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Deadspin | A’s Lawrence Butler eager to heat up as finale vs. Royals approaches  Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images   Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons.  Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals.  Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif.  Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday.  “It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.”  The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season.  Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday.  Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha.  “That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.”  Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games.  Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947.  The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory.   Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297.  But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout.  “They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.”  Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener.  Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings.  He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas.  Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs.  Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.  Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings.  Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lawrence #Butler #eager #heat #finale #Royals #approaches

Deadspin | A’s Lawrence Butler eager to heat up as finale vs. Royals approaches
Deadspin | A’s Lawrence Butler eager to heat up as finale vs. Royals approaches  Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images   Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons.  Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals.  Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif.  Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday.  “It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.”  The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season.  Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday.  Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha.  “That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.”  Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games.  Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947.  The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory.   Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297.  But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout.  “They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.”  Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener.  Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings.  He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas.  Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs.  Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.  Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings.  Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Lawrence #Butler #eager #heat #finale #Royals #approachesApr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons.

Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals.

Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif.

Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday.

“It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.”

The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season.

Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday.

Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha.

“That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.”

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games.

Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947.


The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory.

Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297.

But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout.

“They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.”

Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener.

Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings.

He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas.

Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs.

Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings.

Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Lawrence #Butler #eager #heat #finale #Royals #approaches

Apr 29, 2026; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics outfielder Lawrence Butler (4) reacts after hitting a three-run home run against the Kansas City Royals in the fourth inning at Sutter Health Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Lawrence Butler’s bat has been in a deep slumber, and the 25-year-old outfielder hasn’t resembled the player who topped 20 homers in each of his first two full major league seasons.

Perhaps that’s why Athletics manager Mark Kotsay was so excited to see the “Law Dog” deliver a pivotal three-run homer in Wednesday’s 5-2 triumph over the Kansas City Royals.

Now Butler and the A’s will look to beat the Royals again on Thursday afternoon in the finale of a three-game series at West Sacramento, Calif.

Butler broke a 1-1 tie with his three-run homer, in the fourth inning, to help propel the Athletics on Wednesday.

“It’s nice to see the results and the joy,” Kotsay said of Butler. “It’s always great to see the Law Dog smiling, for sure.”

The left-handed-hitting Butler had just two homers and nine RBIs entering the contest. He hit 22 homers in 2024 and 21 last season.

Butler is batting just .187 this season after going 1-for-4 on Wednesday.

Yet his bat barked loudly with that 404-foot blast to right center off Royals right-hander Michael Wacha.

“That felt great. It’s been kind of a slow start for me,” Butler said. “To be able to help the team out offensively, it feels amazing. Each and every one of us, all we want to do is help us get a win.”

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz had an RBI double in Wednesday’s victory to stretch his on-base streak to 24 games.

Kurtz also drew a walk for the 18th straight game, the third-best streak in American League history. Legendary Ted Williams walked in 19 straight games for the Boston Red Sox in 1941, and Roy Cullenbine of the Detroit Tigers set an AL and major league record by drawing one in 22 games in a row in 1947.

The Royals won the opening game of the series on Tuesday when Bobby Witt Jr. slammed a three-run homer in the top of the 10th during a 4-1 victory.

Witt went 2-for-4 and scored twice on Wednesday to stretch his hitting streak to 10 games. He has five two-hit outings during the streak while raising his batting average 34 points to .297.

But Kansas City couldn’t land the big hit on Wednesday and had just two official at-bats with runners in scoring position. Three batters came up in that situation in the ninth, and it resulted in Michael Massey’s RBI sacrifice fly, Isaac Collins’ walk and Jac Caglianone’s game-ending strikeout.

“They were grinding out those at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “They battled and we got the tying run to the plate in the ninth. Very competitive at-bats.”

Kansas City first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (lower back) sat out Wednesday after being injured during the series opener.

Left-hander Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics in the finale. Springs, 33, has served up five homers while losing his last two starts after giving up none while going 3-0 over his first four outings.

He gave up four homers against the Chicago White Sox on April 19 and gave up another last Saturday when he lost to the Texas Rangers 4-3. He surrendered four runs and five hits over six innings against Texas.

Springs is 0-0 with a 3.07 ERA in six career appearances (two starts) against Kansas City. Witt is 3-for-4 with two RBIs against Springs.

Left-hander Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) will start for the Royals on Thursday, and he defeated the Los Angeles Angels 6-3 last Friday in his most recent start. Cameron gave up three runs and eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.

Cameron, 26, has no-decisions in both career starts against the A’s. He has struck out 13 over 9 2/3 innings.

Brent Rooker is 2-for-3 with two walks against Cameron.

–Field Level Media

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Two of Iran delegation could have attended FIFA congress but chose not to, source says <div id="content-body-70926157" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The FIFA Congress opened on Thursday without Iran, its delegation’s absence underscoring ​the geopolitical tensions and logistical fault lines hanging over the ‌upcoming World Cup.</p><p>Iranian football federation officials, including president ​Mehdi Taj, were due to attend the ⁠gathering but turned back at Toronto airport after what Tehran described as “unacceptable behaviour” by Canadian immigration authorities, despite travelling with valid ‌visas.</p><p>A source with direct knowledge of the matter told <i>Reuters</i> two members of the delegation could ‌have attended the FIFA congress but chose not ‌to ⁠after one of their delegation was denied ⁠entry into Canada.</p><p><b>READ</b> | <b><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/international-football/anita-anand-canada-official-mehdi-taj-iranian-fa-denied-entry-fifa-congress-latest-news/article70924851.ece" target="_blank">Canadian official backs up report that Iranian football chiefs were denied entry for FIFA event</a></b></p><p>No seats were set up for Iran at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a <i>Reuters</i> reporter witnessed, as 210 of the 211 ​member associations were shown ‌as present.</p><p>Canadian officials said entry decisions were made on a case-by-case basis and reiterated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Ottawa designates as ‌a terrorist organisation, are inadmissible.</p><p>Taj is a former ​member of the IRGC.</p><p>The incident leaves one of the most politically sensitive delegations absent from ⁠FIFA’s annual gathering, depriving the congress of direct representation from a country whose presence at the 2026 World Cup ‌is already shaping behind-the-scenes discussions.</p><p>The issue is particularly acute given the tournament’s cross-border nature.</p><p>The expanded 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, will require teams, officials and support staff to move repeatedly between jurisdictions, raising the prospect that visa restrictions or diplomatic ‌frictions could complicate planning for certain nations.</p><p>Iran has already qualified for ​the tournament, but its participation has been fraught, with Tehran requesting alternative venues for matches ⁠on U.S. soil.</p><p>FIFA has rejected the request, insisting the schedule ⁠would stand.</p><p>U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said last week Washington had no objections to Iranian ‌players participating in the World Cup but added that the players would not be allowed to bring with ​them people with ties to the IRGC. </p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 30, 2026</p></div> #Iran #delegation #attended #FIFA #congress #chose #source

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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