This summer’s supersized World Cup is about to reach the halfway point of its 48-team group stage schedule.By the end of Saturday, there will have been 36 games played with 36 more to go before the 32-team knockout stage begins June 28. A champion will be crowned on July 19.The Netherlands — often described as the most talented soccer nation to never win a World Cup — faces a crucial game against Sweden in Group F. The Dutch fought to a 2-2 draw against Japan in their opener.Germany and Ivory Coast square off for potential control of Group E after both squads won their first game. Also on Saturday, Curacao faces Ecuador while Tunisia takes on Japan.What to watch on June 20— Netherlands vs. Sweden, 1 p.m. EDT in Houston (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)— Germany vs. Ivory Coast, 4 p.m. EDT in Toronto (Fox/Telemundo/Peacock)— Ecuador vs. Curacao, 8 p.m. EDT in Kansas City, Missouri (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)— Tunisia vs. Japan, midnight EDT in Monterrey, Mexico (FS1/Telemundo/Peacock)
U.S. wins Group D, among hosts happy with resultsThe three host countries for this World Cup are feeling good about themselves after two matches.The U.S. earned its second straight win and a spot in the knockout round, beating Australia 2-0 on Friday. The Americans are also the winners of Group D after Paraguay held on for a 1-0 win against Turkey despite being a man down for much of the game because of a red card for Miguel Almirón late in the first half, meaning they’ll play in Santa Clara, California on July 1.Canada is in excellent shape to qualify for the knockout round after a 6-0 win over Qatar on Thursday. Mexico has already wrapped up the Group A title thanks to its 1-0 win over South Korea.
