Neuer breaks goalkeeper record as Germany reach knockouts; Curaçao stun Ecuador for historic point

Germany secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage with a victory over Ivory Coast, topping their group for the first time since 2014. Manuel Neuer made his 21st World Cup appearance in the process, surpassing Hugo Lloris to become the goalkeeper with the most appearances in the tournament’s history and equalling the German record for most World Cup matches played, previously held by striker Uwe Seeler.

The win extended Germany’s winning run to 11 consecutive matches since September 2025 — the second-longest streak in the national team’s history, behind only a 12-game run in 1979–80. Substitute Deniz Undav was central to the performance, matching Roger Milla’s 1990 record for the most goal involvements by a substitute at a single World Cup since 1966, with three goals and two assists across the tournament so far. Ivory Coast had led at half-time — only the second time they had done so in a World Cup match — but could not hold on.

In the day’s most remarkable result, Curaçao claimed their first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup by holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in Kansas City. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the story, making 15 saves — the most ever recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match without conceding, and the second-highest total in any World Cup game in history. Ecuador’s Enner Valencia generated 1.7 expected goals without finding the net. Head coach Dick Advocaat, now 12 wins, seven draws and five losses with Curaçao, became the oldest coach in World Cup history.

The Netherlands also continued their unbeaten run, defeating Sweden to set two World Cup records: 14 consecutive matches without defeat overall, and 18 consecutive group-stage matches without defeat. Brian Brobbey scored twice — his opener after four minutes and 58 seconds was the fourth-fastest goal in Dutch World Cup history, while his second was the Netherlands’ 100th goal at the tournament, making them the eighth nation to reach that milestone. Right back Denzel Dumfries now has four assists across the 2022 and 2026 editions combined, more than any other player over that span, level with Croatia’s Ivan Perišić.

The Netherlands have not lost a World Cup match outright since the 2010 final against Spain, having been eliminated on penalties in both 2018 and 2022.