On Sunday, Ivory Coast created what is arguably the biggest surprise of this World Cup so far, beating Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a goal from Amad Diallo in the 90th minute in Philadelphia.
The Ivorians, who had not participated in the World Cup since 2014, seized their opportunity by ending Ecuador's 19-match unbeaten run.
Jubilant Ivorian fans celebrated outside Philadelphia's stadium, chanting songs, waving flags and embracing strangers, savoring a victory that many did not expect.
Among those celebrating was the daughter of Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé, who told the Associated Press that she was overcome with emotion after witnessing the thrilling end to the match.
Yasin Ayari scored twice and Sweden proved they belong at the 2026 World Cup, crushing Tunisia 5-1 on Sunday night to take the lead in Group F.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres each scored a goal and provided an assist, while Mattias Svanberg also scored for Sweden, who were ranked 39th in the world and failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after reaching the quarter-finals eight years ago in Russia.
Omar Rekik scored for Tunisia, ranked 45th, who are participating in their seventh World Cup but have never progressed beyond the group stage.
The group's top-ranked teams, the Netherlands and Japan, drew 2-2 Sunday morning in Arlington, Texas.
Ayari opened and closed the scoring for Sweden at the Estadio BBVA with two long-range goals, one in the seventh minute and the other in second-half stoppage time. He celebrated his first goal discreetly, raising his hands in a gesture of respect for his father's homeland.
Isak scored his 18th international goal in the 30th minute when Gyökeres set up the Liverpool striker—who missed much of last season with a broken leg—on a counter-attack. Isak cut inside and fired a low shot that eluded Tunisian goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh, who had a difficult evening.
After Rekik broke Sweden's momentum by scoring in the 43rd minute, Isak and Gyökeres restored Sweden's lead. Isak won the ball and passed to Gyökeres, who found himself one-on-one with Chamakh. The Arsenal striker easily won the duel to score his 16th goal in his last 15 appearances for Sweden, and his 21st overall.
Svanberg scored in the 84th minute, a goal that was confirmed after a lengthy video review.
Sweden will face the Netherlands in Houston on Saturday, while Tunisia will remain in Monterrey to face Japan on the same day.
