East Rutherford (United States) (AFP) – Co-hosts the United States and Germany will bid to complete perfect World Cup group stage campaigns on Thursday, while the Netherlands and Japan look poised to join them in the last 32.
Issued on: 25/06/2026 - 08:34
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The US have clinched top spot in Group D with a game to spare after wins over Paraguay and Australia, and will try to maintain that momentum against already eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles.Mauricio Pochettino could rest a number of first-choice players, with Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun at risk of missing the next round if they pick up another yellow card.Forward Christian Pulisic has recovered from a calf injury that has limited him to just 45 minutes at the tournament so far and urged the US to keep their foot on the accelerator."Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win, so that's why we're going to push for it," said Pulisic."It's an amazing opportunity... We don't necessarily need a win, but it's a World Cup game, and we all want to give our best and do well."
Deniz Undav's double strike against the Ivory Coast has put Germany in pole position heading into their final group game © Cole Burston / AFP
