed the win for the Netherlands, and Reijnders hit the post. After three rounds, the Netherlands finished top of the group with 2 wins and 1 draw, 7 points, 10 goals scored and 4 conceded.

In the final match of Group F at the World Cup, which concluded on June 26 Beijing time, Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden, remaining unbeaten in the group stage with one win and two draws for five points, securing second place and a spot in the knockout rounds. Japan became the first Asian team to qualify from the group stage in this World Cup. It is also the fifth time in history that Japan has reached the World Cup knockout stage, further extending its lead among Asian teams. In this edition, the Japanese men's team was placed in a "group of death."