Day four of the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises a thrilling lineup for fans. The headline event on Sunday is the Group F clash between three-time runners-up Netherlands and one of Asia's strongest teams, Japan.

History will also be made as Curacao, the tiny Caribbean island with just over 150,000 people, becomes the smallest nation ever to play at a World Cup, facing four-time champions Germany. Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Sweden, and Tunisia are also in action.

The Netherlands, runners-up in 1974, 1978, and 2010, are under pressure to finally win the title. Coach Ronald Koeman said, "We put a lot of pressure on ourselves. We have a strong team and we know what we need to improve." Japan, who upset Germany and Spain in 2022, aim to spoil the Dutch party.

Curacao's coach Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78, said, "We are a small country compared to Germany, but we will make life difficult for them. We have nothing to lose." Germany have a 90.7% chance of winning according to Opta.

Away from football, New York erupted in celebration as the Knicks won the NBA Finals for the first time in 53 years, overshadowing the World Cup in the United States. Fans set off fireworks and chanted "Knicks in five!" after their 94-90 Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Source: www.aljazeera.com