Japan Off to Quick Start Against Tunisia, Curaçao Makes History Against Ecuador

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Japan opened their second-round match against Tunisia with a goal in the fourth minute from Daichi Kamada. On the same evening, debutants Curaçao made history by holding a 0:0 draw against Ecuador, thanks to goalkeeper Eloy Room's 15 saves — a World Cup record in a match that did not go to extra time.

Second-round matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought multiple exciting moments, including a historic record and a fast-paced opening goal at a match in Monterrey, Mexico.

Japan Scored Immediately

The encounter between Tunisia and Japan, notable also because it was the thousandth match in World Cup history, got off to an excellent start for the Japanese. In the fourth minute, Daichi Kamada finished a magnificent team attack, marking his second World Cup goal of the tournament.

Tunisia coach Hervé Renard, who took over mid-tournament, made two lineup changes compared to their 5:1 loss to Sweden, including switching goalkeepers. The Japanese made as many as four substitutions.

Curaçao Made History

In the second second-round, debutant Curaçao, with a population of 156,000, pulled off a sensational 0:0 draw against Ecuador, earning their country's first-ever World Cup point in the process. The greatest hero was goalkeeper Eloy Room, who plays in the US top division and made 15 saves during the match-a record across all World Cup matches that did not go to extra time. Ecuador's expected goals (xG) was 3.05, but the ball never found the back of the net.

Germany and Undav's Magic

In the second Group E match, Germany and Ivory Coast played to a 1:1 draw. Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessié opened the scoring in the 30th minute, but substitute Deniz Undav equalized in the 90+4th minute following a brilliant assist from Nmecha. Undav currently has five goal contributions from the bench at this tournament, a World Cup record for a substitute in a single tournament. Germany secured top spot in Group E with the draw.

Overshadowed in the match was a shoulder injury to Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck early in the first half, as he twisted a ligament. Antonio Rüdiger came on in his place.