World Cup 2026 Day 9: Group D recap

Day nine of the World Cup showcased Group D's second matchday. The teams that won on matchday one, USA and Australia, squared off in a match where the winner would make the knockout rounds. Türkiye and Paraguay both lost in their first game and knew another loss would mean elimination from the knockout rounds. There was a lot on the line, and some teams rose to the occasion!

General view inside the stadium before the match

Agustin Marcarian

World Cup Group D - Matchday 2

USA 2 - 0 Australia

The USA continued where they left off from their first game against Australia, but before a ball was kicked, there was drama. Two key players were out of the starting XI: Christian Pulisic was out for the USA, and Nestory Irankunda was benched by Australia. As it turns out, the stars not on the field would only influence one team.

After an early chance for Australia, the USA pressed them into oblivion. Balogun and Pepi up top helped the USMNT score the game's first goal, forcing an own goal. Just before halftime, Alex Freeman doubled the lead, heading home a deflected shot. A 2-0 lead at halftime. Had the USA vibes high.

Alex Freeman of the U.S. scores their second goal

Lee Smith

The second half was a different experience. Irankunda came on and changed the game for the Socceroos. The USA had to suffer in a gritty match. Goalkeeper Matt Freese made some saves, and the defensive shape held to get a clean sheet despite suffering.

Australia's Nestory Irankunda in action with Joe Scally and Chris Richards of the U.S.

Reuters/Troy Wayrynen

The USA secured a spot in the knockout rounds with the win, while Australia will need a good result in their final match vs Paraguay to secure it. For more in-depth coverage of this match, check out Liam Jenkins' Recap.

Türkiye 0 - 1 Paraguay

General view as the teams line up inside the stadium before the match

REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

The other match in Group D had a lot on the line. If there was a loser between Turkiye and Paraguay, then that team would be officially eliminated from making the Round of 32. Both teams played in their favored formations. Paraguay in a 4-4-2, and Turkiye in a 4-2-3-1. This one popped off in the first few minutes.

Paraguay winger Matías Galarza hit a banger of a long-range shot just 64 seconds into the game to give them the lead! Turkiye did what they always do: got shots off. Unfortunately, they didn't score in the first half. As the game moved to the second, Turkiye had a leg up as Paraguay's Miguel Almirón got a red card for covering his mouth while talking to an opponent, a new no-no in world soccer.

Paraguay's Matias Galarza celebrates scoring their first goal

Carlos Barria

In the second half, Turkiye controlled the game, but failed to get an elusive goal. Turkiye had 32 shots on goal but failed to score. Add that to the 30 they had against Australia in matchday one, and that makes 62 shots on goal without finding the back of the net. Paraguay's defense held strong despite some players leaving with injuries. Paraguay took all three points, and Turkiye's World Cup hopes died.

Turkey's Merih Demiral and Deniz Gul react after a missed chance

Eloisa Lopez

As the final whistle sounded, the camera cut to Turkiye superstar Arda Güler, who mouthed the word: "Eliminate." He and his teammates were in tears, while the Paraguay players were jubilant, as they now have a very high chance of making the knockout rounds.

Day 9, Group D, Round-up:

The United States has its best group stage showing since 1930, winning two matches out of two! They are one point away from their best-ever finish before the knockout rounds. The USA has won group D with a game to go. Australia and Paraguay will battle it out to see who finishes second or third, and Türkiye will look for points and goals that have alluded them.

Day 10 is happening now! It sees Groups F and E play their second matches. Will we see the same situations from Group D play out? Will some teams punch their ticket to the knockouts, and will some be eliminated with a game to go?