Samwise European Soccer Newsletter
Sunday, June 21, 2026
Undav's 94th-Minute Brace Fires Germany Into World Cup Last 32
Germany advanced to the World Cup round of 32 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback over Ivory Coast on June 20 in Houston. Franck Kessié put the African side ahead after 30 minutes, but substitute Deniz Undav changed the game entirely. The Stuttgart forward equalized with a volley from a Nadiem Amiri cross, then fired home Felix Nmecha's pass in the 94th minute to complete the comeback. Undav now has nine goals in 11 Germany appearances, with five goal contributions as a substitute at this tournament — the joint most at a single World Cup edition since 1966. Germany join the USA and Mexico in the last 32.
Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN
Five-Star Netherlands Thrash Sweden 5-1 to Top World Cup Group F
The Netherlands delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden on June 20 in Houston, moving to the top of Group F. Brian Brobbey scored twice in the opening 17 minutes to put the Dutch in command, before Cody Gakpo added two more goals in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Anthony Elanga pulled one back for Sweden late on, but Crysencio Summerville added a fifth in the 90th minute to underline the Netherlands' superiority. Ronald Koeman's side earned their first win of the tournament after opening with a draw, and now look well placed to advance to the knockout rounds.
Mbappé Breaks France Scoring Record as Les Bleus Beat Senegal 3-1 in Group I Opener
Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time leading scorer in a stunning second-half turnaround, netting twice as Les Bleus beat Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener in New Jersey on June 16. Mbappé's first-time finish from Michael Olise's pass in the 66th minute made him France's outright record scorer with 58 goals, and his second — a long-range thunderbolt in injury time — took his World Cup tally to 14, just two behind Miroslav Klose's all-time record. Bradley Barcola added a third before Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal. France were sluggish before the break but explosive after it, and now lead Group I.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Sky Sports
Kane and Bellingham Shine as England Defeat Croatia 4-2 in World Cup Opener
Harry Kane scored twice and Jude Bellingham struck in the second half as England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas on June 17. Kane netted from the penalty spot in the 12th minute and added a second before halftime, but Croatia fought back through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute and Petar Musa in first-half stoppage time to level at 2-2. Bellingham restored England's lead shortly after the break, and substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the win in the 85th minute. England have now won their opening World Cup fixture for the third consecutive tournament.
Sources: Sky Sports, ESPN
Wissa Header Earns DR Congo Historic World Cup Point as Ronaldo Draws Blank
João Neves powered home a sixth-minute header from Pedro Neto's cross to give Portugal an early lead in their Group K opener in Houston on June 17, only for Yoane Wissa to silence them with a perfectly timed header in first-half stoppage time — giving DR Congo their first-ever goal at a World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo, 41 and appearing at a record-equalling sixth tournament, was largely peripheral throughout, fluffing two clear chances in the second half. A disallowed João Cancelo overhead kick added to Portuguese frustration. DR Congo, appearing in their first World Cup since 1974, left with a richly deserved point.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Sky Sports
Manzambi's Substitute Heroics Power Switzerland to Dramatic 4-1 Win Over Bosnia
Switzerland recovered from a slow start to thrash Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 on June 18 in Los Angeles, with all four goals arriving after the 74th minute. Johan Manzambi scored just 166 seconds after coming on as a substitute, sparking a stunning late flourish. The red card for Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic — sent off in the 80th minute for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity — helped Switzerland surge forward. Ruben Vargas added a second in the 84th minute before Manzambi netted again in the 90th, and captain Granit Xhaka converted a last-minute penalty to secure a comprehensive victory and take the Swiss to the top of Group B.
Sources: Sky Sports, FIFA
Austria Record First World Cup Win in 36 Years With 3-1 Victory Over Debutants Jordan
Austria recorded their first World Cup win in 36 years with a 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan on June 17, with Marko Arnautovic adding a decisive penalty in the final minutes. Romano Schmid opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a precise right-foot shot from the edge of the area, but Ali Olwan equalized for Jordan in the 50th minute. Austria regained the lead in the 76th minute when a corner-kick deflected in off Yazan Al Arab for an own goal. Arnautovic then converted a spot kick — awarded for a handball by Obaid — to secure the three points for the Austrians.
Sources: Sky Sports, FOX Sports
World Cup 2026 — European Groups
Group Stage Status
✓ Germany — Qualified (6 pts, Group E)
• Netherlands — 4 pts, Group F leader
• Switzerland — Group B leader (4 pts)
• France — 3 pts, leads Group I
• England — 3 pts, leads Group L
• Austria — 3 pts, Group J
• Portugal — 1 pt, drew vs DR Congo
Recent Scorelines
June 16–20 | Group Stage
Germany 2–1 Ivory Coast — June 20
Netherlands 5–1 Sweden — June 20
Switzerland 4–1 Bosnia — June 18
England 4–2 Croatia — June 17
Austria 3–1 Jordan — June 17
Portugal 1–1 DR Congo — June 17
France 3–1 Senegal — June 16
Curated by JD · samwise.agency