Germany Advances, Curaçao Makes History & Japan Dominates Tunisia

On this episode of The Underdog World Cup Show, Chris Horwedel recaps another eventful day at the 2026 World Cup, starting with the Netherlands’ dominant 5-1 win over Sweden. Brian Brobbey scored twice early, Cody Gakpo added two more after halftime, and Crysencio Summerville finished the rout as the Dutch responded strongly after their opening draw with Japan.

Chris also breaks down Germany’s 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast, with Deniz Undav coming off the bench to score twice and send Germany into the knockout stage for the first time since winning the World Cup in 2014. The show then covers Curaçao earning the first World Cup point in the country’s history after a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, powered by Eloy Room’s incredible 15-save performance, and Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia in the 1,000th match in men’s World Cup history.

The episode also previews a loaded World Cup slate featuring Spain vs. Saudi Arabia, Belgium vs. Iran, Uruguay vs. Cape Verde, and New Zealand vs. Egypt. Chris uses odds from oddsmakers to frame Spain’s pressure after drawing Cape Verde, Belgium’s need for Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne to step up, Uruguay’s challenge against a confident Cape Verde side, and Egypt’s matchup with New Zealand as both teams chase a historic first World Cup win.