# Socca World Cup in Essen > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/socca-world-cup-in-essen > Updated: 2026-09-04T18:30:02.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 7. The Socca World Cup, a global six-a-side football tournament, is being held in Essen, Germany, at Kennedy Platz from August 28 to September 6. The competition features 48 national teams organized into twelve groups. In Group G, the Croatian national team topped the group standings following a 3-1 victory over Italy. Croatia also recorded a 4-0 win against Turkey, despite an earlier loss to Peru. After advancing from the group stage, Croatia faced Spain in the round of 16. Following a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Croatia secured a 3-2 victory in a penalty shootout to advance to the quarter-finals. Duje Medak has been a key player, scoring a crucial equalizer against Spain. In the quarter-finals, Croatia faced Greece, who had previously advanced by defeating Oman on penalties. Despite an early goal by Greece’s Giorgos Kalamaridis in the 9th minute, Croatia overcame the deficit. Josip Haluška equalized, and Robert Franjkić scored twice to take the lead. Goals from Daniel Sudar and Duje Medak secured a 6-2 victory, advancing Croatia to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the German national team advanced to the play-in round after a 15-1 victory against Indonesia. Due to their group stage performance, Germany finished 9th out of 12 group leaders and did not qualify directly for the round of 16. Germany was scheduled to face Serbia in a qualification match on Thursday, September 3. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: Croatia advances to Socca World Cup semi-finals Croatia has reached the Socca World Cup semi-finals in Essen after defeating Greece 6-2 in the quarter-finals, following a previous knockout victory over Spain. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-advances-to-socca-world-cup-2026-quarter-finals ### 2026-09-02: Croatia advances to Socca World Championship quarter-finals Croatia's Socca national team has reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship in Essen after defeating Spain in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-advances-in-socca-world-cup-after-defeating-italy ### 2026-09-02: Germany Socca team advances to play-in round in Essen Germany's Socca national team moves to a play-in round against Serbia in the Socca World Cup after defeating Indonesia 15-1. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germany-socca-team-advances-to-play-in-round-in-essen ### 2026-08-29: Croatia socca football team begins World Cup campaign in Essen The Croatian socca football team begins its Socca World Cup campaign in Essen, Germany, facing Afghanistan in their opening Group G match as they aim for a tournament medal. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-socca-football-team-begins-world-cup-campaign-in-essen ### 2026-08-24: Greece Socca national team prepares for World Cup in Essen The Greek national Socca team prepares for the 7th World Cup in Essen, Germany, while Rethymno readies for four major international 6x6 football tournaments this October. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rethymno-to-host-major-socca-mini-football-tournaments ### 2026-08-12: Croatia national futsal team returns to Socca World Cup The Croatian national futsal team returns to the Socca World Cup in Essen, Germany, this August after missing last year's tournament due to funding issues. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-national-futsal-team-returns-to-socca-world-cup ### 2026-08-06: Socca World Cup Returns to Essen with 48 Nations Essen hosts the 2023 Socca World Cup (48 nations) on Kennedy Platz from 28 Aug‑5 Sep, with €10 tickets and post‑event DFB inclusion days. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/socca-world-cup-returns-to-essen-with-48-nations --- Cite as: Socca World Cup in Essen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/socca-world-cup-in-essen