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Deadspin | Jake Oettinger has Stars trending in right direction ahead of Leafs matchup  Apr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.  The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.  Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.  “We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”  The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.  The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.  “It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”  The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).  “All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”   Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.  “It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.  After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.  “I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”  The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.  “We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”  The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchup

Deadspin | Jake Oettinger has Stars trending in right direction ahead of Leafs matchup
Deadspin | Jake Oettinger has Stars trending in right direction ahead of Leafs matchup  Apr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images   The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.  The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.  Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.  “We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”  The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.  The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.  “It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”  The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).  “All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”   Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.  “It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.  After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.  “I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”  The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.  “We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”  The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchupApr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.

The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.

Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.

“We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”

The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.

The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.

“It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”

The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).


“All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”

Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.

“It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.

After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.

“I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”

The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.

“We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”

The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchup

Apr 11, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) celebrate after the Stars defeat the New York Rangers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Dallas Stars will visit the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday night knowing where they stand entering the playoffs.

The Stars (48-20-12, 108 points) clinched the No. 2 seed in the Central Division Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over the New York Rangers.

Their third consecutive win has assured them home-ice advantage in their first-round Western Conference playoff series against the Minnesota Wild.

“We’ve played in a couple of Game 7s in the last couple of years, and you just feel that much more confident when you’re playing it at home,” Stars goalie Jake Oettinger said. “If it were to get to that point, then it’s important for us. You start at home, and you feel like you get off to a good start and let your crowd get into it early. We know this place is going to be rocking, so we can’t wait for next weekend.”

The Maple Leafs (32-34-14, 78 points) accepted a 6-2 home loss Saturday to the Florida Panthers in a game between teams already eliminated from playoff contention.

The Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs in a seven-game playoff series last season on their way to winning their second straight Stanley Cup championship. This season, the teams are jockeying for draft position.

“It’s tough for both teams,” Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “I wouldn’t have thought that (both would miss the playoffs). But circumstances — injuries, and a lot of things — play into it. I don’t need to sit here and explain them all. But that is the way it goes sometimes in this league. It just shows the parity in this league. You can’t take a breath. There are no easy teams.”

The Maple Leafs fell behind 3-0 against the Panthers before William Nylander scored his 27th and 28th goals to cut the lead to 3-2 after two periods. Two of Florida’s three-third period goals were into an empty net. Toronto has lost five straight (0-4-1).

“All these games are weird when you’re out of the playoffs,” Nylander said. “As of late, I think we’ve been competing good, but tonight, I think they were competing better than us.”

Goaltending is a key in the playoffs, and Oettinger was strong against the Rangers, stopping 22 shots to earn his fourth shutout of the season.

“It’s tough to get shutouts. It takes the whole team, and a lot of guys did a lot of great stuff for me there,” Oettinger said.

After allowing three power play goals in a 5-4 win over the Wild on Thursday, the Stars blanked the Rangers on all five of their power play attempts on Saturday.

“I thought our penalty kill was excellent,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I thought we got better as the game went on. I thought (Oettinger) was really solid. There’s lots of things I liked. We come in the third and keep pushing, and the power play gets one. It’s not easy this time of year, all the games are tough.”

The Stars won their final home game of the regular season when Jason Robertson scored his 43rd and 44th goals in the third period, one into an empty net.

“We don’t score easy,” Gulutzan said. “We grind to score. We’re playing a little bit of a stingier brand of hockey that we’re willing to stay with, and usually that is the way it goes in the playoffs. Hopefully that benefits us.”

The Stars previously defeated the Maple Leafs 5-1 on Dec. 21.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Jake #Oettinger #Stars #trending #direction #ahead #Leafs #matchup

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain  On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.What are the Group E standings?Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsGermany20092+76Ivory Coast1012203Ecuador01101-11Curaçao01117-61What are the next Group E matches?Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.What are the current scenarios for Group E?Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.  #World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain">World Cup 2026: How Germany clinched Group E and what scenarios remain

On Thursday night, Mexico became the first team to clinch a spot in the knockout round at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On Saturday, there is a chance for a team in Group E to join them.

Entering Saturday’s two group stage matches, both Germany and the Ivory Coast have a chance to book a spot in the Round of 32. And, as the scheduling gods would have it, those two sides will meet in Toronto Saturday afternoon.

Here are the clinching scenarios for Group E.

Update: Deniz Undav’s goal in stoppage time for Germany broke a 1-1 tie against the Ivory Coast, and booked a spot in the Round of 32 with Germany’s 2-1 win. Germany will win Group E if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao later tonight.

Update (Saturday night): With the draw between Ecuador and Curaçao, Germany has won Group E. Ivory Coast, Ecuador, and Curaçao can all still advance.

What are the Group E standings?

Here are the current standings in Group E after Ivory Coast-Germany:

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Germany20092+76
Ivory Coast1012203
Ecuador01101-11
Curaçao01117-61

What are the next Group E matches?

Four matches remain in Group E, starting with a pair on Saturday, June 20. All times listed are Eastern.

Germany 2, Ivory Coast 1
Ecuador 0, Curaçao 0

Curaçao vs. Ivory Coast, 4:00 p.m.
Ecuador vs. Germany, 4:00 p.m.

What are the current scenarios for Group E?

Here is what you need to know entering the matches on Saturday, June 20, starting with the tilt between Germany and the Ivory Coast.

Germany can book a spot in the Round of 32 with a win, and could win the group with a win and some help. If Germany beats the Ivory Coast, they will book a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group.

However, if they win, they will clinch the group if Ecuador draws or loses to Curaçao. More on this when we discuss the tiebreaker scenarios. The winner of Group E will play a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F in the Round of 32.

The Ivory Coast has a similar path to winning the group on Saturday. If they win on Saturday, they are into the Round of 32 as they are guaranteed to finish in the top two of the group. If they beat Germany, then they will clinch Group E and take on a third-place team from Groups A, B, C, D or F provided Curaçao does not beat Ecuador.

On the other side of the coin, Curaçao can be eliminated on Saturday with a loss to Ecuador, and an Ivory Coast win or draw against Germany.

Ecuador also faces elimination on Saturday. If they lose to Curaçao, and Germany wins or draws against the Ivory Coast, then Ecuador is eliminated.

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group E, starting on Saturday, June 20.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

That brings us to the scenarios entering play on June 20, and we will use Germany as the first example. As noted above, Germany clinches Group E with a win against the Ivory Coast, provided Ecuador does not beat Curaçao. With a win against the Ivory Coast, Germany would move to six points in Group E play.

But if Ecuador beats Curaçao, they would have three points, and since Germany and Ecuador play in the final match of Group E play, under these tiebreakers Ecuador could still win the group. In this scenario, if Ecuador goes on to beat Germany, both teams would have six points in group play, but Ecuador would have the “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned,” and would win the group. But if Ecuador loses or ties against Curaçao, then this tiebreaker cannot come into play.

This is also why the Ivory Coast needs a win, plus a Curaçao loss or tie, to clinch Group E.

#World #Cup #Germany #clinched #Group #scenarios #remain

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