Ivory Coast reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history after Nicolas Pepe scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Curaçao on Wednesday.

The Elephants only needed a draw to qualify after winning one of their first two Group E matches. Instead, they sealed all three points to finish second in the group with six points.

Pepe gave Ivory Coast the perfect start in the seventh minute. Yan Diomande won the ball from Curaçao’s defence before setting up the former Arsenal winger, who calmly tapped into an empty net.

Pepe completed his brace in the 65th minute with a fine left-footed finish into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Eloy Room with no chance.

The victory also saw Ivory Coast win two matches at a World Cup for the first time.

Despite their exit, Curaçao produced another spirited display and created several chances. Their best opportunity came just before half-time when Juninho Bacuna broke into the penalty area but fired his shot wide of the near post.

Curaçao, the smallest nation by population to play at a men’s FIFA World Cup, finished bottom of Group E with one point from three matches. However, they leave the tournament with credit after earning their first-ever World Cup point in a draw against Ecuador.

Ivory Coast will now face the runners-up from Group I, either France or Norway, in the Round of 32 in Arlington, Texas, on June 30.

What to do with one more World Cup group stage game when you’ve already won the group? The answer is score two minutes into the game and don’t look back. Germany did the first part, but then faded as momentum was replaced by a messy loss that exposes this team’s limitations.

There is a way to spin this as a defeat that can sharpen the minds, that can blow away any complacency ahead of the knockouts.  Germany captain Joshua Kimmich was certainly bullish in defeat.

“We keep inviting the opponent to attack by turning the ball over, which makes them stronger,” Kimmich said on MagentaTV, adding: “Fortunately, this doesn’t change much. But we can’t afford any more losses. That much is clear. We can’t let in one or two goals every game. We have to minimize the number of turnovers, and then we can beat anyone.”

But that’s not how it felt in East Rutherford at the final whistle. It felt like Germany had gone from a team in form, exceeding the expectations of their fans, riding the waves of joy that come with big wins and last-minute wins, to one stopped short in its tracks. The song that has accompanied this team at the tournament so far has been “The train has no brakes”. Today, not only were the brakes on, but the team appeared to derail.

Another game endured rather than enjoyed

David Raum started in place of the injured Nathaniel Brown (who is expected to return for Germany’s knockout game) and had a game to forget. Antonio Rüdiger replaced the injured Nico Schlotterbeck and was slow to start, before improving. But they were not alone. Felix Nmecha, who has been Germany’s standout at the tournament so far, struggled. Aleksandar Pavlovic played himself out of the second half, having also been booked.

It was also tough on Leroy Sane, who scored Germany’s opener and would have been the story of the day after weeks of strong media criticism. In the end, even his performance fell away in the face of Germany’s collective disappointment.

The result was made worse by the fact Germany’s opening goal shouldn’t have stood — American referee Tori Penso bizarrely decided not to penalize Aleksandar Pavlovic in the build-up after the Bayern player’s boot ended up in the face of an opponent. Add to that the penalty that Germany never got because of a foul by Sane in the build-up, and it was a day where so much that could go wrong did go wrong.

Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz worked hard off the ball, but are struggling to impose themselves on it. Rüdiger’s comments last week calling on Germany’s attacking players feel even more telling after this defeat: “No pressure, but we will need you.” 

Depending on which of Germany’s leaders you listened to, desire was also an issue. Or not.

“The difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us,” Kimmich said afterwards. 

Advertisement

“Ecuador wanted it more than us? That’s nonsense,” said Nagelsmann, in stark contrast.

Disjointed and dismantled

Germany’s need is now greater than ever. Perhaps Deniz Undav will be unleashed from the start. Here in the New York New Jersey stadium, the crowd again called for the striker, and once again Nagelsmann responded. But this time, despite his best efforts, there were to be no heroics from the Stuttgart man, who had three goals and two assists from two substitute appearances before this.

A raft of changes were made, perhaps most notably Malick Thiaw on for Kimmich at right back as Germany swapped to a back three. As one Germany fan remarked afterwards, it felt like a friendly game.

Advertisement

“Of course, we made substitutions differently than we would have otherwise — perhaps at moments when we absolutely needed another goal. But I can’t say to any player now that he didn’t give it his all. That’s far too simplistic for me,” Nagelsmann told MagentaTV afterwards.

Gonzalo Plata nipping in to poke the ball into the goal just before it landed in Manuel Neuer’s hands felt like a natural consequence of all that had come before. For Neuer, so far this has been a strange comeback. He had no chance of stopping Nilson Angulo’s thunderbolt and for Plata’s winner, he didn’t see the winger coming. Ecuador ended the game with two goals from just three shots on target.

No stopping the yellow wave

The scenes at fulltime were not for Germany. They were for Ecuador. A sea of yellow, rippling joy at booking their spot in the knockout rounds with an historic win against the four-time World Cup winners. Tears, children on shoulders, lung-bursting songs down the concourse — Ecuador’s fans knew what they had done and made sure everyone knew about it.

Germany left the field swiftly, briefly waving at their fans, but keen to disappear from the cement cauldron of New York New Jersey Stadium that exposed their own heaviness. Was recalling Manuel Neuer the right decision? Is this group just not as good as it thought it was two weeks ago? Will Paraguay or Australia be a stumbling block? The questions will swirl. In the meantime, Nagelsmann wants time.

“The most important lesson we can take is patience,” Nagelsmann said afterwards. “When you start so well, we have to focus more on patience. If we get the lead we have to be more calm in certain situations.”

Advertisement

It won’t be long before we find out how calm Germany and Nagelsmann really are. More importantly, we’ll find out whether something more than just a game was lost here in East Rutherford.

Edited by: Matt Pearson

Jesse Rodriguez is in hot pursuit of a clash with Naoya Inoue, and four-division world champion Roy Jones Jr has shared his thoughts on the proposed fight.

Rodriguez has captured world honours at flyweight, super-flyweight and now bantamweight, having knocked out Antonio Vargas to claim the WBA bantamweight world title earlier this month, in what was anticipated to be a pitstop on route to an Inoue fight at super-bantamweight.

That appeared to change following that win, as his trainer Robert Garcia declared he would prefer ‘Bam’ to have one more fight at 118lbs before moving up again to take on Inoue, with WBO world champion Christian Medina appearing the most likely opponent.

It therefore seems as though Rodriguez will delay the Inoue fight until 2027, but Jones Jr told ATS Boxing that the decision does not mean that the Texan is ducking ‘The Monster’.

“Inoue is not just another fighter. He is not somebody where you are just going to walk in off of the street and beat him, you have got to be ready to deal with all of those things.

“That’s why I’m sure that Garcia wants him to get a fight at 122lbs to get used to that first, so at least he knows, or has a feel, what he is dealing with, then we fight.

“He said, ‘one fight, then we fight’. That is not a duck game, that is just him getting his fighter prepared.”

Jones then went on to highlight the importance of the fight, believing that Rodriguez could assume Inoue’s position as the pound-for-pound number one if he is able to hand the Japanese superstar a first career defeat.

“If he goes and challenges and defeats Inoue, he may become the number one pound-for-pound guy in the sport right now.” 

It is rumoured that Inoue-Rodriguez will take place in February 2027, with both men expected to face alternate opponents in the autumn.

Ireland begin their 2026 World Rugby Under-20 Championship campaign on Saturday with a huge Pool C clash against England at the Avchala Stadium in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Kick-off is at 12.30pm Irish time, with the game shown live on Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV.

This is a repeat of one of Ireland’s standout results from the Under-20 Six Nations, when Andrew Browne’s side defeated England 31-21. However, there have been several important changes since that meeting, and both teams arrive in Georgia with fresh selection calls, new combinations and plenty to prove.

England Favourites Despite Six Nations Defeat

England come into the game as bookmakers’ favourites, priced at 4/11, while Ireland are available at 2/1. The handicap has England at -7.5, suggesting the market expects a competitive contest but gives England the edge.

That price is understandable given England’s depth and physical power, but Ireland will not lack belief. They have already beaten this opposition this year and will know that another strong performance could give them the perfect start to their World Championship campaign.

Big Call As Charlie O’Shea Starts At Ten

The major talking point in the Ireland selection is at out-half, where Charlie O’Shea has been handed the number 10 jersey.

O’Shea was used from the bench throughout the Under-20 Six Nations, but Browne has now trusted him to run the Irish attack from the start. It is a big opportunity for the Munster playmaker and one of the most interesting selection decisions of the opening round.

The surprise is that Tom Wood drops to the bench. Wood impressed during the Six Nations and many would have expected him to continue as Ireland’s starting out-half. His ability to cover multiple roles still makes him a major weapon later in the game, but his omission from the starting XV is certainly a bold call.

O’Shea partners fellow Munster player Christopher Barrett in the half-backs, giving Ireland an all-Cork pairing at nine and ten.

Noah Byrne One To Watch

One player Irish supporters should keep a close eye on is Noah Byrne.

The former Dublin minor footballer starts at full-back after impressing throughout the Under-20 Six Nations, where he established himself as one of Ireland’s standout performers. Byrne’s GAA background is clear in his aerial ability, sharp reading of the game and confidence when attacking space.

England are likely to test Ireland’s back three with a strong kicking game, but Byrne has the pace and composure to turn pressure into opportunity. If Ireland can give him broken-field ball, he could be one of their most dangerous attacking outlets.

Ireland Pack Has Power And Continuity

Ireland captain Sami Bishti leads the side from tighthead prop and packs down alongside Max Doyle and Rian Handley in the front row.

Donnacha McGuire and Dylan McNeice form the second-row partnership, while the back row of Josh Neill, Ben Blaney and Connacht’s Diarmaid O’Connell gives Ireland a strong blend of physicality, work rate and ball-carrying threat.

O’Connell’s battle with England captain Connor Treacey at number eight could be one of the defining contests of the game.

England Make Changes From Six Nations Meeting

England have also made notable changes from the side beaten by Ireland earlier this year.

Alan Poku, Zac Finch and Hugh Shields all earn their first Under-20 caps, with Shields starting at out-half. That means Finn Keylock, who featured prominently during the Six Nations, is named on the bench.

England still have plenty of experience across the side. Scrum-half Lucas Friday starts at nine, Nick Lilley brings considerable Under-20 experience in midfield, and captain Connor Treacey leads from number eight.

Their bench also has impact, with Keylock, George Pearson and Jack Lewis among those who could influence the second half.

Key Battles

Charlie O’Shea v Hugh Shields

Both out-halves have something to prove. O’Shea gets his chance after spending the Six Nations on the bench, while Shields makes his Under-20 debut for England. Game management, territory and goal-kicking could decide the match.

Diarmaid O’Connell v Connor Treacey

Ireland’s Connacht number eight faces England’s captain in a major physical battle. Whoever wins the gain line here gives their side a huge platform.

Noah Byrne v England’s Kicking Game

Byrne’s composure under the high ball and ability to counter-attack could be vital. If England kick loosely, Ireland have a player capable of punishing them.

Ireland U20 Team

15. Noah Byrne, 14. Charlie Molony, 13. Rob Carney, 12. James O’Leary, 11. Daniel Ryan, 10. Charlie O’Shea, 9. Christopher Barrett.

1. Max Doyle, 2. Rian Handley, 3. Sami Bishti capt, 4. Donnacha McGuire, 5. Dylan McNeice, 6. Josh Neill, 7. Ben Blaney, 8. Diarmaid O’Connell.

Replacements: Duinn Maguire, Adam Cooper, Jamie Conway, Paddy Woods, Alex Lautsou, James O’Dwyer, Tom Wood, Jack Deegan.

Prediction

England deserve respect as favourites, but Ireland have already shown they can beat this side. The Six Nations win will give Browne’s players real confidence, though England’s changes and physical depth make this a serious challenge.

The selection of Charlie O’Shea at ten is a brave call, while the impact of Tom Wood from the bench could be crucial in the final quarter. If Ireland can match England physically and get Noah Byrne involved from full-back, they have every chance of making a winning start.

Prediction: England U20 24-24 Ireland U20.

Match Details

Fixture: England U20 v Ireland U20
Competition: World Rugby Under-20 Championship, Pool C
Venue: Avchala Stadium, Tbilisi, Georgia
Date: Saturday
Kick-off: 12.30pm Irish time
TV/Stream: Premier Sports and RugbyPass TV

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

IND A vs SL A: India A will resume Day 2 of the 1st Unofficial Test in a commanding position at 333/4 against Sri Lanka A at the Galle International Stadium. After a dominant opening day, powered by a superb century from Sai Sudharsan, the visitors will look to build a massive first-innings total and tighten their grip on the contest.

Day 1 Recap

India A ended the opening day on 333/4 in 86 overs, with Sai Sudharsan producing a classy century to lay the foundation for a dominant total. After the top order did its job, captain Dhruv Jurel (57)* and Shaik Rasheed (48)* frustrated the hosts with an unbeaten 98-run partnership, ensuring India A finished the day firmly in control.

For Sri Lanka A, left-arm spinner Dilum Sudeera claimed the first breakthrough by dismissing opener Ayush Pandey (25), but the hosts struggled to make further inroads as India’s middle order batted with discipline and composure.

Day 2 Outlook

India A will aim to capitalize on their strong position by extending the Jurel-Rasheed partnership beyond the 100-run mark in the morning session. With plenty of batting still to come, the visitors will be eyeing a first-innings total in excess of 500 before unleashing their bowling attack.

Sri Lanka A, meanwhile, desperately need early wickets to prevent India A from piling on an imposing score. The first hour with the relatively newer ball could prove crucial if the hosts are to claw their way back into the contest.

Pitch Report

The Galle International Stadium surface is expected to remain batting-friendly during the opening sessions of Day 2, offering good pace and carry. However, as the match progresses and the footmarks become more pronounced, the pitch is likely to assist the spinners with increased turn and variable bounce, making batting progressively more challenging later in the game.

Sri Lanka A (Playing XI)

Pawantha Weerasinghe, Niroshan Dickwella(w), Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Sahan Arachchige(c), Ravindu Fernando, Anjala Bandara, Kavindu Pathiratne, Dulaj Samuditha, Chamika Gunasekara, Dilum Sudeera

India A (Playing XI)

Sai Sudharsan, Ayush Pandey, Devdutt Padikkal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Dhruv Jurel(w/c), Shaik Rasheed, Harsh Dubey, Saransh Jain, Anshul Kamboj, Yash Thakur, Auqib Nabi Dar

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann vehemently disagreed with Deniz Undav’s claims that Ecuador ‘wanted it more’ following his team’s defeat to the South American side.

Ecuador came from behind to defeat Germany 2-1 in their final group game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The result kept Ecuador’s qualification hopes for the knockout rounds alive while Germany’s victories in each of their first two games had already confirmed their spot in the Round of 32.

Leroy Sane controversially put the Germans ahead less than two minutes into the clash, but Ecuador responded shortly after through a long-range strike from Sunderland winger Nilson Angulo. 13 minutes from time, Gonzalo Plata prodded home from close range, giving Ecuador a crucial three points on the evening.

Speaking to Magenta TV after the match, Undav, who is currently Germany’s leading goalscorer in the 2026 World Cup, claimed his country lost their final group stage game because Ecuador wanted it more.

“I had the feeling they wanted it more than we did,” the forward said. “Ecuador were more aggressive, more tenacious. We have to learn from this that we also have to give it our all. They gave 100 percent in every action, they were involved in every challenge. We also weren’t as focused as in the first two games. We have to fight back more. But it’s not the end of the world.”

Speaking to the same outlet, Nagelsmann strongly disagreed with Undav, branding his remarks as ‘nonsense’.

“Ecuador wanted it more than we did? That’s nonsense,” the coach said.

Germany made a statement in their opener, defeating debutants Curacao 7-1, before defeating Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in their second game. By winning their group, Die Mannschaft will play a third-place side from Group A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

“The opponent wanted to win more than us” – Germany captain Kimmich echoes Undav’s sentiments after loss to Ecuador

Like Undav, Joshua Kimmich claimed Ecuador ‘deserved’ all three points, insisting that they showed more desire to win. The result marked Ecuador’s first win over a European opponent since 2013.

“The atmosphere was amazing. You could feel that there were many people from Ecuador,’ captain Joshua Kimmich told reporters. “The difference today was that the opponent wanted to win more than us, and you can really feel it, especially in the second half. This is why they won today, really deserved.”

Elsewhere, the result ended the European side’s 11-match winning run, one shy of the team record in 1979-80.