The Daily · Thursday, 25 June 2026
Ecuador Stun Germany, South Africa Make History, and Mexico Go Perfect
A rich day of World Cup football produced several results that will be remembered long after the group stage is over. The headline act came in New Jersey, where Ecuador recovered from a goal down to beat Germany 2-1 — Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata turning Leroy Sané's early opener into a famous comeback victory. Germany advance, but arrive in the knockout rounds having lost their final group game to one of South America's less-fancied sides, a result that will follow them. In the same group, Ivory Coast made history of their own, with Nicolas Pépé scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Curaçao that sends them into the last 32 for the first time in their history.
Elsewhere, South Africa wrote their own chapter, Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute goal earning a 1-0 win over a South Korea side whose coach had controversially dropped captain Son Heung-min — the first time since 2010 Son had not started a World Cup match. The gamble did not pay off. South Africa reach the knockout rounds for the first time ever. Brazil, meanwhile, were efficient and commanding, with Vinícius Júnior inspiring a 3-0 dismantling of Scotland, while Mexico capped a perfect group stage — a first in their history — with a 3-0 win over Czechia.
Off the pitch, Arsenal confirmed the permanent signing of Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5m, and Newcastle United were formally named on HMRC's list of deliberate tax defaulters following a near decade-long investigation into transfers made under former owner Mike Ashley.
The record
Ecuador Beat Germany 2-1 to Advance from Group E
Ecuador came from behind to beat Germany 2-1 in New Jersey, completing a Group E comeback that sends both sides through to the knockout rounds. Leroy Sané gave Julian Nagelsmann's Germany an early lead, but Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata struck back to seal a famous victory for Ecuador. Germany, one of the tournament favourites, head into the knockout rounds having lost their final group game to Ecuador — a result that will shape confidence and seeding going forward.
Maseko Strike Sends South Africa Into World Cup Knockouts with 1-0 Win Over South Korea
Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute finish gave South Africa a 1-0 victory over South Korea, sending them into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa finish second in Group A on four points and will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on 28 June. South Korea, who started Son Heung-min on the bench, remain in contention as one of the eight best third-placed teams. South Africa have reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history.
Côte d'Ivoire reach World Cup last 32 for first time with 2-0 win over Curaçao
Côte d'Ivoire made history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, beating Curaçao 2-0 to advance from Group E as runners-up. Nicolas Pépé scored both goals to send the Ivorians through to the last 32. Côte d'Ivoire reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time is a landmark moment for one of African football's most storied nations.
Vinícius Júnior Inspires Brazil to 3-0 Win Over Scotland
Brazil topped Group C at the World Cup with a 3-0 victory over Scotland, inspired by Vinícius Júnior. The result leaves Scotland's hopes of advancing in serious jeopardy. Brazil advance as Group C winners, while Scotland face elimination with their World Cup campaign on the line.
Mexico Beat Czechia 3-0 to Complete Perfect World Cup Group Stage
Mexico sealed a 3-0 win over Czechia to finish their World Cup group stage with a perfect record — a first in the nation's history. Coach Javier Aguirre urged the squad to stay grounded and take things step by step as they move into the knockout rounds. Mexico have never before won all their World Cup group stage matches, making this a landmark moment for El Tri heading into the knockout phase.
Son Heung-min dropped for South Korea's World Cup group decider against South Africa
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo left captain Son Heung-min out of the starting XI for their Group A decider against South Africa at the 2026 World Cup — the first time since 2010 Son has not started a World Cup match. The decision carries obvious stakes, with South Korea's tournament progression on the line. South Korea risk World Cup elimination after their coach benched the country's most influential player for the defining group stage match.
Newcastle face £3.2m HMRC demand over deliberate failure to pay transfer tax
Newcastle United have been issued a £3.2m demand by HMRC, comprising £1.9m in unpaid tax and a £1.25m penalty, following a near decade-long investigation into player transfers under former owner Mike Ashley. The club appeared at the top of HMRC's latest list of deliberate tax defaulters, published on Thursday. Newcastle have been formally named as a deliberate tax defaulter by HMRC — a serious designation that goes beyond a routine underpayment and carries reputational consequences for a club now owned by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.
Arsenal Sign Piero Hincapie Permanently from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5m
Piero Hincapie has completed a permanent move to Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen for £34.5m, converting his loan spell into a full transfer. The defender's deal is now confirmed.