World Cup Warm-Up Roundup: Brazil Hit Six, Germany and South Korea Cruise
With the tournament a week away, contenders sharpened up in midweek friendlies as Brazil thrashed Panama 6-2, Germany beat Finland 4-0 and South Korea routed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0.
Topline
- Brazil beat Panama 6-2 despite missing the injured Neymar.
- Germany defeated Finland 4-0 and South Korea routed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0.
- Mexico and Japan won 1-0, while Ukraine beat Poland 2-0.
- The USA earlier beat Senegal 3-2 as Pulisic ended his goal drought.
Full Report
World Cup DeskAs the **2026 World Cup** draws to within a week of kickoff, nations across the globe used a final cluster of friendlies to fine-tune form, test fringe players and build momentum before the real business begins.
Contenders Find Their Range
Brazil
offered the most emphatic statement, brushing aside **Panama 6-2** to suggest their attack can thrive even without the injured Neymar. **Germany** looked sharp in a **4-0 win over Finland**, while **South Korea** ran riot in a **5-0 demolition of Trinidad and Tobago**. **Switzerland** also impressed, beating **Jordan 4-1**.
Tighter Tests Elsewhere
Not every result was straightforward. **Mexico** edged **Australia 1-0** and **Japan** squeezed past **Iceland by the same scoreline**, results that prioritised clean sheets over spectacle. **Ukraine** beat **Poland 2-0**, **Czechia** saw off **Kosovo 2-1**, and **Ecuador** came from behind to defeat **Saudi Arabia 2-1**.
The USMNT Surprise
Co-hosts the **United States** had already grabbed headlines with an eyebrow-raising **3-2 win over Senegal** in Charlotte, a result lit up by Christian Pulisic finally breaking his goal drought — a timely boost for a side carrying the weight of home expectation.
The Bigger Picture
Warm-up results rarely predict tournaments, but they shape mood and confidence. With the opener between Mexico and South Africa set for June 11, these final tune-ups are the last chance for managers to settle line-ups before the games that count.
Keep Exploring This Story
Team, squad, group, and match pages connected to this update.
Mexico
Group A · Rank #15
South Africa
Group A · Rank #58
Czechia
Group A · Rank #32
Switzerland
Group B · Rank #16