Even though Carlo Ancelotti’s team secured their place in the Round of 16, they struggled to defeat Japan. After losing control in the first half, they took over in the second half by relying on crosses into the box. Against Norway, they may not have the same opportunity, as their opponents are also strong in the air and have a solid defense. For that reason, they may need to reshape their tactical approach.

As they have done throughout the 2026 World Cup, Norway could implement a fairly conservative approach, dropping deep to leave very little space for Brazil. In response, they could look to attack on the counter, with Antonio Nusa playing a key role in breaking forward through quick transitions. Erling Haaland will have plenty of room to exploit his greatest strength: Breaking quickly and attacking space, making Martin Ødegaard’s vision crucial.

When and at what time will Brazil vs. Norway be played?

Brazil will face Norway in the Round of 16 on Sunday, July 5, at 4:00 PM EST. It will be the third match of the round, following Paraguay vs France or Sweden and Canada vs Morocco. Nevertheless, the pressure is on Carlo Ancelotti’s team, who are considered top contenders. Moreover, they have a stellar roster that imposes them as favorites to secure their quarterfinals.

Ståle Solbakken’s team arrive as the surprise package, having secured their Round of 16 for the first time in 28 years. With just a promising team, they are only looking to make history, not having any pressure to be top contenders. Moreover, both sides will have enough time to prepare the game.

Which stadium will host Brazil vs. Norway?

New York/New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium, will host the match between Brazil and Norway. With a capacity of 82,500 spectators, this venue is one of the largest in the tournament. After hosting Super Bowl XLVIII, WrestleMania 29, and WrestleMania 35, this stadium has become a regular venue for world-class events.

For Haaland, this World Cup represents his first appearance on soccer’s biggest stage. Despite his lack of previous World Cup experience, the Manchester City striker had immediately shown why he is considered one of the most dangerous forwards in the world.

Norway had already impressed in Group I, finishing second behind France and securing qualification. The Manchester City star scored twice in two of the group stage matches, becoming one of the biggest stories of the tournament while helping Norway reach the knockout stage for the first time since 1998.

Haaland reaches another historic milestone for Norway

Against the Ivory Coast, Haaland once again showed why he has become the face of Norwegian soccer. The striker scored his 60th goal for Norway in only his 53rd appearance, reaching a landmark that highlights one of the greatest international scoring rates in modern soccer.

Before the match, Haaland already held Norway’s all-time goalscoring record. He had scored 59 goals in 52 matches, breaking the previous national record of 33 goals that had stood for 92 years.

His scoring numbers are extraordinary. Haaland has maintained a rate of more than one goal per game for Norway, becoming one of the most productive international players of his generation.

The forward’s consistency has been remarkable. Before facing the Elephants, he had scored in 12 consecutive competitive matches for Norway and found the net in 18 of his previous 21 competitive appearances for the national team.

Golden Boot race full of legends

Haaland’s goal against the Ivory Coast is his fifth at the tournament, and it has put him close to the top of the World Cup scoring charts. His battle with Mbappe has become one of the defining individual stories of the tournament.

Both players are chasing Messi’s six-goal lead, while also trying to guide their national teams toward a deep tournament run. Their rivalry represents the next era of soccer’s greatest attacking talents.

Match Overview

France and Sweden meet in one of the standout matchups of the World Cup knockout stage, with a place in the next round at stake. Led by Kylian Mbappe, Les Bleus cruised through the group stage and enter as one of the tournament favorites.

Sweden opened with a win over Tunisia but was humbled 5-1 by the Netherlands, though the Swedes remain confident their attack can trouble the two-time champions. With elimination on the line, this is a World Cup clash you won’t want to miss.

Ivory Coast and Norway meet at AT&T Stadium with both nations chasing their first-ever victory in a World Cup knockout match. While Norway arrives with Erling Haaland leading a dangerous attack, Ivory Coast hopes its talented squad can continue a historic campaign after finally escaping the group stage.

The match represents a major milestone for Ivory Coast. The national team reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time after finishing second in Group E behind Germany.

The Elephants collected six points during the group stage with victories over Ecuador and Curacao, while their only defeat came against Germany in a narrow 2-1 loss. That achievement ended years of frustration after Ivory Coast previously exited in the group stage during all three of its earlier World Cup appearances.

Coach Emerse Fae has built a team based on defensive discipline, attacking transitions, and a wide range of offensive options. The national team has shown that goals can come from different players, making selection decisions difficult even during the biggest matches.

The Amad Diallo decision surprises fans

The biggest lineup discussion before kickoff focused on Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger was expected by many supporters to start after making a strong impact during Ivory Coast’s group-stage campaign.

However, Diallo was named among the substitutes for the Round of 32 clash against Norway, with Fae choosing Nicolas Pepe, Yan Diomande, and Yohan-Ange Bonny as the attacking options in the starting XI. The decision was not linked to an injury or fitness issue. Instead, it came down to tactical choices and Ivory Coast’s attacking depth.

Diallo had already shown his importance earlier in the tournament. After beginning as a substitute against Ecuador, he came off the bench and scored a dramatic late winner, proving he could change games when introduced.

Why Amad Diallo is starting from the bench

Ivory Coast’s attacking competition is one of the main reasons behind Diallo’s absence from the starting lineup. The national team has several dangerous players capable of creating chances, allowing Fae to use different approaches depending on the opponent.

Nicolas Pepe enters the Norway match in excellent form after scoring twice against Curacao. Yan Diomande had also become one of the biggest breakout stars of the tournament, using his speed and creativity to cause problems for opposing defenses.

Because of that, Diallo has been viewed as a powerful impact option rather than an automatic starter. His ability to attack tired defenders, carry the ball forward, and create moments late in matches gives Ivory Coast another weapon from the bench.

The tactical idea is clear: start with a balanced attacking structure and introduce Diallo when spaces appear. Against Norway’s physical defenders, his pace and dribbling could become even more dangerous in the second half.

Norway’s history at the World Cup has been short but memorable. The national team has qualified for the tournament only four times: 1938, 1994, 1998, and 2026.

The first appearance came in the 1938 World Cup in France. At that time, the tournament used a straight knockout format, and Norway faced eventual champions Italy in the opening round. The match finished 1-1 after normal time, but Italy eventually won 2-1 after extra time, ending Norway’s campaign immediately.

The 1994 World Cup in the United States brought one of the most unusual eliminations in tournament history. Norway defeated Mexico 1-0 but failed to reach the knockout stage because all four teams in their group finished level on points. The deciding factor was goals scored, leaving Norway painfully eliminated.

Four years later, Norway produced its most famous World Cup moment. During the 1998 tournament in France, the national team shocked defending champions Brazil with a dramatic 2-1 victory in the group stage. That result helped the country reach the knockout stage for the first time. However, the journey ended in the Round of 16 after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Italy.

Norway finally returns after 28-year wait

The 2026 World Cup marked Norway’s first appearance since 1998 and represented a major achievement for coach Stale Solbakken. After years of disappointment in qualifying campaigns, Solbakken finally built a team capable of competing at the highest level.

Norway dominated European qualifying extraordinarily. The national team won all eight qualifying matches, scored 37 goals, and conceded only five.

The attacking numbers have been historic, with Erling Haaland leading the way. The Manchester City striker scored 16 goals during qualifying, matching the record for most goals by a player in a World Cup qualifying campaign.

Norway’s best World Cup finish

Norway’s best World Cup result is reaching the Round of 16 in both 1938 and 1998. The national team has never progressed beyond that stage.

In the 2026 World Cup, Norway reached the knockout phase again by advancing to the Round of 32, marking another historic achievement after their long absence.

Although the team entered the tournament with ambitions of making a deep run, reaching the knockout stage already represents a major step forward.

The national team’s journey has also produced a unique World Cup record. Norway remains one of the few teams to have faced Brazil multiple times without losing, earning victories and draws against one of soccer’s greatest powers.

The national team arrived at the 2026 World Cup after a long absence from global competition and with a squad that combines experienced leaders with exciting young talent. After years of falling short despite producing legendary players, Ivory Coast entered the tournament determined to finally break through.

Before this tournament, Ivory Coast had qualified for three previous World Cups: 2006, 2010, and 2014. Despite having some of Africa’s most talented players, the national team was eliminated in the group stage every time. The 2006 tournament marked Ivory Coast’s first appearance on soccer’s biggest stage.

Led by Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and a golden generation of players, the Elephants were placed in a difficult group with Argentina and the Netherlands and were unable to reach the knockout rounds. Then, four years later in South Africa, Ivory Coast again faced a challenging group featuring Brazil and Portugal.

The national team earned four points and recorded a memorable 3-0 victory over North Korea, but it was still not enough to advance. The 2014 World Cup in Brazil produced the most painful exit. Ivory Coast needed only a draw against Greece in their final group match, but a late penalty ended their hopes and sent the Elephants home once again.

The breakthrough finally arrives in 2026

Despite those disappointments, Ivory Coast achieved a unique record before 2026. The national team had won at least one match in every World Cup tournament it had qualified for, showing consistent competitiveness even without progressing further.

The 2026 World Cup changed everything for Ivory Coast. Under coach Emerse Fae, the national team finally achieved the milestone that previous generations could not reach.

Ivory Coast advanced beyond the group stage for the first time in its history, reaching the Round of 32. The achievement ended a long wait for the Elephants, who had previously been unable to escape the first phase of the tournament.

The national team qualified after finishing second in Group E behind Germany. Ivory Coast collected six points thanks to victories over Ecuador and Curacao, while their only defeat came in a narrow 2-1 loss against Germany.

The campaign showed the balance that Fae has built. Ivory Coast remained defensively strong while relying on talented attackers to create moments in transition.

Ivory Coast’s best-ever World Cup finish

Before 2026, Ivory Coast’s best World Cup results were all group-stage appearances. The golden generation featuring Drogba came close, but never managed to reach the knockout rounds.

The Round of 32 appearance in the 2026 World Cup is officially the best finish in Ivory Coast’s World Cup history. It represents the first time the Elephants have moved beyond the group stage and created a new benchmark for future teams.

The achievement also places Ivory Coast among the African nations that have broken through on soccer’s biggest stage. The national team now has the opportunity to continue building its legacy and prove that this generation can achieve what previous stars could not.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Ivory Coast are ranked 31st place with 1,565.47 points. After their latest victory over Cape Verde, they have escalated two positions in the ranking. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 75th position in March-May of 2004. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 12th in February of 2003.

After several years without being able to regain their form, head coach Emerse Fae has managed to rebuild a very promising project with Ivory Coast. Despite this, they still remain behind their opponents in the FIFA Rankings. Ståle Solbakken’s team are ranked 23rd with 1,594.04 points, gaining several places compared to the start of the tournament. Nevertheless, Ivory Coast could spring an upset with a victory, shining on the counterattack.

Ivory Coast have proven to be one of the most solid teams defensively. Conceding only two goals in the group stage, they will look to limit Norway in every attacking aspect. In addition, they are capable of making very quick transitions, breaking efficiently on the counterattack. Facing an opponent that seeks to dominate possession, they need to be clinical with the few chances they create to score.

Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande set to shine vs Norway

Despite their solid group stage, Ivory Coast once again enter the match against Norway as the underdogs. Without being an offensive powerhouse, they need to be very solid defensively, containing Erling Haaland’s attacking threat. With this in mind, Emerse Fae’s team keep Amad Diallo and Yan Diomande as their main attacking options, both of whom could make the difference in the Round of 32 clash.

Ivory Coast base their attacking approach on counterattacks, so the transitions of Christopher Opéri and Guéla Doué at full-back are essential. If they can find Diallo and Diomande making runs into space, they can be decisive by dribbling and creating space to score. Although they are not the national team’s top scorers, they have created plenty of space for Nicolas Pépé and Franck Kessié, making them the team’s key attacking axis.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Norway are ranked 23rd place with 1594.04 points. They have escalated eight positions in the ranking despite their 4-1 loss to France. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 88th position in July 2017. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 2nd in July–August 1995.

Under Ståle Solbakken, Norway are enjoying one of the best periods in their recent history, with stars such as Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, Martin Ødegaard, among others. In addition, they are ranked higher than their opponent, Ivory Coast, in the rankings. Emerse Fae’s team are ranked 31st with 1,565.47 points in the FIFA Rankings, climbing positions but still well behind their opponents.

Although Norway usually play an attacking, counterattacking style, they could adapt to dominate possession. Ivory Coast are a team that usually sit deep defensively, allowing their opponents to control the ball. Because of this, Martin Ødegaard and Fredrik Aursnes could be crucial, as they are capable of controlling the tempo of the game and finding the forwards in space. However, the wingers will be key to breaking down the opposition’s defense.

Haaland could face a pretty tough test against Ivory Coast

Throughout his career, Erling Haaland has proven to be one of the most prolific strikers in the world. However, he usually shines against opponents that leave space, allowing him to break quickly on the counter and take advantage of open areas. Unlike many of his previous opponents, Ivory Coast are a very well-organized defensive team that leave very little space. Therefore, he may not have his best match.

Without space to counterattack and facing a solid defense, Haaland would have to shine in tight spaces, something that is quite difficult for his style of play. Therefore, he would have to take advantage of his aerial ability to score and make the difference. In addition, Norway would have chances to attack into space by winning the ball during Ivory Coast’s counterattacks. If they manage to do so, he could make an enormous difference.

Match Overview

With a Round of 16 berth on the line, Ivory Coast and Norway square off in a win-or-go-home clash after strong group-stage performances. Ivory Coast enters as a confident underdog looking to pull off a major upset.

On the other hand, Norway, led by Erling Haaland, advanced despite a final group-stage loss to France and now aims to extend its World Cup run. Expect a tightly contested battle with everything at stake. Don’t miss this thrilling knockout matchup.

The Netherlands had broken through in the 71st minute, when Cody Gakpo finished off a rebound after a great assist from West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.

But Morocco refused to fold, drawing level right as stoppage time began through a long ball that found Issa Diop, who rose highest to head it past Bart Verbruggen and force this Round of 32 tie into extra time.

Neither side could find a breakthrough across the additional 30 minutes, sending the match to penalties to decide who advances. After a dramatic penalty shootout, Ismael Saibari converted his spot kick to seal a 3-2 win and send his side through to the next round.

With the win, Mohamed Ouahbi’s men continue to build on the momentum of their historic run to the semifinals at Qatar 2022, proving once again that they remain one of the most dangerous teams left in the competition.

Morocco’s Round of 16 rival and venue

Morocco now know exactly where their journey continues: they will face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4 at Houston Stadium, after the co-hosts edged past South Africa 1-0 courtesy of a late Stephen Eustaquio goal.

It will mark Canada’s first-ever appearance at this stage of a World Cup, where they’ll face a strong side looking to claim its first title after clinching fourth place in the last edition.

For the Netherlands, the heartbreaking shootout defeat brings their tournament to an end, closing the book on a campaign that included an emphatic 5-1 win over Sweden and top spot in Group F, even as Ronald Koeman’s men fall short of matching their runner-up finish from 2010.

The incident occurred during a corner kick, when van Hecke went down on his own near the box, putting him in the wrong place at the wrong time as a Moroccan player accidentally kicked him in the head.

The defender was left with a visible cut on his forehead, with blood quickly running down his face, in a clash that has been notably physical from the opening whistle.

Medical staff rushed onto the field to treat the wound, and van Hecke was eventually able to jog to the sideline under his own power before being cleared to continue the match.

Canada awaits the winner

Whoever comes through this physical encounter in Monterrey will not get much time to recover. The winner of the game between the Netherlands and Morocco is set to face Canada in the Round of 16 on July 4, at Houston Stadium, after the co-hosts edged past South Africa 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Stephen Eustaquio.

It would mark Canada’s first-ever appearance in that stage of a World Cup, where Jesse Marsch’s men will have a hard test from whichever side advances out of this Round of 32 battle.

Speaking to MagentaTV as a television pundit, Klopp reflected on the squad’s systemic issues and the agonizing defeat suffered at Houston Stadium: “There are 500,000 ways to win a football match. You just have to find one. There was only one goal, one dream, and it has burst. It was dramatic. We didn’t function.“

While Germany dominated the tempo and controlled 75% of the possession, Klopp pinpointed Die Mannschaft‘s recurring struggles to translate individual quality into clinical attacking production, noting that the team “created too little.” Out of Germany’s 21 total shots across 120 grueling minutes, only six found the target, with Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill standing tall to anchor the upset.

The Head of Global Soccer for Red Bull also highlighted the psychological weight of the match, pointing out that the immense pressure sat entirely on the European giants. “Paraguay had the opportunity to achieve something. Germany had the pressure to achieve something. Everyone in the stadium thought: Now they’re going to turn it around! But we didn’t. We let them off the hook,” Klopp said.

With 2026 likely marking the final World Cup cycle for several veteran mainstays like Manuel Neuer and Antonio Rudiger, Klopp emphasized that a complete overhaul is required at the foundational level: “We can talk about the DFB. We one hundred percent have to change a few things. We can start with the U10s and wait a few years to see what comes out at the top.“

Whether Klopp will be part of that eventual rebuilding process remains to be seen, as Nagelsmann firmly stated after the match that he has no intention of resigning from his post. With the former Liverpool boss locked into his corporate Red Bull role through 2029 and Nagelsmann’s managerial contract running through 2028, any immediate shakeup in the German dugout would require a heavy-handed intervention from the DFB board.

The disallowed goal to Tah, a bad call according to Klopp

The defining controversy of the Round of 32 clash came in extra time with Jonathan Tah’s disallowed goal. As the center-back rose to power home a header that would have given Germany a 2-1 lead in the 104th minute, VAR instructed referee Jalal Jayed to review a potential foul on goalkeeper Orlando Gill, whose path was deemed obstructed by Waldemar Anton.

The minor interference was enough for the referee to waive off the goal, paving the way for Germany’s eventual shootout demise, a decision Klopp fiercely disputed: “If this goal is illegal, Arsenal won’t become English champions. We win the game if that goal stands. The referee made a clear mistake!“

Reactions across social media echoed Klopp’s frustration, frequently drawing comparisons to the physical nature of modern Premier League officiating. Former Germany international Ilkay Gundogan shared a similar sentiment online, pairing his frustration over the call with a dose of harsh self-criticism regarding the team’s flat performance on the pitch.

Scaloni opted to start Messi on the bench in the 3-1 win over Jordan, a decision made with qualification already secured, giving his captain some rest before bringing him on in the second half, where he went on to score the final goal.

With the knockout stage now upon them, there is little doubt that Messi will be back in the starting lineup, alongside players like Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, who are all expected to keep their spots.

However, according to Argentine insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports, Scaloni is still weighing three selection battles: Nicolas Otamendi or Cristian Romero at center back, Nicolas Tagliafico or Facundo Medina at left back, and Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez up front.

Breaking down Scaloni’s doubts

The uncertainty at center back stems from Romero picking up a knee issue during the Austria match, with Scaloni substituting him in the second half against Jordan for Otamendi as a precautionary measure.

However, reports indicate that the Tottenham defender has since trained fully alongside his teammates and is available for selection, meaning Scaloni could still hand him a starting spot if he sees fit.

At left back, Edul reports that Tagliafico has a strong chance of keeping his place after playing the full 90 minutes against Jordan, having missed the first two matches against Algeria and Austria due to a muscle strain.

Finally, the last selection battle appears to be tilting toward Martinez in the starting role up front. The Inter Milan striker is reportedly in better physical condition than Julian Alvarez, who arrived at the tournament carrying a left ankle issue.

Alvarez managed to log minutes in the first two matches before starting against Jordan, where he failed to make a significant impact, leaving the door open for Martinez to start in the XI.

Julio Enciso opened the scoring for Paraguay in the 43rd minute, filtering into the box to bury a sharp header off a well-placed cross from Matias Galarza. While Kai Havertz later answered with a header of his own to equalize for Germany, Die Mannschaft couldn’t find a regulation winner, ultimately falling in the ensuing shootout to seal their elimination.

The loss goes down as one of Germany‘s most bitter World Cup disappointments, marking their first elimination by a South American nation in over two decades. The last time the Germans were sent packing by a CONMEBOL team was the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama, where Ronaldo Nazario scooped up the Golden Boot by scoring both goals in Brazil‘s 2-0 triumph.

Since that 2002 final, Germany’s World Cup exits had all come from European foes, falling in the semifinals to Italy in 2006 and Spain in 2010 before lifting the trophy against Argentina in 2014. While Die Mannschaft did endure humiliating, early first-round departures in both 2018 and 2022, those failures notoriously occurred during the group stage rather than the win-or-go-home knockout rounds.

In fact, Germany’s modern knockout record against South American opposition had been nearly flawless prior to Monday’s collapse. Before that 2002 defeat to Brazil, their last knockout-stage loss to a CONMEBOL nation also occurred on the grandest stage, the 1986 World Cup final, when they fell to Diego Maradona’s iconic Argentina squad.

South American teams prove to be Germany’s Kryptonite in 2026

Despite the lack of high-quality chances Paraguay generated throughout the match, Germany simply could not dismantle the defensive wall the South American side constructed. For a European powerhouse that spent years dominating the international landscape, CONMEBOL opponents have officially become a massive headache for Die Mannschaft this summer.

After opening the tournament with a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao and a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast, Germany ran into a buzzsaw against Ecuador, dropping a 2-1 decision that marked their first-ever group-stage loss to a South American team. Now, by crashing out against Paraguay, the Germans have also seen a legendary streak snapped: since the modern Round of 16 format was introduced in 1986, Germany had never lost its opening match of the knockout stage.

The Netherlands cruised through Group F as winners, opening with a 2-2 draw against Japan before bouncing back with a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden and a 3-1 win over Tunisia.

Those results gave Ronald Koeman’s side seven points and top spot in the group. For this crucial game, Virgil van Dijk will start and continue captaining the side, having anchored the Dutch defense without missing a minute through the group stage.

Morocco, meanwhile, had to work harder for their place in the knockouts, finishing second in a brutal Group C behind Brazil. The Atlas Lions held the five-time champions to a 1-1 draw in their opener before beating Scotland 1-0 and Haiti 4-2, finishing on seven points but settling for second on goal difference.

For the decisive game, Achraf Hakimi will also start, having been one of Morocco’s most important attacking outlets from right-back throughout the group stage, with no fitness concerns reported.

Netherlands confirmed lineup

Ronald Koeman will once again deploy the same group that demolished Sweden and beat Tunisia to close out the group stage, with Brian Brobbey keeping his place as the focal point of the attack after scoring three goals in his last two starts.

Netherlands’ confirmed starting XI: Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Jan Paul van Hecke, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven; Ryan Gravenberch, Frenkie de Jong; Crysencio Summerville, Brian Brobbey, Cody Gakpo.

Morocco confirmed lineup

Mohamed Ouahbi will make no changes to the group that beat Haiti to close out the group stage, with Ismael Saibari leading the line after scoring three goals already at this tournament.

Morocco’s confirmed starting XI: Yassine Bounou; Achraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Chadi Riad, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui; Brahim Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, Bilal El Khannouss; Ismael Saibari.

In a match where Die Mannschaft stood as heavy pre-kickoff favorites, Paraguay broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute by forcing a high turnover, allowing Matias Galarza to deliver a pinpoint cross that Julio Enciso emphatically headed home. With Paraguay sitting deep to preserve the lead in the second half, Florian Wirtz unpicked the lock with a cross that Kai Havertz glancingly deflected with his head to level the score.

With regulation resolving in a stalemate, the match proceeded to extra time, where Germany‘s Jonathan Tah seemingly poked home a 2-1 winner, only for the goal to be disallowed due to a foul on Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. In the ensuing high-stakes penalty shootout, Paraguay ultimately held their nerve to claim the monumental victory.

Paraguay’s next opponent

With their spot in the World Cup Round of 16 officially locked down, the South American underdogs will advance to face the winner of the blockbuster knockout clash between France and Sweden, who square off the following day. The Round of 16 matchup is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th at 5 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

France cruised into the knockout rounds on the back of a perfect group-stage campaign, topping their group with convincing victories over Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1). Conversely, Sweden squeaked through as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers, weathering an inconsistent 4-point group run that featured a 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia, a heavy 5-1 loss to the Netherlands, and a gritty 1-1 draw with Japan.

Sitting at No. 2 in the FIFA World Rankings, France enters the knockouts as a premier title favorite for the 2026 crown. Their terrifying frontline is spearheaded by Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, who have logged four goals apiece as Les Bleus launch their pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup final appearance.

Sweden, meanwhile, is navigating a transitional and inconsistent period under manager Graham Potter after qualifying via the grueling UEFA playoffs. Across his first nine matches at the helm, the Englishman has posted a balanced 3-3-3 record, with star strikers Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres still searching for their first goals of this World Cup, leaving Anthony Elanga to carry the torch as the squad’s primary attacking catalyst.

Japan managed to surprise Brazil in the first half. Without dominating possession, they were very dangerous, as they broke quickly on the counterattack.Because of this, Brazil were unable to recover control of the midfield, leaving plenty of space. Kaishu Sano scored an important goal to give Japan the lead in the first half. However, they were unable to maintain their intensity and were outplayed by their opponents in the second half.

After Carlo Ancelotti’s adjustments, Brazil regained control of the match in the second half. Constantly pressing their opponents, they wore them down physically, forcing them deep into their own penalty area. Taking advantage of Japan’s weakness in the air, they delivered a series of crosses that resulted in Casemiro’s equalizer. After that, the match changed completely, but it was Gabriel Martinelli who changed everything.

Recognizing their attacking superiority, Brazil decided to substitute Matheus Cunha to give the team more explosiveness with Gabriel Martinelli. After numerous attacks into the penalty area, Rayan recovered the ball in the opposition’s box and passed it to Bruno Guimarães. Efficiently, he then found Martinelli, who controlled the ball and finished across goal, scoring the winning goal in the final minute. With this, they secured their place in the Round of 16.

Despite numerous injuries, Morocco have remained one of the best teams at the 2026 World Cup. Playing an attacking style, they come into the match against the Netherlands as the underdogs. Led by Ismael Saibari and Brahim Díaz, they will look to break through the opposition’s high press and find the back of the net. However, Achraf Hakimi could be the difference-maker, making runs into space and exploiting the gaps behind the opposition’s defense.

Under Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands have emerged as one of the most attacking teams in the tournament. With a possession-based style of play, they create space in the opposition’s defense. To achieve this, Cody Gakpo and Brian Brobbey need to be highly clinical, as Morocco could capitalize on any counterattack to score. Because of this, Virgil van Dijk and Jan Paul van Hecke will need to deliver strong defensive performances.

What happens if Netherlands win over Morocco?

In case the Netherlands secure a victory over Morocco, they will immediately secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. With this, Ronald Koeman’s team would reaffirm their status as one of the top contenders. They would face Canada on July 4 at 1:00 PM EST at Houston Stadium. Nonetheless, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team would disappoint after finishing fourth in the previous edition.

What happens if Netherlands draw to Morocco?

If the Netherlands and Morocco draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. Therefore, they would play two 15-minute periods. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided and would face Canada on July 4.

What happens if Netherlands lose to Morocco?

A defeat for the Netherlands against Japan would eliminate them immediately from the 2026 World Cup. With this, Ronald Koeman’s team would really disappoint fans. Meanwhile, Mohamed Ouahbi’s team would regain their status as one of the top contenders after the sudden changes that affected their consistency before the World Cup. Nonetheless, they would still have a long way to go to equal their Qatar 2022 performance.

The Atlas Lions sit at No.6 in the latest FIFA World Rankings, edging out their upcoming opponent by a single spot. Mohamed Ouahbi’s squad had to work for their place in the knockouts, opening Group C with a gritty 1-1 stalemate against Brazil before grinding out a 1-0 win over Scotland and finishing the job with a 4-2 victory against Haiti.

That tally of seven points was enough for second in the group, with only goal difference separating them from a Brazilian side that finished above them.

Standing in their way is the Netherlands ranked just behind at No. 7, and arriving with considerably more attacking firepower on display. Ronald Koeman’s group stumbled out of the gate with a 2-2 draw against Japan, but quickly found their rhythm, blowing past Sweden 5-1 and closing out their campaign with a 3-1 win over Tunisia.

Morocco eyeing redemption and another deep run

Few nations have captured global attention quite like Morocco did during their unforgettable march through Qatar 2022, becoming the first team from Africa to ever reach a World Cup semifinal.

Along the way, they dismantled some of Europe’s biggest names, eliminating Belgium, Spain, and Portugal in succession before their dream run was finally halted by France, with a fourth-place finish following defeat to Croatia in the third-place playoff.

That golden generation has only grown stronger since. Achraf Hakimi remains a defensive cornerstone, while breakout talent Ismael Saibari, already with three goals to his name through the group stage, gives Morocco a sharper attacking edge than the side that shocked the world four years ago.

The Netherlands currently sit at No.7 in the FIFA World Rankings. The Dutch opened with a 2-2 draw against Japan, before bouncing back in style with a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden and a 3-1 win over Tunisia to close out the group stage.

Those results gave them seven points and top spot in Group F, with forward Brian Brobbey emerging as the team’s leading scorer through the first round with three goals.

Morocco, by contrast, head into this crucial game ranked just one spot higher at No. 6 in the rankings, making this one of the most evenly matched ties of the entire Round of 32.

The Atlas Lions held five-time champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw in their opener, before following it up with a 1-0 win over Scotland and a 4-2 victory over Haiti, finishing on seven points as well as Brazil, but settling for second place in Group C behind them on goal difference.

Netherlands chasing a first title after three runner-up finishes

Despite being one of the most consistently dangerous nations in World Cup history, the Dutch have never lifted the trophy, falling short in the final on three separate occasions, in 1974, 1978, and most recently in 2010.

Ronald Koeman’s current group will be eager to use that long wait as motivation, knowing that another deep run through the knockout stage could finally put the Netherlands’ name on the one trophy that has eluded them for over half a century.

Gabriel Martinelli has scored the latest goal in World Cup history, excluding extra time. After scoring in the 95th minute against Paraguay, he has surpassed Francesco Totti, Nacer Chadli, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Edgar Davids, and Stephen Eustáquio, who made up the list in that order, according to MisterChip, a well-known soccer statistician, via X.

Unlike Totti, Chadli, Huntelaar, Davis, and Eustáquio, Gabriel Martinelli is a regular substitute for Brazil. So far at the 2026 World Cup, he has played just 77 minutes across four matches. Despite that, he has proven to be one of the most decisive wingers in the world, making the most of every opportunity he gets. With Ivory Coast or Norway as Brazil’s possible opponents, he could have a bigger role in his second World Cup appearance.

Gabriel Martinelli did not arrive at the 2026 World Cup as an undisputed starter for Arsenal. During his team’s historic season, he played 53 matches, scoring 11 goals and providing 7 assists. Although he delivered solid performances, he had to share minutes with Leandro Trossard. Therefore, he now has a great opportunity to establish his talent with Brazil at the tournament, aiming to become one of the team’s stars in the near future.

Gabriel Martinelli faces tough fight for Brazil starting spot

Since Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival at Brazil, Vinícius Jr. has been the team’s most important player, enjoying creative freedom. Because of this, he is usually an undisputed starter, playing the full 90 minutes and leaving Gabriel Martinelli with few opportunities to play. However, Martinelli would have to adapt to any attacking position if he wants more playing time, making his situation much more difficult.

With no place on the wings, Martinelli would have to compete with Lucas Paquetá and Neymar for a spot as the attacking midfielder. Unlike them, he would allow Vinícius the freedom to drift inside while he occupies the flank. As a result, Brazil would gain numerical superiority in attack, which is ideal against defensive teams. Nevertheless, he may not start throughout the tournament, as he is not even the second-choice option in several positions.

In case he manages to score another goal or provide key assists, Martinelli could force Ancelotti to rethink his tactical approach. However, he would have very few minutes to achieve that, meaning he would need standout performances against Norway or Ivory Coast, depending on the result.

Match Overview

The Netherlands and Morocco meet in one of the standout Round of 32 matchups, with a coveted spot in the Round of 16 on the line. Morocco enter after collecting seven points in the group stage, missing first place only on goal difference.

Meanwhile, the Dutch also earned seven points and finished atop their group. With both teams carrying strong momentum and plenty of talent into the knockout rounds, this clash has all the makings of a tightly contested battle.

Die Mannschaft has finally snapped a miserable tournament streak that followed their 2014 championship run, during which they repeatedly failed to advance past the opening round. Both in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, the European giants suffered humiliating group-stage eliminations that shocked the soccer world.

Julian Nagelsmann’s squad started the current campaign on the right foot, cruising to a 7-1 win over Curacao and a gritty 2-1 victory over the Ivory Coast. However, a stunning 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, marking the first time a South American nation has ever beaten Germany in the World Cup group stage, has raised serious questions heading into the knockouts, especially against a stingy Paraguay team looking to make history of its own.

What happens if Germany wins over Paraguay?

If Germany secures a victory over Paraguay today, they will punch their ticket to the Round of 16 and keep their championship aspirations alive, while the South American nation’s tournament run will officially come to an end. Die Mannschaft would then get five days of rest before playing on July 4th at Philadelphia Stadium against the winner of the blockbuster France vs. Sweden matchup.

What happens if Germany draws against Paraguay?

If Germany is unable to break the deadlock against Paraguay during the regulation 90 minutes, the match will head into extra time, consisting of two grueling 15-minute halves. Should the stalemate persist after 120 total minutes of play, the European and South American sides will settle the score via a high-stakes penalty shootout to determine who advances.

What happens if Germany loses against Paraguay?

A loss for Germany against Paraguay would result in immediate elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Because the tournament has shifted into the single-elimination knockout rounds, this is a strict win-or-go-home scenario, meaning a defeat would instantly end Germany’s summer while sending Paraguay to the Round of 16 in historic fashion.

Historically, the matchup favors Germany when looking at past encounters against Paraguay. The lone previous World Cup meeting between the two nations came in the Round of 16 back at Korea-Japan 2002, where the Germans ground out a narrow 1-0 victory over the South Americans, courtesy of an 88th-minute match-winner from Oliver Neuville that finally broke down a resilient Paraguayan defense.

Germany currently sit at No.12 in the FIFA World Rankings, dropping two spots since the start of the tournament. Julian Nagelsmann’s side opened with an emphatic 7-1 win over Curacao, followed it up with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ivory Coast. In their final group match, they fell 2-1 to Ecuador, though it had no real impact, as they finished the group stage with six points and top spot in Group E.

Paraguay, by contrast, head into this one as significant underdogs on paper. The South Americans currently sit at No.37 in the FIFA having climbed four spots after their victory over Turkey in the group stage.

Despite a tricky group, Paraguay advanced as one of the eight best third-placed teams, setting up a daunting first knockout test against one of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights.

Germany returns to the knockout stage

Beyond the rankings and the result against Paraguay, simply being back in the knockout rounds represents a notable milestone for Germany. The four-time champions failed to escape the group stage in both 2018 and 2022, a stunning fall from grace for a nation that had reached at least the semifinals in eight of its previous ten World Cup appearances before that.

Paraguay’s historic return to the World Cup stage

Regardless of today’s result, Paraguay have already exceeded expectations simply by making it back to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Their best-ever finish came at that very tournament in South Africa, where La Albirroja reached the quarterfinals, while they’ve also made the Round of 16 on three separate occasions throughout their history.

After suffering a medial ligament injury in his left ankle against Ivory Coast, Nico Schlotterbeck will be absent from Germany’s defensive line. Unlike other cases in the tournament, he will not return to the national team, as his recovery is reportedly expected to take two months. As a result, head coach Julian Nagelsmann loses his defensive leader for one of Germany’s most important matches of the 2026 World Cup.

Julian Nagelsmann will not be able to replace Schlotterbeck in Germany’s 2026 World Cup roster, as the deadline to do so has already passed. As a result, they will have to rely on Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Malick Thiaw, and Waldemar Anton as alternatives in defense. Nevertheless, Nico has decided to remain with the national team, staying with the squad and offering support as a leader in the dressing room.

While Paraguay are not a brilliant attacking team, they could cause significant problems for Julian Nagelsmann’s team through their aerial play. There, Nico Schlotterbeck’s absence could be felt greatly, as he is one of the tallest players in the defensive line. In addition, they will also be without his outstanding ability to play out from the back, something that very few defenders in the squad can offer, forcing structural changes.

Who will take Schlotterbeck spot in Germany’s defense vs Paraguay?

After the evident defensive problems against Ecuador, Germany arrive with major warning signs ahead of their match against Paraguay. Because of this, head coach Julian Nagelsmann has decided to continue with Antonio Rüdiger as Jonathan Tah’s ideal partner. Although both are very experienced players, they are not as impressive in building out from the back as Nico Schlotterbeck.

With less effectiveness in playing out from the back, Germany will rely on Joshua Kimmich as constant support for the defensive line. However, Aleksandar Pavlović will have to take on a more important role in progressing the ball, as he is the strongest in that aspect. Facing a very solid defensive line, the defense will have to play a key role, looking for through balls or trying to gain an advantage through aerial play.

Musiala will begin the match on the substitutes’ bench following a tactical choice by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The manager has opted to sacrifice the playmaker’s flair and creativity in favor of a more physical, robust starting lineup designed to go toe-to-toe with a notoriously stingy Paraguayan defense.

To execute this game plan, Nagelsmann has moved Kai Havertz into the attacking midfield role behind the striker, the space typically occupied by Musiala. Meanwhile, the vacant No. 9 position will be filled by Deniz Undav, who has emerged as Die Mannschaft‘s top scorer with three goals this tournament and will serve as the physical target man to battle Paraguay‘s center-backs.

This marks the first time in Musiala’s World Cup career that he will start a match on the bench. The Bayern Munich star was a locked-in starter throughout the entire group stage, just as he was during Germany’s pre-tournament friendlies against Sweden and the USMNT.

After netting a goal in Germany’s dominant 7-1 opening win over Curacao, Musiala followed up with two quiet performances against the Ivory Coast and Ecuador. His inability to dictate the tempo or generate high-quality chances in those subsequent matches ultimately prompted the 23-year-old’s drop from Nagelsmann’s starting XI.

Nagelsmann’s thoughts on Paraguay

During his pre-match press conference, Nagelsmann highlighted the unique challenges posed by the South American side: “They play a very defensive football, they have a direct style of play, and they are in very good physical condition. They are an uncomfortable opponent for us and will demand a lot from us.“

The German manager emphasized Paraguay’s proficiency in direct long-ball execution, keeping a compact defensive block, and aggressively fighting for second balls. Anticipating a grueling, physical battle, Nagelsmann structured a lineup built to handle those aerial demands and ground duels, a tactical shift that ultimately forced Musiala out of the XI.

Germany enters the knockout stage following a group stage campaign that included dominant wins over Curacao (7-1) and the Ivory Coast (2-1), alongside a shocking 2-1 upset at the hands of Ecuador, marking the first time a South American nation has ever defeated them in the group stage. After snapping their post-2014 curse to finally advance past the opening round, the Germans are now focused on restoring the program to its traditional powerhouse status.

Paraguay, meanwhile, punched its ticket to the knockout rounds as one of the tournament’s top third-place finishers. La Albirroja rebounded from a heavy 4-1 loss against the USMNT to secure a crucial 1-0 win over Turkey and a gritty, scoreless draw against Australia. Competing in their first World Cup in 16 years, the South American side is aiming to replicate their historic 2010 run, which saw them reach the quarterfinals.

In a major boost for Paraguay, star playmaker Miguel Almiron returns to head coach Gustavo Alfaro’s starting XI. The Atlanta United star was issued a costly red card during the group stage match against Turkey, forcing him to sit out the group finale against Australia due to a one-game suspension. With his ban now served, Almirón slides right back into the lineup to spearhead La Albirroja‘s attack.

Nagelsmann calls for a ‘perfect match’ against Paraguay

Having conceded just twice during the group stage, Paraguay rode a resilient, defense-first identity into the knockout rounds, presenting a structural blueprint that will be incredibly difficult to break down. For Nagelsmann, navigating this defensive minefield means Germany will need to execute flawless football to avoid another unexpected setback.

During Sunday’s pregame press conference, Nagelsmann broke down Paraguay’s direct, physical approach and issued a clear directive to his squad: “They try to stay compact, win their duels, and look to contest the second balls. When they win that second ball, they play direct, trying to look for space in behind. They have very good players, they defend well, and they are strong, physical footballers. We need a perfect match tomorrow.”

Confirmed lineups for Germany and Paraguay

Germany’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Antonio Rudiger, Jonathan Tah, Nathaniel Brown; Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic; Leroy Sane, Kai Havertz, Florian Wirtz; Deniz Undav.
Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann.

Paraguay’s confirmed lineup (4-5-1): Orlando Gill; Juan Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Jose Canale, Junior Alonso; Miguel Almiron, Damian Bobadilla, Andres Cubas, Matias Galarza Fonda, Julio Enciso; Gabriel Avalos.
Head coach: Gustavo Alfaro.

“I was waiting for extra time to bring on Neymar. I spoke with him. If we weren’t winning, or if the match was still tied, he was coming on in the 60th or 65th minute. But we were ahead, and I didn’t want to change the structure, because the team had control of the game,” Ancelotti said.

During the match, Ancelotti brought on Endrick at the start of the second half, then introduced Gabriel Martinelli in the 66th minute. The Arsenal forward ended up being decisive, scoring the late winning goal that sent Brazil through to the next round.

Ancelotti also addressed Lucas Paqueta and Casemiro, who left the field with some physical discomfort. “We have to evaluate them tomorrow, it was a very demanding match,” the coach said regarding the two midfielders.

Brazil’s next rival

Having gotten past Japan, Brazil’s attention now turns to the Round of 16, where they will face the winner of Ivory Coast vs. Norway, who meet each other on Tuesday in the Round of 32. The match is set for Sunday, July 5, at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Whether Ancelotti’s side draw the Ivorians or Erling Haaland’s Norway, Brazil will know their next opponent only after that tie is settled, with both nations carrying genuine attacking threats that could pose a very different kind of challenge than the one Japan presented.

Reflecting this tournament progress on the live leaderboard index, Paraguay has climbed to a live, unofficial position of 37th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. While La Albirroja officially stepped on North American soil occupying the 41st global seat on June 11, their hard-fought path out of the initial stage of the 2026 World Cup has forced an upward trend in the algorithm.

Defying the odds to continue their campaign means their baseline metrics are trending in the right direction just as they run headfirst into a traditional elite power.

The Round of 32 Seeding Equation

The challenge ahead is clearly outlined by a massive numerical gulf on the international ladder. Germany commands the 12th spot globally on the official leaderboard, carrying a dominant tier of 1,726.22 points.

While the paper metrics present a clear separation, Paraguay’s defensive growth since their opening matchday has given them a distinct competitive identity.

Comparative Knockout Baseline & Global Rank

Gustavo Alfaro’s side shook off a heavy 4-1 opening blowout against the United States to secure their survival by executing back-to-back clean sheets. A crucial 1-0 victory over Turkiye followed by a gritty 0-0 stalemate with Australia allowed them to claim one of the highly coveted third-place wildcard tickets.

Historic context

Paraguay achieved its absolute competitive peak back in 2001, when a golden generation briefly drove them to a historic peak of 8th in the world. Conversely, their absolute lowest floor came during a severe modern transition period that saw them plummet to 103rd globally.

Because World Cup knockout ties carry the highest possible match-weight multiplier in the FIFA calculation matrix, the pitch in the Round of 32 functions as a high-yield point environment. A defeat against a giant like Germany carries almost zero mathematical penalty for a 37th-ranked underdog, giving Paraguay complete freedom to play without fear.

Japan struck first in the 29th minute, with Kaishu Sano capitalizing on a costly turnover to anchor a lethal counterattack, driving a powerful shot from outside the box to open the scoring. Brazil finally found its equalizer in the 56th minute when veteran midfielder Casemiro rose to meet a perfectly placed cross from Gabriel Magalhaes, burying a precise header into the net.

The decisive moment arrived deep in stoppage time when Bruno Guimaraes threaded a brilliant pass into the box to find Gabriel Martinelli, who unleashed a fierce strike to complete the turnaround. While Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki managed to get a hand on the ball, he couldn’t generate enough deflection to keep it out, sealing Japan’s heartbreaking elimination from the World Cup.

Brazil’s next opponent

With their spot in the Round of 16 officially locked down, Brazil will advance to face the winner of the knockout clash between the Ivory Coast and Norway, which will be decided on June 30 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The ensuing Round of 16 matchup is scheduled for Sunday, July 5th at 4 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Both the Ivory Coast and Norway reached the knockout rounds by finishing as runners-up in their respective groups, each posting a 2-1 record during the group stage. Due to the tournament’s expanded bracket structure, they represent a rare pairing where two second-place finishers were drawn directly against one another in the Round of 32.

Boasting a high-profile friendly win over France just prior to the tournament, the Ivory Coast entered the competition as one of Africa’s most intriguing wild cards. Les Elephants have lived up to that billing by going toe-to-toe with Germany during the group stage, anchored by the stellar play of standout winger Yan Diomande.

Norway, meanwhile, has successfully replicated its strong form from the UEFA qualifiers, cruising past Iraq and Senegal behind a blistering four-goal output from superstar striker Erling Haaland. However, a humbling 4-1 defeat to France in their group stage finale has raised serious questions about the Scandinavians’ defensive stability ahead of the knockouts.

Match Overview

Germany looks to continue its FIFA World Cup campaign as it meets Paraguay in the Round of 32 after winning its group and reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 2018.

Paraguay rebounded from an opening loss to the United States to advance as one of the tournament’s best third-place teams and will try to pull off the upset. With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, don’t miss this exciting World Cup showdown.

Vinícius Jr. will start for Brazil vs Japan, as he has no injuries or suspensions. After being the team’s best player in the last three matches, he will look to make the difference once again. In addition, he is aiming to close the gap on Lionel Messi in the top scorer list, as he already has four goals. Coming off a heavily criticized season, he is expected to be the most decisive player for the national team, leading the attack brilliantly.

Under Hajime Moriyasu, Japan have remained highly competitive. They know how to adapt perfectly to their opponents. Therefore, they could excel in a defensive low block against Brazil, making life difficult for Vinícius Jr. In addition, they are very quick on the counterattack, using short passes to advance into the opposition’s half. There, Daizen Maeda will be the difference-maker, as Takefusa Kubo will once again be unavailable.

Relying on ball possession and a high press, Brazil have established as one of the best attacking teams at the 2026 World Cup. To do so, Vinícius Jr. is key, as his dribbling ability and goalscoring threat make him the difference-maker. In addition, Casemiro, Gabriel Magalhães, and Marquinhos need to shine defensively, as Japan could look to take advantage of any mistake to threaten on the counterattack.

Brazil confirmed lineup vs Japan

Brazil arrive as the clear favorites to defeat Japan. To do so, head coach Carlo Ancelotti will repeat the same lineup that has performed so well throughout the tournament. Vinícius Jr. will be the cornerstone of the team, having stood out in every match. Although Neymar Jr. will be available, he could come off the bench. Beyond the attack, defensive solidity will be the other challenge, as they need to counter Japan’s counterattacks.

Considering this, Brazil will lineup as follows: Alisson Becker; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhaes, Douglas Santos; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá; Rayan, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius Jr.

Japan confirmed lineup vs Brazil

Japan will look to surprise Brazil. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu faces a major challenge, as he will not be able to count on Takefusa Kubo. Nevertheless, Daizen Maeda will look to be the difference-maker once again in the attack. In addition, Keito Nakamura will be key to breaking Brazil’s defensive line on the counterattack. Therefore, they will need to be very efficient.

With this in mind, Japan will play as follows: Zion Suzuki; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Shogo Taniguchi, Hiroki Ito; Keito Nakamura, Junya Ito, Daichi Kamada, Kaishu Sano; Ritsu Doan, Daizen Maeda; Ayase Ueda.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete tactical matchday review.

The entire episode centers around Canada’s dramatic Round of 32 clash against South Africa. In a tight, tense tactical battle where neither side wanted to give an inch, midfielder Stephen Eustáquio emerged as the ultimate hero, striking a sensational 92nd-minute volley to seal a thrilling 1-0 victory. The historic win officially punches Canada’s ticket to the World Cup Round of 16 for the first time in country history.

Adrian breaks down the match structure, evaluating how the squad managed to maintain defensive discipline before finding their dramatic breakthrough in stoppage time. The conversation reflects on the sheer scale of the achievement, tracking Canada’s remarkable evolution from a team that historically struggled on the big stage to a legitimate knockout force.

You can stream the entire celebratory recap right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Update on Spotify to get the complete analysis of Eustáquio’s historic goal, standout individual performances, and early tactical keys for the next round.

Despite being one of soccer’s most iconic figures, Santos star Neymar has not been named in the Seleção’s starting XI for the upcoming 2026 World Cup clash against the Samurai Blue.

The rationale behind his role on the substitutes’ bench is a strict matter of match fitness management. The 34-year-old is undergoing a highly calculated conditioning program after recovering from a grade two calf muscle injury suffered in mid-May. While he successfully returned to the field for a brief, emotional 15-minute cameo in Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage win over Scotland, Ancelotti is taking no structural risks with a player who is still finding his competitive legs.

How Long Before a Full Return?

Because his calf recovery has cleared all clinical milestones, the technical team’s progression timeline is centered entirely on building raw endurance rather than repairing tissue damage.

If the five-time world champions can navigate past Japan’s highly disciplined pressing system today, Neymar’s integration plan looks highly optimistic:

• Current Phase: Eased in as a second-half impact sub with a projected ceiling of 20 to 30 minutes depending on match flow.
• Projected Full Match Sharpness: Expected by the Quarterfinals (July 10–11), provided he suffers no muscular setbacks.
• Ultimate Tournament Target: Reaching 100% capacity for a potential deep knockout run through the semifinals.

Easing Back From an Ultra-Long Layoff

Neymar’s calf injury was a cruel blow that forced him to sit out the opening two matches of Group C against Morocco and Haiti. However, his physical battle stretches far beyond this summer.

His Matchday 3 appearance against Scotland actually marked his first competitive minute for the national team in 980 days, a massive absence dating all the way back to his devastating ACL tear against Uruguay in October 2023.

Given the sheer length of that structural layoff, pushing the veteran into a high-intensity knockout game from the opening whistle would go against the medical staff’s blueprints. Ancelotti made his cautious approach very clear to the media ahead of the match: “Neymar is capable of playing more than 15 minutes now, but his role will entirely depend on the context and the live evolution of the match.”

Instead of forcing a full 90-minute shift, Brazil is utilizing the emerging 19-year-old talent Rayan on the flank to preserve their tactical rhythm while keeping Neymar as a premium weapon for later in the game.

The definitive reason behind his omission is a lingering left-knee injury. The 25-year-old midfielder originally sustained the injury during Japan’s intensely physical tournament-opening draw against the Netherlands, forcing him to miss the subsequent group-stage matches against Tunisia and Scotland.

Kubo’s absence compounds an already devastating medical crisis for Japan. The Samurai Blue arrived in North America completely stripped of their core leadership group, with key stars Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino, and veteran captain Wataru Endo all ruled out of the tournament due to severe pre-camp injuries.

Projected Recovery Time: When Will Kubo Return?

Because this knee injury involves a bone bruise and localized swelling rather than structural ligament damage, Kubo’s 2026 World Cup campaign is not officially over.

Neither the player nor the Japan Football Association (JFA) have locked in a rigid medical timetable, opting instead to monitor his progress day by day. If the Samurai Blue can orchestrate an upset against Brazil without him, the medical staff is circling Friday, July 3, or Saturday, July 4 as a realistic target window for his return.

This timeline would make him available for a potential Round of 16 appearance, giving his knee the critical rest required to clear the remaining inflammation and handle full-contact training.

Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s Verdict

There was a late surge of optimism in the Japanese camp just 24 hours before kickoff. On Sunday, June 28, Kubo was cleared by the medical staff to return to light group training for the first time since the opening matchday. Heavily taped up, the winger even expressed confidence to local media, stating he felt “in a good state.”

However, manager Hajime Moriyasu opted for maximum caution during his pre-match press conference, choosing protectiveness over rushing his star asset back into an intense environment against a physical side like Brazil: “I’m hoping for a speedy recovery and he’s doing everything he can to pick up his conditioning, [but] he will not play in the Brazil game.”

While Kubo has progressed enough to potentially earn a highly restricted, emergency seat on the substitutes’ bench, he lacks the competitive match fitness and tactical sharpness required to handle the tracking and defensive work rate demanded by the starting eleven.

Tactical Adjustments: Who Fills the Void?

Kubo’s absence forces a structural adjustment in Moriyasu’s transition blueprint. To compensate for the loss of Kubo’s elite half-space progression, the Samurai Blue will lean heavily on the technical versatility of Ritsu Doan.

The tactical priority shifts toward maintaining a hyper-compact midfield block designed to disrupt Brazil’s passing channels before launching rapid counters through the wings.

Stepping onto the pitch at Houston Stadium, Brazil maintains the 5th position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with an official baseline of 1,785.19 coefficient points.

Their Asian opponents present a starkly different, heavily organized challenge that will test Brazil’s creative build-up play. Japan enters the matchup occupying the 17th spot globally on the Inside FIFA leaderboard, sitting on a steady foundation of 1,673.68 points.

The Knockout Equation

Brazil’s progression out of the group phase featured a resilient run, recovering from an early tactical stalemate against Morocco to comfortably stake their claim in the upper half of the bracket.

Japan, conversely, used structural counter-pressing to complete an undefeated run through Group F to book this specific cross-confederation ticket.

The table below outlines the tournament metrics and global rankings for the two opponents:

Comparative Knockout Baseline & Global Rank

Brazil’s Historical FIFA Ranking Dominance

A review of Brazil’s positioning on the international ladder underscores their status as the ultimate benchmark program in soccer history. The South American heavyweights hold the absolute record for longevity at the top of the sport, having spent a staggering 5,070 days at No. 1 in the world across multiple eras.

While their current 5th-place standing is a step back from their historic ceiling, the squad’s structural balance under Ancelotti has stabilized their core point accumulation.

Because World Cup knockout fixtures carry the highest mathematical weight within the FIFA calculation matrix, the stakes in Houston extend directly to the global leaderboard. A win within normal time would yield a substantial coefficient payout to shield their top-five status, while a slip-up against the 17th-ranked Samurai Blue would trigger a steep mathematical penalty.

After navigating a highly competitive Group F cycle without tasting defeat, Hajime Moriyasu’s squad is preparing to step on the pitch for their toughest structural challenge yet. In the latest data release, Japan holds the 17th position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with a coefficient baseline of 1,673.68 points.

The team blocking their path to the quarter-finals represents a traditional powerhouse looking to stamp its authority on the bracket. Brazil occupies the 5th spot globally on the official Inside FIFA leaderboard, carrying an elite tier of 1,785.19 ranking points.

While a gap of twelve spots separates the two teams on paper, the tactical discipline displayed by the Samurai Blue suggests this Round of 32 clash will be far tighter than the baseline numbers indicate.

The Knockout Landscape: Group Positions and Global Rank

Japan’s passage to the single-elimination bracket was forged through impressive resilience, including a dominant 4-0 shutout of Tunisia and a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Sweden. Because they advanced as the second-place qualifiers from their pool, they find themselves matched up directly against the traditional heavyweights.

The table below outlines the tournament metrics and international standings for the respective brackets:

Historical milestones

Evaluating Japan’s trajectory on the global leaderboard reveals a narrative of long-term ascension. The country bottomed out at its lowest historical floor in December 1992, when they drifted at 66th in the world.

Through a methodical, decades-long soccer master plan, they managed to scale the mountain to reach an absolute historic peak of 9th globally in the late 1990s, cementing their current status as the benchmark program of the AFC confederation.

Under the mathematical rules governing the FIFA ranking system, a single-elimination World Cup fixture offers massive leverage to the lower-seeded team. Because the algorithm protects lower-ranked sides from severe point drops while heavily rewarding giant-killing acts, Japan stands to gain an astronomical coefficient increase with an upset victory.

Japan have become one of the most solid national teams in the tournament. Head coach Hajime Moriyasu has managed to implement a very versatile style of play. Therefore, they may not struggle much against Brazil’s attack, as they know how to sit deep defensively. In addition, they excel through their wing-backs, who create space for Daizen Maeda and Ritsu Doan to shine, causing major problems for the opposition’s high press.

Brazil have regained their attacking brilliance at the 2026 World Cup. With Vinícius Jr. as their main attacking star, they have managed to break down opposing defenses by dominating possession and pressing their opponents high up the pitch. The double pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães is key to controlling the midfield, while Gabriel and Marquinhos will be crucial in limiting Japan’s counterattacks, which are usually very efficient.

What happens if Brazil win over Japan?

In case Brazil secure a victory over Japan, they will immediately secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. With this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team could prove the doubters wrong, emerging once again as a top contenders again. They would face the winner of the tie between Ivory Coast and Norway on July 5. Hajime Moriyasu’s team would post its worst World Cup performance since the 2014 tournament, as it reached the Round of 16 in the previous two editions.

What happens if Brazil draw to Japan?

If Brazil and Japan draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. Therefore, they would play two 15-minute periods. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided and would face Ivory Coast or Norway on July 5.

What happens if Brazil lose to Japan?

A defeat for Brazil against Japan would eliminate them immediately from the 2026 World Cup. With this, Carlo Ancelotti’s team would produce their worst performance in recent years, as from 2006 through 2022 they reached at least the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Hajime Moriyasu’s team would match the performance of their previous two editions. In addition, they would have the chance to reach the quarterfinals for the first time.

The definitive reason for the 28-year-old’s absence is a tear of the biceps femoris in his right leg. The injury occurred on June 19 during Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage triumph over Haiti in Philadelphia, forcing him to leave the pitch prematurely.

Subsequent clinical medical scans confirmed a recurrence of the exact same hamstring injury that sidelined him for five weeks during the European club season in March.

Raphinha’s projected recovery timeline

Though his absence creates an immediate void in creative set-pieces and direct wide play, Raphinha’s 2026 World Cup campaign is not yet officially over. The medical department has laid out a clear roadmap for his return if Brazil can navigate past Japan today:

• Current Status: Undergoing an intensive, three-session daily rehabilitation program in New Jersey.
• Optimistic Return Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026.
• Potential Stage: Round of 16 (facing the winner of the Ivory Coast vs Norway matchup). In his place, Ancelotti has leaned on youth, handing 19-year-old Bournemouth winger Rayan the starting role on the right side to link up with Vinícius Júnior and Matheus Cunha.

Tactical preservation and training decision

While Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar initially ruled Raphinha out for at least two matches, the winger has taken an unconventional approach to his immediate recovery. Rather than travelling with Ancelotti’s squad to Texas to sit on the bench, Raphinha stayed behind at Brazil’s primary training headquarters in New Jersey.

The technical staff and player mutually agreed that enduring a three-hour commercial or private flight would severely disrupt his rigorous rehabilitation itinerary. By remaining at base camp, the forward is able to complete three intensive, controlled physical therapy sessions per day.

Match Overview

Brazil begins its Round of 16 journey after cruising to the top of its group, with Morocco offering its toughest challenge. Now, Vinicius Jr. and company are focused on securing a place in the quarterfinals.

However, Japan stands in their way after showing it can compete with the world’s best, highlighted by an impressive draw against the Netherlands. With a spot in the last eight at stake, don’t miss this thrilling knockout clash.

Making their World Cup debut, Cape Verde was drawn into a daunting Group H alongside powerhouse nations Spain and Uruguay, as well as Saudi Arabia, with most experts expecting the African side to quietly exit in the opening round. Instead, after grinding out three consecutive draws, including a shocking 0-0 clean sheet against Spain and a thrilling 2-2 tie with Uruguay, Cape Verde advanced as runners-up to book a knockout stage date with the reigning champions.

During his postgame press conference following the win over Jordan, Scaloni was asked about the upcoming matchup and immediately preached respect for the tournament underdogs: “On Cape Verde, I’m not surprised they qualified. They made things very difficult for every opponent they faced. They are a tough team and they’ll make life difficult for us. They frustrated Spain, one of the tournament favorites. Uruguay couldn’t beat them, and neither could Saudi Arabia.“

Despite the massive disparity in soccer pedigree between the two nations, Scaloni refuses to overlook the island nation. “Based on everything we’ve seen at this World Cup, we have to be very careful. They play good football, they have quality, they’re fast, and even though some people might think it won’t be a contest, I can assure you that they’re a great team and they’ll make things difficult for us.”

Argentina has been perfect so far, scoring eight goals while conceding just once, with Messi pacing the tournament’s Golden Boot race. While potential future opponents like Austria appear far more menacing on paper than Cape Verde, the Argentine manager is treating this single-elimination match with the utmost seriousness, knowing that unlike their opening-match stumble against Saudi Arabia in 2022, the knockout rounds offer no second chances.

Messi on the bench: A selfless decision, says Scaloni

One of the biggest storylines heading into the Jordan match was the decision to leave Lionel Messi on the substitutes’ bench. Many expected the Inter Miami superstar to start and pad his historic goal tally against a weaker opponent, especially with Argentina’s top spot in the group already secured. Ultimately, the legendary captain didn’t enter until the second half, a tactical decision that Scaloni revealed was actually proposed by Messi himself.

When questioned about Messi’s relentless pursuit of records, Scaloni emphasized that individual accolades were the furthest thing from the playmaker’s mind: “Today he could have played 90 minutes and could have, without disrespecting the opponent, perhaps grown that legend even more, but he also preferred for his teammates to get minutes, he also preferred to think about what’s ahead, and that speaks volumes because he doesn’t think about those numbers that people talk about so much.“

After subbing on in the 60th minute, Messi needed just 20 minutes to convert a trademark free kick and extend his all-time World Cup record to 18 goals, a feat Scaloni credits to the squad’s collective harmony. “I’m happy because he decided on that. When I spoke to him he said that was what was best. I agreed as well. I think that speaks a bit to what what the Argentine national team, the group, his teammates represent to him, and that is honestly wonderful,” Scaloni concluded.

Kicking off the Round of 32 at SoFi Stadium, Canada dominated the tempo against South Africa but struggled to find the breakthrough on the scoreboard. Just as extra time loomed, captain Stephen Eustaquio controlled a loose clearance with his chest and unleashed a brilliant first-time strike in stoppage time to secure the dramatic match-winner.

As the historic victory was finalized, Marsch gathered his roster at midfield for an emotional huddle caught by the broadcast cameras: “Guys. Think about the two years we’ve been together. Think about how we talked about sticking to the plan, sticking to who we want to be, playing aggressive, accessing the quality, you guys showing your character.“

The American manager then emphasized the gravity of the triumph, framing it as a defining moment for the future of soccer in the country. “You guys are Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes! Canadian heroes for the future children of this country, who play this sport. This sport has a big future because of you guys. You should be so proud of who you are. You should be so proud of this game. You never lost belief. You went after it. Point after point, moment after moment. You are Canadian heroes,” Marsch concluded.

Appointed just ahead of the 2024 Copa America, Marsch took the reins of the Canadian national team following a challenging stint with Leeds United in the English Premier League. After guiding the team to a fourth-place finish at the Copa America and a third-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League, this historic run on soccer’s grandest stage stands as his defining achievement.

What’s next for Canada?

The 2026 tournament marks Canada’s third World Cup appearance in history, and their first as a co-host, having entered the competition without ever advancing past the group stage, all while superstar Alphonso Davies was sidelined by injury. Even with the Bayern Munich star unavailable to start, Les Rouges defied the odds to finish second in Group B and reach the knockout rounds.

The grueling win over South Africa ensures Canada will make its debut in the World Cup Round of 16, where the competition will only get stiffer. Their next match is scheduled for Saturday, July 4th, when they will face the winner of the heavyweight clash between the Netherlands and Morocco in Houston.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s next game with Portugal is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, when they face Croatia for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at Toronto Stadium. The forward is heading to the game after sitting second in Group K following a 0-0 draw against Colombia.

The icon’s 2025-26 domestic campaign with Al Nassr has officially drawn to a close, meaning he won’t suit up for the Saudi Arabian powerhouse until next season. His club campaign ended on a high note on Thursday, May 21, when he secured the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 victory over Damac FC, emphatically snapping his silverware drought since arriving in the Middle East in late 2022.

So far this season, the Portuguese icon has scored 30 goals and provided 4 assists in 37 games for Al Nassr, while netting 5 goals in 5 UEFA World Cup qualifiers and 2 in the 2026 World Cup for Portugal, with his personal account in 975 career goals.

Ronaldo faced long break due to FIFA schedule

After his stunning bicycle-kick goal against Al Khaleej, Cristiano Ronaldo was rested for Al Nassr’s midweek AFC Champions League Two match. But from that point forward, the Portuguese star endured a 24-day gap without competitive action, a result of the upcoming FIFA competition schedule.

From December 1 through 18, Qatar hosted the second edition of the FIFA Arab Cup, with the final between Morocco and Jordan played at Lusail Stadium, the same venue as the 2022 World Cup final.

With several Saudi Pro League players involved, including stars of the Saudi Arabian national team, clubs, including Al Nassr, were unable to meet domestic player requirements, forcing the SPL into a temporary pause during the tournament.

Lionel Messi’s next match with Argentina is scheduled for Friday, July 3, when La Albiceleste take on Cape Verde for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens. The forward is heading to the game after scoring a free kick in the 3-1 win against Jordan, extending his record in the competition to 18 goals.

As for his next game with Inter Miami, Major League Soccer has implemented break for the World Cup, with the 2026 regular season slated to resume after the international tournament concludes in mid-July. To jumpstart their defense of the MLS Cup trophy, the Herons will return to action by hosting the Chicago Fire at Nu Stadium on Wednesday, July 22.

During the World Cup, Messi featured in all three matches for Argentina scoring six goals to cement his legacy as the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 18 career World Cup goals. As for the 2026 MLS campaign, Messi has featured in 16 official matches so far across all competitions for Inter Miami, scoring 13 goals with 7 assist registered thus far.

Lionel Messi and the task of defending the World Cup title

The year 2026 will be especially significant for Messi, not only because of Inter Miami’s ambitions but also because he’ll head into the 2026 World Cup aiming to defend the title. The triumph in Qatar in 2022 marked one of the defining peaks of his career, and now in North America he’ll enter another tournament wearing the champions’ badge for the first time.

Drawn into Group J, Argentina will open its campaign against Algeria on Tuesday, June 16, in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium. The second match will be against Austria on Monday the 22nd in Arlington at AT&T Stadium, before closing the group stage against Jordan on Saturday the 27th, also in Texas.

The Argentina FA has announced that the national team will base itself in Kansas City during the tournament, though training facilities have yet to be confirmed. Expected to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi will have a chance to add to his record haul with a squad coached by Lionel Scaloni that remains one of the strongest in international soccer after winning the last World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles.

Fueled by an inspired Vinicius Junior, Brazil captured the top spot in Group C ahead of Morocco, who finished second on goal differential after both sides earned seven points. Now, the Canarinha is gearing up for a tricky Round of 32 clash against Japan on Monday, June 29th, a formidable test, though certainly not their steepest potential hurdle.

In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Ronaldo was asked to name his frontrunners to win the 2026 World Cup, and the iconic forward didn’t mince words: “France, Spain, and Argentina are playing very good football, they are highly competitive, and Germany is always dangerous. Those are Brazil’s biggest rivals for the title.“

While the road to the final is long, the tournament’s bracket topology could favor Brazil regarding when they face fellow heavyweights. The Canarinha is situated on a side of the bracket shared only with archrivals Argentina, setting up a potential semifinal blockbuster, while France, Spain, and Germany are all locked on the opposite side, meaning Brazil wouldn’t see them until the final.

Should Brazil get past Japan, they would advance to face either the Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16. A potential quarterfinal matchup looms against England based on FIFA rankings, ensuring that their journey toward the championship match will be anything but a cakewalk.

Ancelotti is the man to deliver the sixth star, says Ronaldo

After overcoming a career-threatening string of knee injuries, Ronaldo Nazario scripted an unbelievable comeback at the 2002 World Cup, claiming the Golden Boot to lead his country to glory. That triumph, however, marks the last time the South American powerhouse lifted the trophy, and after 24 years of searching for their elusive sixth star, Ronaldo believes the solution has arrived in Ancelotti.

When pressed about the Italian manager’s credentials, the former Real Madrid and Barcelona icon offered a glowing endorsement: “I have enormous confidence in his work and in his ability to calm the environment and get the best out of his players. He understands football like few others and he knows how to handle pressure. I wouldn’t choose any other coach at this moment for the Selecao.“

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the CBF solidified its long-term vision by extending Ancelotti’s contract through 2030, ensuring he will guide the nation into the next tournament cycle. Having conquered the club game as the most decorated manager in UEFA Champions League history with five titles, Ancelotti is now eager to replicate that golden touch on the international stage.

Given his pedigree and leadership style, Ronaldo is convinced that Ancelotti’s locker-room presence is exactly what Brazil needs to secure the title. “I believe in it, and I think man-management is actually the main factor making a difference today. And Ancelotti knows exactly how to manage very high-level players, how to motivate a squad, and how to create a favorable and relaxed environment for the team. Brazil needs that now more than ever, because the pressure tied to this drought just keeps growing.“

After securing their place in the Round of 16, Canada will face the winner of the match between Morocco and the Netherlands, which will be decided on June 29. The match will take place on July 4 at 1:00 PM EST at Houston Stadium. Having already made history, Jesse Marsch’s team arrive with no pressure, as they are only adding to their legacy in World Cup history.

Whether they face the Netherlands or Morocco, it will represent Canada’s toughest challenge of the tournament. So far, they have not faced any national teams considered top contenders. For that reason, head coach Jesse Marsch may decide to make some tactical adjustments while keeping the main idea: Defensive solidity and efficient counterattacks. With a golden opportunity to secure a quarterfinal spot, they will enter the match highly motivated.

Both Netherlands and Morocco shine with their attacking prowess, dominating possession and pressing high. Therefore, Canada would need to strengthen their defensive solidity. They have one major advantage: they are very strong on the counterattack. Even without dominating possession, they usually find their way into the opposition’s penalty area. However, their main challenge will be finishing, as they need to be more efficient in the scoring side.

Jesse Marsch changed the course of Canada’s World Cup history

Canada’s first appearance at a World Cup came in 1986 under head coach Tony Waiters. However, they failed to win any of their matches, losing to France, Hungary, and the Soviet Union. After that appearance, they were absent from the tournament for 36 years until returning at Qatar 2022. Far from improving, they once again lost all three of their matches, against Belgium, Croatia, and Morocco. However, Jesse Marsch changed everything.

Unlike previous editions, Canada did not have to qualify, as they entered the tournament as a co-host. They have had their best performance in their history at the 2026 World Cup. After reaching the Round of 32, they defeated South Africa, proving to be a highly effective team on the counterattack. Head coach Jesse Marsch has been the key figure behind that success, giving the team a flexible tactical identity that thrives through its wide players.

Far from defining Jesse Marsch’s team with only one style, they achieved a bigger objective: Adapting to their rival. Against offensive rivals, they know how to sit back and contain the attack. With this, they go out on the counterattack, taking advantage of their speed on the wings. Since their fourth place at the 2024 Copa América, they have been consistent with their style, building a very eye-catching project. With this, the head coach has already left a historic legacy.

“Radiological tests performed on Yeremy Pino ruled out a fracture, diagnosing him instead with an acromioclavicular sprain. Meanwhile, Nico Williams suffered a muscle injury to his right adductor after a heavy impact caused by a tackle during the match against Uruguay. Both injuries are considered moderate, and their recovery will determine their availability for the remainder of the World Cup,” the Royal Spanish Soccer Federation reported on its website.

No recovery timeline has been provided for Nico and Yeremy, but both will remain with the Spain squad, suggesting that neither injury is serious. However, they may not return until the later stages of the tournament. As a result, Luis de la Fuente will have far less squad rotation than expected in the upcoming matches. With this in mind, all eyes are on Lamine Yamal, who must step up and deliver another standout performance.

While Yeremy Pino arrived at the 2026 World Cup injury-free from Crystal Palace, Nico Williams came into the tournament after a season marked by physical problems. The 23-year-old star suffered a groin injury, muscle overload, two cases of pubalgia, and a thigh injury with Athletic Bilbao. Therefore, Spain may choose not to rush his recovery, using him only as an impact substitute if he returns. This differs from Pino, who could make an earlier return.

Victor Muñoz and Dani Olmo could take center stage for Spain

Throughout the 2026 World Cup, head coach Luis de la Fuente has strongly backed Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena as his starting wingers. Therefore, the absences of Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino would not be a major blow to his current tactical approach. Instead, Spain will place their hopes on Víctor Muñoz and Dani Olmo, who could take on more prominent roles as backups in the upcoming matches.

Even though Víctor Muñoz is still dealing with physical issues, Luis de la Fuente revealed that he is close to recovering. As a left winger with strong dribbling ability, he could offer Spain tactical alternatives against teams such as Croatia or Portugal, their likely opponents in the Round of 16. Likewise, Dani Olmo can play on either wing, making him key to giving Lamine Yamal or Álex Baena some rest.

Luis de la Fuente could also rely on Ferran Torres. With a more goalscoring and central profile, Spain would gain additional tactical options. In addition, Pedro Porro or Marcos Llorente could occupy the entire flank, complementing the team. However, Víctor Muñoz and Dani Olmo are the leading candidates to step up because of their profiles and experience in the role, as they have regularly played there for the national team and delivered strong performances.

During the group stage, a deadlock after 90 minutes of regulation meant both teams split the points, earning one apiece. That format is thrown out the window in the knockout rounds, where a winner must be determined on the day.

If a knockout match remains tied at the end of the regulation 90 minutes, the game will head into extra time. Teams will play an additional 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves, pushing the total match length to 120 minutes in an effort to find a breakthrough.

While some regional tournaments, like the Concacaf Champions Cup, utilize away-goals rules as a primary tie-breaker, the World Cup operates differently. Because these knockout matchups are single-leg, winner-take-all games, away goals carry no weight, even if one of the competing nations happens to be one of the three tournament hosts.

During extra time, the brief 15-minute halves mean there are no scheduled hydration or cooling breaks like those occasionally seen in regulation. To help combat player fatigue, however, both managers are granted one additional substitution and one extra stoppage window, bringing their match totals to six available substitutes across four windows.

Penalties: The ultimate tie-breaker

If the scoreboard remains deadlocked after 120 minutes of grueling regulation and extra time, a penalty shootout will serve as the final tie-breaking mechanism. The sequence begins with a pre-shootout coin toss at midfield, allowing captains to choose which end of the pitch to use, typically aiming for the side housing their own supporters, and whether to shoot first or second.

In the shootout, each manager selects their initial penalty takers, with both teams receiving up to five alternating attempts from the spot. Teams can still recover from an early miss, but if a team falls mathematically behind during the five-round cycle and cannot catch their opponent, the match is instantly over.

Should the teams remain completely deadlocked after the initial five rounds, the shootout transitions into sudden death. From that point on, teams alternate single penalty kicks until one side scores and the other misses, leaving no second chances for the defeated squad.

Listen to the full preview on Spotify to hear all 16 bracket predictions.

The knockout breakdown kicks off with an analytical look at the tournament’s fairytale underdogs. Adrian evaluates how co-hosts Canada can navigate past a resilient South Africa squad that just pulled off a shocking group finale, before tracking whether the Cinderella run of Cape Verde can survive a daunting defensive test against Lionel Messi and Argentina.

The episode goes on to dissect massive blockbuster matchups locked into the bracket. The show features deep tactical previews for heavy-hitting clashes like Brazil taking on an organized Japan, a European-African chessboard battle between Morocco and the Netherlands, and a high-stakes meeting between Portugal and Croatia.

You can stream the entire tactical overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV Knockout Preview on Spotify to see if you agree with Adrian’s predictions before the single-elimination drama kicks off.

Listen to the full analysis on Spotify to catch up on all the tactical breakdowns.

The biggest storyline of the tournament unfolded in Group H. Uruguay’s World Cup campaign came to a crashing, premature end after a decisive clash with Spain. Capitalizing on Uruguay’s misfortune, tournament darlings Cabo Verde managed to pull off a historic qualification breakthrough, securing their spot in the Round of 32 following a parallel draw against Saudi Arabia.

Over in Group I, the highly anticipated heavyweight clash between France and Norway failed to deliver its expected tactical fireworks. With knockout qualification already secured, Norway opted to completely rest their starting lineup, allowing a full-strength French side to comfortably cruise through a low-intensity match.

The daily wrap-up also evaluates a frustratingly anti-climactic finish in Group G. A high-stakes encounter between Senegal and Iraq was completely derailed just 13 minutes into the match by an early red card, altering the entire tactical landscape and suffocating the competitive drama for the remainder of the evening.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to get the complete breakdown of final group tables, shocking bracket shifts, and upcoming knockout matchups.

Listen to the full episode on Spotify to hear the complete matchday analysis.

The program kicks off with a review of the latest tournament action, headlined by Portugal’s emphatic 5-0 dismantling of Uzbekistan—a match that saw their attacking front finally click into gear. The hosts contrast that dominant display with England’s frustrating, scoreless 0-0 draw against an organized Ghana squad, alongside crucial group victories for Croatia and Colombia.

The focus of the discussion then shifts heavily toward Canada’s massive upcoming showdown against Switzerland to determine the winner of Group B. The duo breaks down how Jesse Marsch’s team can handle the pressure of this winner-take-all scenario, evaluating tactical midfield replacements for the injured Ismael Koné and how a fully available Alphonso Davies impacts their transition game.

The episode concludes with a comprehensive preview of the remaining final matchday fixtures, including a fascinating Group C meeting between Brazil and Scotland. The guys outline the various qualification math and knockout-round paths for contenders like Mexico, Morocco, and South Africa as the group stage draws to a dramatic close.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out The 90th Minute on Spotify to stay completely up to date on all the latest tactical lineups, group tiebreakers, and upcoming matchups.

Listen to the full analysis on Spotify to catch up on all the tactical breakdowns.

The headline shock emerged from Group E, where a heavily favored Germany side was completely exposed by Ecuador. The Germans looked sluggish and incredibly poor when in possession, ultimately conceding twice to an Ecuadorian side that typically averages less than a goal per game.

The drama spilled over heavily into Group D as well. Despite already being mathematically eliminated from the tournament, Türkiye played spoilers by putting together a passionate performance to defeat co-hosts USA. While the Americans still look ahead to the knockout rounds, the loss exposes critical structural issues before the high-stakes games begin.

The daily wrap-up also evaluates the final configurations of Group F, where Japan and Sweden fought out a dense tactical draw, while the Ivory Coast successfully conquered debutants Curaçao. The episode concludes by mapping out the official tournament bracket, highlighting massive locked-in Round of 32 heavyweight blockbusters including Japan vs. Brazil and Netherlands vs. Morocco.

You can stream the entire daily overview right now. Check out the Rabona TV World Cup Recap on Spotify to get the complete breakdown of the latest goals, final standings, and upcoming knockout analysis.

To help navigate this massive tactical minefield, popular soccer content creator Adrian Sousa of Rabona TV has dropped a comprehensive, must-watch predictions guide breaking down every single knockout matchup.

The breakdown offers an in-depth look at every analytical layer, whether you’re following the path of the reigning world champions, an intriguing clash between the USA and Bosnia, or the tournament’s biggest underdog stories. This projection mapping covers it all.

Watch: Rabona TV’s Round of 32 Predictions

You can watch the full tactical analysis and predictions video directly below:

Navigating the Bracket: Video Chapters and Key Clashes

With sixteen blockbuster matches spaced out across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, Rabona TV systematically details the tactical blueprints required for survival. The breakdown structure allows viewers to instantly jump to specific matches of interest:

• 00:00 – Intro
• 01:05 – South Africa vs Canada
• 02:55 – Brazil vs Japan
• 04:22 – Morocco vs Netherlands
• 06:20 – Norway vs Ivory Coast
• 07:57 – USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
• 09:30 – Argentina vs Cape Verde
• 11:10 – Germany vs Paraguay
• 12:50 – France vs Sweden
• 14:08 – Belgium vs Senegal
• 15:25 – Portugal vs Croatia
• 17:16 – Mexico vs Ecuador
• 18:27 – England vs DR Congo
• 19:27 – Colombia vs Ghana
• 21:13 – Australia vs Egypt
• 22:42 – Spain vs Austria
• 23:57 – Algeria vs Switzerland
• 25:19 – Predictions vs Supercomputer
• 27:14 – Outro

Lionel Messi became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, from the Round of 16 at Qatar 2022 through Argentina’s most recent group-stage match of the 2026 edition against Jordan. With this, he surpassed Cristiano Ronaldo in the tournament’s history while also overtaking Jairzinho and Just Fontaine, who had previously shared the record with six consecutive World Cup matches with a goal.

While Cristiano is one of the greatest players in history, he is not close to Messi’s record. His best scoring streak came between the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, when he scored in three consecutive matches. With this likely being his final edition, he would not have enough time to equal his record, as Portugal would have to reach the final and he would need to score in every match. Even then, he would only reach a streak of four consecutive scoring games.

In the Round of 32, Argentina will face Cape Verde, one of the tournament’s best attacking teams. There, Lionel Messi will have the chance to score again and extend his lead over Jairzinho, Just Fontaine, and Cristiano Ronaldo. In addition, he will be looking to strengthen his position as the tournament’s top scorer, as he already has six goals and still has several matches ahead where he will aim to score again and lead his national team to the final.

Messi joins Pelé and three legends as World Cup free-kick scorers list

After starting Argentina’s first two matches, head coach Lionel Scaloni decided to leave Lionel Messi on the bench against Jordan. With the victory already well on track, the 39-year-old star entered the match in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martínez. Showing his quality, he scored a stunning free-kick to give his national team their third goal. With that strike, he joined Pelé and three other legends on an exclusive list of World Cup free-kick scorers.

Lionel Messi has joined Pelé, Rivelino, Bruno Genghini, and David Beckham as the only players to ever score two or more free-kick goals in the World Cup, according to MisterChip, a well-known statistician in soccer. With a couple more games ahead, the 39-year-old star could become the undisputed leader in this ranking if he scores more free-kick goals in the 2026 World Cup.

On Saturday, Colombia and Portugal battled for the top spot in Group K in a highly anticipated Matchday 3 fixture that ultimately ended in a scoreless draw in Miami. Sporting their respective captain’s armbands, Rodriguez and Ronaldo shared a warm, amicable moment together on the pitch just before the opening whistle.

Speaking to ESPN after the match, Rodriguez was asked about the pregame reunion and took the opportunity to reflect on their long-standing bond: “He is a great friend, he is a great person. Since I arrived at Real Madrid, when we were both younger, we formed a beautiful friendship; I was always at his house.“

Real Madrid signed Rodriguez following his breakout season at AS Monaco and a stunning Golden Boot performance for Colombia at the 2014 World Cup. Over the course of three seasons together in Spain, a stretch that included lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy, the duo forged a powerful bond that has endured to this day.

The Colombian playmaker concluded by praising the Portuguese icon, who is currently competing in his record-breaking sixth World Cup. “He is a great person and an example because of everything he has done. At 41 years old, look at what he’s like, the physique he has. It’s because he is a great athlete and a person I admire a lot and hold dear,” Rodriguez stated.

Who will Colombia and Portugal face next in the World Cup?

Colombia vs. Portugal was one of the marquee matchups of the group stage finale with the Group K crown on the line, and while both sides created dangerous opportunities that forced spectacular goalkeeper saves, the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate. Rodriguez pulled the strings with five key passes but couldn’t find the breakthrough, while Ronaldo endured a tough day at the office, limited to just 35 touches and a single shot on target.

With the teams splitting the points, Colombia topped the group with seven points, while Portugal advanced as the runners-up with five. As both nations move on to the Round of 32, Rodriguez and Colombia will square off against Ghana on July 3rd in Kansas City, while Ronaldo’s squad is set for a heavyweight clash against Croatia on July 2nd in Toronto.

Davies will begin the match on the bench due to a tactical decision by head coach Jesse Marsch. While the fullback has regained full fitness and participated in recent training sessions alongside his teammates, the American manager has opted for a cautious approach to avoid any risk of a setback. Rather than throwing him straight into the starting XI, Marsch intends to ease him back into action with minutes off the bench.

During Saturday’s press conference, Davies joined Marsch to address the media. Canada’s head coach opened up about the situation, explaining that rushing the Bayern Munich star back during the group stage would have been too risky, and that sitting him out during that stretch was done “in the best interests of Alphonso and his career and his health.“

Following the medical staff’s carefully managed recovery plan, Marsch confidently updated the media on Davies’ current status: “Now he’s truly available. We have Alphonso back and healthy and ready to perform, I think it’s a big moment for the team and a big boost for the team. He’s a big X factor for us. Being on the pitch, the belief they have in him, the belief he has in himself, I think changes the possibility of what the potential of our team is, and what we can do in this tournament.”

Instead, Marsch has opted to deploy Richie Laryea at left back. Laryea has started every single game of this World Cup for Canada, turning in standout performances. Still, it remains to be seen whether Davies will slot back into his usual defensive role for Bayern Munich when he takes the pitch, or play in the more advanced attacking role he typically occupies for the national team.

The Round of 32 begins

Despite finishing second in their group, Canada earned a favorable matchup against the runners-up of Group A, a spot shockingly claimed by South Africa after rebounding from a rocky start to secure a draw and a historic win over South Korea. This Sunday, June 28th clash kicks off the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, with both nations vying for a historic, first-ever berth in the Round of 16.

The match will take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, with the winner advancing to face either the Netherlands or Morocco, two powerhouse opponents boasting far deeper historical pedigrees in the tournament.

Canada have shined as one of the most consistent national teams. While imposing an offensive approach, they also shine in defensive task. To chase the victory, Tajon Buchanan and Liam Millar are set to be key to break the defensive line. Moreover, Jonathan David will also play a huge role, opening gaps within the centerbacks and chasing the goal.

While Alphonso Davies is the main star of Canada, he has yet to make his debut at the 2026 World Cup. After suffering a hamstring injury at the beginning of May, he has been recovering, missing the entire group stage. Jesse Marsch has made it clear that he will be available to have some minutes, but he will start from bench. With this, he will look to avoid relapses on his injury.

Without being a particularly impressive attacking team, South Africa reached the knockout stage by prioritizing defensive consistency. Therefore, Hugo Broos is expected to stick with his two defensive lines. However, their counterattacks are very dangerous, as they are capable of forcing defensive mistakes from their opponents. Without a striker in top form, they could instead shine through their aerial game, where several players can shine.

South Africa confirmed lineup vs Canada

South Africa are looking to upset Canada with a more conservative approach. Head coach Hugo Broos will be without Themba Zwane due to the red card he received in the opening match against Mexico. However, he will keep a similar lineup that helped them shine against South Korea, with Mbekezeli Mbokazi leading the defensive line. In addition, Thapelo Maseko will once again have the task of making the difference in front of goal.

With this in mind, South Africa will play as follows: Ronwen Williams; Khuliso Mudau, Ime Okon, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba; Yaya Sithole, Teboho Mokoena; Thapelo Maseko, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis; Evidence Makgopa.

Canada confirmed lineup vs South Africa

Canada have proven to be one of the most consistent teams at the 2026 World Cup. Relying on an attacking approach, head coach Jesse Marsch has excelled in every aspect, as his team have also been solid defensively. Therefore, they will bet on a similar lineup, looking to dominate the match and impose their goalscoring threat. In addition, Alphonso Davies could be a key impact substitute.

Considering this, Canada will lineup as follows: Maxime Crépeau; Alistair Johnston, Luc De Fougerolles, Derek Cornelius, Richie Laryea; Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio, Nathan-Dylan Saliba, Liam Millar; Jonathan David, Tani Oluwaseyi.

South Africa have not stood out as an attacking team, but they have managed to reach the knockout stage by relying on their defensive solidity. With two defensive lines, they have managed to trouble most of their opponents, wearing them down physically. They then break quickly on the counterattack, forcing defensive mistakes from their opponents. However, they excel in the aerial game, so they will look to surprise their opponents in that area.

Both Canada and South Africa will be looking to make history at the 2026 World Cup. For the first time in their history, they are playing in the knockout stage of the tournament. In addition, one of the two teams will reach the Round of 16, marking a historic milestone. With this in mind, Jesse Marsch’s team will maintain their attacking approach, while Hugo Broos’ team will look to trouble them with their defensive strength, aiming to make it a highly competitive match.

What happens if Canada win over South Africa?

In case Canada secure a victory over South Africa, they will immediately secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16. With this, Jesse Marsch’s team would achieve the best performance in their history. Although Hugo Broos’ team would be eliminated, they would have recorded their best performance in the history of the competition. They would face the winner of the tie between the Netherlands and Morocco on July 4.

What happens if Canada draw to South Africa?

If Canada and South Africa draw after 90 minutes, they would have to determine the winner of the tie in extra time. Therefore, they would play two 15-minute periods. In case there is still no winner, the match would go to a penalty shootout, where the winner would be decided and would face the Netherlands or Morocco in the Round of 16 on July 4.

What happens if Canada lose to South Africa?

A defeat for Canada against South Africa would eliminate them immediately from the 2026 World Cup. With this, Hugo Broos’ team would secure their place in the Round of 16 for the first time in their history. There, they would face the winner between the Netherlands and Morocco in the Round of 16 on July 4. Meanwhile, Jesse Marsch’s team would leave the tournament after making history, as they had never reached this stage of the competition before.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Canada are ranked 32nd place with 1,551.07 points. They have dropped two positions in the ranking after their loss to Switzerland. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 122nd position in August-October 2014. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 26th in September of 2025.

Even though they are not at the best moment of their career, Canada remain better positioned than South Africa. Hugo Broos’ team are ranked 56th in the FIFA Rankings, gaining positions but still far behind their opponents. This reflects a clear reality in favor of Jesse Marsch’s team: they have a more complete and attacking squad than their rivals, arriving as the clear favorites to advance to the Round of 16.

Canada could look to maintain their style of play against South Africa: possession dominance and vertical possession. With this, they would create chances consistently, looking for spaces in the opposition’s resolute defense. However, Jesse Marsch’s team need to be solid defensively, as Hugo Broos’ team could be dangerous on the counterattack or take advantage of their aerial game.

Canada aim to make history at the 2026 World Cup

Throughout their history, Canada have played in three World Cup editions: 1986, 2022, and the current 2026 tournament. However, this is the first time they have secured their place in the knockout stage, reaching the Round of 32. After their improvement in recent years, Jesse Marsch could lead the national team to make history in the tournament, as they have a golden opportunity to reach the Round of 16 for the first time in their history.

As a well-balanced team, Canada enter as the favorites to defeat South Africa. To do so, Jonathan David and Cyle Larin need to deliver their best goalscoring form, creating spaces in the defense. Likewise, Luc De Fougerolles and Derek Cornelius need to counter South Africa’s aerial threat, as that is where they can cause the most damage.

Match Overview

South Africa and Canada meet with a Round of 16 berth and a new World Cup milestone on the line, as both nations look to build on breakthrough runs already marked by history. Canada advanced after a win over Qatar and a draw with Bosnia despite a loss to Switzerland.

Meanwhile, South Africa finished second in its group thanks in part to a standout victory over South Korea. Having already surpassed their previous best tournament performances, both teams now have a chance to raise the bar again in a high-stakes showdown.

According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, South Africa are ranked 56th with 1451.24 points. After their heroic victory over South Korea, they have climbed six spots in the ranking, surprising everyone. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 124th position in December 1992. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 16th in August 1996.

Even though South Africa have improved their position, they still rank below Canada in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Under Jesse Marsch, Canada have reached 32nd place with 1,551.07 points, dropping two positions after their defeat to Switzerland. This reflects a harsh reality: Hugo Broos’ team still have a lot to improve structurally to become one of the best-ranked teams again.

South Africa do not have an easy match against Canada. Just as when they faced Mexico, they could face problems overcoming the high press and creating scoring chances. Therefore, head coach Hugo Broos could once again rely on a solid defense to hit on the counterattack and try to cause damage. However, their main opportunity could come from aerial play, where they could take advantage against Jesse Marsch’s team.

South Africa’s Hugo Broos has already made 2026 World Cup history

Throughout history, South Africa have played in four World Cup tournaments, returning for the 2026 edition after a 16-year absence since 2010. In the previous three editions, they were usually eliminated in the group stage, becoming one of the tournament’s disappointing teams edition after edition. However, head coach Hugo Broos changed the history of the national team, leading them to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

After defeating South Korea in the final group-stage match, they advanced as the runners-up of Group A. While everyone thought they could qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, they exceeded expectations, writing their name into World Cup history. In addition, they have the chance to reach the Round of 16 by defeating Canada today. Therefore, they still have more history to write, but their legacy has already left a new chapter.

Zlatko Dalić has managed to restructure Croatia’s sporting project. With Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić as their veteran leaders, they have balanced their experience with young talent. As in their golden era, they have built their team around numerous midfielders to dominate the tempo of the game. However, their wing-backs have been shining, taking advantage of the space to create chances that Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic have managed to convert.

Applying a high press and a possession-based style of play, England comfortably defeated Panama. To do so, Harry Kane remained the focal point of the team, dropping deep to receive the ball. In addition, he also excelled in the goalscoring department, alongside Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford on the wings. Maintaining defensive solidity, they consistently caused problems for their opponents, showing why they are among the tournament’s top contenders.

Round of 32 venues and opponents for England, Croatia

After finishing as the winners of Group L, England will face the third-placed team from Group K, DR Congo. Far from being an easy match, they will come up against one of the most attack-minded teams at the 2026 World Cup. The Round of 32 match will be played at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 1, at 12:00 p.m. EST. As a result, Thomas Tuchel’s team will not have much time to recover before the match.

Croatia have managed to recover from their disappointing start, winning their last two matches to secure their place as the runners-up. As a result, they will face the second-place team from Group K, Portugal. The match will be played at Toronto Stadium on July 2 at 7:00 PM EST. Therefore, Luka Modrić’s team face a very difficult challenge in their bid to reach the Round of 16.

Group L Full Standings: Latest Rankings Revealed

England managed to demonstrate their favoritism in Group L of the 2026 World Cup, securing two key victories that earned them first place. Croatia secured second place with two victories, earning six points. Ghana will still compete in the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Finally, Panama delivered competitive performances, but they did not manage to earn any points in the tournament.

Argentina secured first place in the group with their victory over Austria. Under the tournament’s tiebreaking rules, head-to-head results are the first criterion, ensuring Argentina finished at the top of the standings even before their last match. The only remaining question was who their opponent would be.

To the surprise of many fans, Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. As a result, Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Miami.

Austria’s rival

From the start of the tournament, it was expected that second place in Group J would come down to Austria or Algeria. Their meeting on the final matchday drew plenty of attention because the runner-up was set to face Spain in the Round of 32.

Since Group J was the last group to conclude, both teams already knew the possible scenarios before kickoff. Austria needed only a draw to advance in that position, and that is exactly what they achieved.

The 3-3 draw with Algeria left Austria in second place on goal difference after both they and Algeria finished with four points. Austria will now face Spain in the Round of 32 on July 2 in Los Angeles.

Algeria’s rival

Algeria entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to qualify for the Round of 32. However, the result was not enough to finish above Austria on goal difference. As one of the best third-placed teams, Algeria will face Switzerland on July 2 in Vancouver.

With a knockout stage berth and the top spot in the group already locked up, La Albiceleste still pressed for a win from the opening whistle despite manager Lionel Scaloni deploying a heavily rotated lineup. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a brilliant free kick in the 19th minute, and Lautaro Martinez doubled the cushion from the penalty spot in the 31st.

Though Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back for Jordan in the 55th minute, marking the first goal Argentina conceded in the entire group stage, any hope of a comeback vanished when Messi subbed on in the 60th minute to dictate the tempo. In the 80th minute, after drawing a foul on the edge of the box, the Argentine captain stepped up to bury the free kick, sealing the 3-1 finale.

The strike further cements Messi’s legacy as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, widening the gap over Miroslav Klose and Kylian Mbappe at 16. Furthermore, the 39-year-old maestro became the first player in soccer history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

There were several memorable results during the group stage, including Cape Verde’s draw with Spain and Curaçao’s point against Ecuador. Albeit Curaçao lost by six goals to Germany, even scoring against one of the tournament favorites was a historic achievement for the nation.

Despite those surprises, there were not many unexpected eliminations, largely because eight third-placed teams also advanced to the knockout stage. Uruguay’s exit is arguably the biggest surprise of the group stage.

The 16 eliminated teams

• Group A: South Korea (3 points) and Czechia (1 point)
• Group B: Qatar (1 point)
• Group C: Scotland (3 points) and Haiti (0 points)
• Group D: Turkiye (3 points)
• Group E: Curaçao (1 point)
• Group F: Tunisia (0 points)
• Group G: Iran (2 points) and New Zealand (1 point)
• Group H: Uruguay (2 points) and Saudi Arabia (2 points)
• Group I: Iraq (0 points)
• Group J: Jordan (0 points)
• Group K: Uzbekistan (0 points)
• Group L: Panama (0 points)

The expanded 48-team format made this group stage unlike any other in tournament history. With 12 groups of four, only the top two finishers in each group were guaranteed automatic passage to the knockout rounds, while the remaining eight slots went to the best third-placed teams across the entire competition.

Among the headlines from the group stage, Argentina, France, and co-hosts Mexico all finished with a perfect nine points from nine, sending an early statement to the rest of the field. However, teams like Germany, Brazil, and Spain also enter the knockout rounds as serious threats, each having shown that they can also be called title contenders.

The race for the third-place spots produced some of the tournament’s most dramatic storylines. Ecuador, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Paraguay were among the first to punch their tickets, while Senegal, Ghana, Argelia, and DR Congo held their nerve in the closing matchday to round out the group of eight survivors.

2026 World Cup knockout stage schedule

With every group finalized, here is the complete schedule for the Round of 32, running from June 28 to July 3:

Sunday, June 28

• South Africa vs Canada — Los Angeles Stadium

Monday, June 29

• Germany vs Paraguay — Boston Stadium
• Netherlands vs Morocco — Monterrey Stadium
• Brazil vs Japan — Houston Stadium

Tuesday, June 30

• France vs Sweden — New York New Jersey Stadium
• Ivory Coast vs Norway — Dallas Stadium
• Mexico vs Ecuador — Mexico City Stadium

Wednesday, July 1

• England vs DR Congo — Atlanta Stadium
• USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — San Francisco Bay Area Stadium
• Belgium vs Senegal — Seattle Stadium

Thursday, July 2

• Portugal vs Croatia — Toronto Stadium
• Spain vs Austria — Los Angeles Stadium
• Switzerland vs Algeria — Vancouver Stadium

Friday, July 3

• Argentina vs Cape Verde — Miami Stadium
• Colombia vs Ghana — Kansas City Stadium
• Australia vs Egypt — Dallas Stadium

Messi has scored six goals for Argentina. He began the tournament with a historic hat trick against Algeria, becoming the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match, before adding two more against Austria.

Close behind him are several of the tournament’s biggest stars with four goals each, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland, who all helped France, Brazil and Norway reach the knockout stage.

Golden Boot standings

Lamine Yamal’s position

Lamine Yamal is not among the tournament’s leading scorers, having scored one goal during the group stage after returning from injury. The winger found the net in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

The first half came to an end with a balanced contest in which both teams created opportunities. Colombia controlled possession for most of the half, while Portugal grew into the game during the closing minutes, but neither side managed to find the breakthrough.

Not much changed after the break as the second half was played at a slower pace. Colombia continued to dominate possession in search of a winner, but Diogo Costa proved to be their biggest obstacle with several important saves. In the end, neither team could break the deadlock, and the draw kept the standings exactly as they were at kickoff.

Colombia only needed to avoid defeat against Portugal to seal top spot, and that’s exactly what they got, playing out a 0-0 draw in Miami to close out the group stage unbeaten. Los Cafeteros finished Group K with seven points, having also beaten DR Congo and Uzbekistan earlier in the competition.

On the flip side, Portugal had to settle for second place after failing to find a way past a well-organized Colombian defense. The Selecao finished on five points, a tally still good enough to comfortably secure their spot in the knockout stage behind Colombia.

DR Congo finished third in the group with four points after securing a crucial 3-1 win against Uzbekistan, a result that keep them alive as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams. On the other hand, Uzbekistan finished bottom of the group and are eliminated from the tournament.

Round of 32 venues and potential matchups

By virtue of winning Group K, Colombia will play their Round of 32 match on July 3 at Kansas City Stadium, against one of the wild-card third-place finishers emerging from Groups D, E, I, J, or L.

Depending on how the wild-card picture settles, Colombia’s path could open up against the likes of Ghana, Algeria, or Sweden, among other third-place contenders still waiting to learn their fate.

As for Portugal, the European side will take the pitch for its knockout opener on July 2 at Toronto Stadium. Their opponent will be Croatia, as they finished as the runner-up from Group L, after defeating Ghana in their own group finale.

For their part, DR Congo would be securing a historic qualification to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in their history, where they could potentially run into a big nation like England on July 1 at Atlanta Stadium.

Group K standings

Algeria have shown plenty of fight after a rough start, recovering from a 3-0 defeat to Argentina with a battling 2-1 comeback win over Jordan. That result leaves the Fennecs on three points, level with Austria but trailing on goal difference heading into the decider.

For Austria, the picture is similarly tight. Das Team opened with a 3-1 win over Jordan before running into a more disciplined Argentina side in a 2-0 defeat. These results leave them also on three points but with the superior goal differential, meaning a draw would be enough to send Ralf Rangnick’s side through as group runners-up.

Whoever finishes second will face Spain in the Round of 32, while the loser will be left hoping their numbers are good enough to sneak through as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.

Algeria confirmed lineup

Vladimir Petkovic will stick largely with the same setup that overcame Jordan, with Amine Gouiri continuing to lead the line after his match-winning strike last time out.

Algeria’s confirmed starting XI: Oussama Benbot; Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Jaouen Hadjam; Houssem Aouar, Nabil Bentaleb, Ibrahim Maza; Riyad Mahrez, Amine Gouiri, Fares Chaibi.

Austria confirmed lineup

Rangnick’s side arrives with a clean bill of health and little reason to change much after a controlled performance against Argentina despite the loss. Marko Arnautovic will return to the starting team, with Romano Schmid and Marcel Sabitzer offering support from out wide.

Austria’s confirmed starting XI: Alexander Schlager; Stefan Posch, Philipp Lienhart, David Alaba, Phillipp Mwene; Nicolas Seiwald, Xaver Schlager; Romano Schmid, Konrad Laimer, Marcel Sabitzer; Marko Arnautovic.

Alexis Mac Allister is fully fit to play for Argentina vs. Jordan. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to leave him on the bench for tactical reasons and to give him some physical rest. With this in mind, he is expected to make a comeback for the Round of 32, as he remains a cornerstone of the midfield. With his passing ability and defensive consistency, he is one of the main reasons behind Argentina’s consistency in their play.

Under Lionel Scaloni, Alexis has become one of the best players in the world. Although he is not a player who stands out statistically, he is the key behind the team’s ability to play out from the back and remain defensively solid. At 27 years old, Mac Allister is already one of Argentina’s regular starters, winning the 2022 World Cup, where he established in the starting lineup, and the 2024 Copa América, which saw Leandro Paredes move to the bench.

Far from Lionel Scaloni’s decision being about underestimating Jordan, he is looking to manage the minutes of his biggest stars. With six points and a significant goal difference advantage, they have almost secured first place in Group J. After coming off a very demanding season at Liverpool, head coach is looking to manage the physical workload of Alexis Mac Allister so that he is in full physical condition for the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.

Who will take Alexis Mac Allister’s spot in Argentina vs Jordan?

Argentina have decided to maintain their philosophy of play against Jordan: A high press and an attacking style. Despite the absence of Alexis Mac Allister from the starting lineup, head coach Lionel Scaloni is committed to maintaining strong control of possession. To do so, Leandro Paredes returns to the starting lineup. As one of the most experienced players in the squad, he could deliver a solid performance, having impressed in the minutes he has played.

Alongside Paredes, Scaloni has decided to rely on Giovani Lo Celso and Exequiel Palacios in midfield, looking to maintain control of possession. With this, they move from a four-man midfield to a three-man midfield, representing a major tactical change. In addition, Nico Paz emerges as the attacking midfielder, looking to create spaces in the opposition’s defense. Therefore, Mac Allister’s absence may not be felt too much against Jordan.

Fernandez will start on the bench tonight due to a tactical decision by head coach Lionel Scaloni. The Argentina boss made his intentions clear ahead of kickoff, stating that because the team has already qualified for the knockout rounds, he wanted to heavily rotate the squad to give depth players an opportunity, with the Chelsea midfielder being part of that planned rest.

Instead, Scaloni has opted for a central midfield double-pivot featuring Leandro Paredes and Exequiel Palacios, with the latter making his tournament debut tonight. Other notable players earning their first minutes of this World Cup campaign in tonight’s heavily rotated lineup include Giuliano Simeone, Giovani Lo Celso, and Marcos Senesi.

Prior to tonight’s clash, Fernandez had played every single minute of the tournament, a stat that underscores his indispensable role in the squad. Across the first two victories over Algeria and Austria, the midfielder completed 126 passes and logged 14 ball recoveries, serving as the central engine for both Argentina’s buildup play and defensive structure.

Fernandez emerges as one of Scaloni’s untouchables

One of the defining hallmarks of Scaloni’s highly successful tenure with Argentina has been his willingness to ruthlessly rotate his squad as major tournaments progress, a formula that has paid off in multiple Copa America runs and past World Cups. Yet, even within his fluid system, a select few players have established themselves as completely un-droppable fixtures, with Fernandez firmly in that elite tier.

Excluding goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, only three outfield players logged all 180 minutes for Argentina across the first two matches of this 2026 edition: defender Lisandro Martinez, alongside midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and Fernandez. Even as Scaloni utilized all five available substitutions in the matches against Algeria and Austria to manage energy levels, that core trio remained entirely untouched on the pitch.

Interestingly, none of those three ironmen were included in the starting lineup to face Jordan tonight. Sitting them completely further reinforces the reality that Martinez, Mac Allister, and Fernandez are Scaloni’s most trusted stars, being bubble-wrapped now to ensure they are at peak fitness for the single-elimination knockout stage.

Messi is expected to feature in the match, but likely as a second-half substitute. Head coach Lionel Scaloni made it clear during Friday’s press conference that Argentina’s captain will start the game on the bench, noting that while the squad is fully prepared for Jordan, he was reluctant to reveal the exact starting eleven just yet.

Along with that announcement, Scaloni hinted that “Leo will come on later,” virtually guaranteeing the legendary playmaker will log some minutes. According to TyC Sports journalist and Argentina insider Gaston Edul, the Inter Miami star is eager to get on the pitch to avoid going more than an entire week without competitive match rhythm ahead of the Round of 32.

Thus far, Messi has been in vintage form, netting five goals across the first two group matches to account for every single one of Argentina’s goals in the World Cup. Having just celebrated his 39th birthday, the iconic number 10 will also be looking to extend his lead at the top of the tournament’s golden boot race.

Argentina and Jordan enter with their World Cup fates already sealed

As Matchday 3 gets underway, the Round of 32 bracket is rapidly taking shape while the opening stage comes to a close. In the case of this matchup, the final standings for both nations have actually been mathematically decided before the opening whistle.

Following consecutive shutouts against Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0), Argentina has already secured the top spot in Group J and a date with Cape Verde in the next round. Meanwhile, tournament debutants Jordan sit at the bottom of the group after narrow losses to Austria and Algeria, leaving them completely eliminated from knockout contention.

Confirmed lineups for Jordan and Argentina

Jordan’s confirmed lineup (3-4-3): Yazeed Abu Laila; Abdallah Nasib, Yazan Al Arab Husam Ali Mohammad; Ehsan Haddad, Nizar Al Rashdan, Noor Al Rawabdeh, Mohannad Abu Taha; Ali Al Azaizeh, Ali Olwan, Odeh Fakhoury.
Head coach: Jamal Sellami.

Argentina’s confirmed lineup (3-4-1-2): Emiliano Martínez; Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso; Nico Paz; Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez.
Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.

Despite Messi entering the match as the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals, coach Lionel Scaloni has opted to start him on the bench for Argentina’s group finale. Stepping into the lineup in Messi’s place will be Nico Paz, who made his World Cup debut earlier in the tournament after coming on as a substitute against Algeria.

The decision comes down to a combination of timing and squad management rather than any fitness concern. Argentina have already secured top spot in Group J regardless of the result against Jordan, and with nothing left to play for in terms of the standings, Scaloni is using the match to reward squad members who have featured less throughout the group stage.

Scaloni was upfront about the decision when asked directly. “Leo is going to start on the bench” the Argentina coach confirmed to reporters during a press conference ahead of today’s clash. The Argentine added that “Messi will most likely play the second half” as part of a plan to manage his workload while still giving him valuable minutes before the knockout rounds begin.

Argentina’s lineup to face Jordan

For this Matchday 3 clash, Scaloni will give several players the chance to log minutes at this World Cup, making multiple changes compared to the lineup that faced Austria.

Argentina’s confirmed lineup: Emiliano Martínez; Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso; Nico Paz; Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez.

Argentina’s Round of 32 clash with Cape Verde is set

Regardless of how the Jordan match unfolds, Argentina already know exactly where their World Cup title defense continues. The result of Group H, sealed by Spain’s win over Uruguay, confirmed Cape Verde as the second-place finisher in that group, setting up a Round of 32 showdown between La Albiceleste and the World Cup debutants.

The match is scheduled for Friday, July 3 at Miami Stadium, a venue with personal significance for Argentina as they claimed the Copa America title against Colombia in 2024 in that stadium.

For Argentina, the matchup represents a clear opportunity to continue their push for back-to-back titles, but Scaloni’s side will be wary of a Cape Verde team that has already proven capable of frustrating much higher-ranked opposition, advancing without losing a single match.

Rodrigo De Paul is fully fit to play for Argentina vs Jordan. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to leave him on the bench for tactical reasons and to give him physical rest. As one of the team’s best players, his place among the substitutes has surprised everyone. Despite this, the 32-year-old star needs a rest after playing the first two matches. Therefore, he is expected to return to the starting lineup in the Round of 32.

Despite the doubts about his level after moving to Inter Miami, De Paul has proven to be one of the pillars of the midfield. As one of the best box-to-box midfielders at the 2026 World Cup, he provides remarkable balance to Argentina. Although he has recorded only one assist, Rodrigo’s impact goes far beyond the statistics. In addition, he is one of the leaders in the dressing room, influencing the younger players.

Who will take Rodrigo De Paul’s spot in Argentina vs Jordan?

Looking to give his biggest stars a rest, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to make a tactical change for the match against Jordan. Rather than looking for a direct replacement for Rodrigo De Paul, he has decided to switch from a four-man midfield to a three-man midfield. As a result, Exequiel Palacios will come into the rotation, looking to maintain creative and defensive solidity.

Alongside Exequiel, Scaloni has decided to rely on Leandro Paredes and Giovani Lo Celso, creating great structural solidity. Surprisingly, Nico Paz also comes into the team, but he will play as an attacking midfielder behind the forwards. Even though there has been a slight tactical adjustment, the strategy to beat Jordan remains the same: Maintain attacking strength and look to press high.

Without Rodrigo De Paul in the wide midfield role, Lionel Scaloni has decided to rely on Giuliano Simeone at right back. With this, Argentina are looking for him to cover the flank almost as a wing-back, as Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez will form the strike partnership. Like the 32-year-old star, Simeone provides great defensive solidity, making him key to playing up and down the flank.

Silva will begin the match on the bench due to a specific tactical decision by head coach Roberto Martinez. Aiming for a more direct attacking approach, the Spanish manager has opted for the pure pace of Pedro Neto and Joao Felix to stretch Colombia’s defense, prompting the decision to leave the City playmaker out of the opening eleven.

This marks the second consecutive time Bernardo Silva has been named to the substitute bench during this 2026 World Cup campaign. After starting in the disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in the tournament opener, the midfielder was dropped from the lineup against Uzbekistan, logging just 14 minutes of action as a second-half sub.

Bernardo Silva emerges as the casualty of Martinez’s tactical shift

Throughout Roberto Martinez’s tenure as Portugal‘s manager, Bernardo Silva has been one of the most consistent fixtures in the starting lineup. Whether anchoring the squad during Euro 2024, the 2025 Nations League, or the demanding European World Cup qualifiers, the Manchester City midfielder was viewed as entirely indispensable.

However, the frustrating 1-1 draw against DR Congo served as a major turning point for Martinez, who quickly realized he needed to overhaul his midfield dynamics for the rest of the tournament. To inject more fluidity and balance, the Spanish coach decided to install PSG’s built-in double pivot of Vitinha and Joao Neves to control the center of the pitch.

With the two PSG stars anchoring the deeper midfield roles, only one advanced central slot remained available, which naturally went to Bruno Fernandes after his spectacular campaign as the Premier League’s 2025-26 Player of the Season. This tactical reshuffle forced Bernardo Silva out to the right wing, where his lack of raw, explosive pace and isolated 1v1 dribbling eventually caused him to lose his starting role.

With no central midfield openings left and a clear tactical preference for traditional, speedy wingers on the flanks, the City captain has suddenly been relegated to a bench role. It is a high-stakes gamble by Martinez to sit one of his most trusted veterans, and the final result against Colombia will dictate the fallout of this massive selection decision.

Despite this being a meaningful match where a win would lift Portugal into first place, the Spanish coach has opted to rest the PSG midfielder from the opening whistle. Stepping into the starting lineup in place of Neves is Ruben Neves, who joins Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes in central midfield.

The decision comes down to qualification math rather than tactics. Portugal have already clinched their spot in the Round of 32 regardless of the result against Colombia, after Cape Verde’s result in Group H confirmed their place among the competition’s best third-placed teams even in a worst-case scenario.

With qualification already secured, the only thing left to play for against Colombia is first place in Group K, something Portugal can still claim with a win. But unlike a true must-win scenario, that incentive was not enough to keep Martinez from rotating one of his most important midfielders.

Portugal’s potential Round of 32 rivals

If Roberto Martinez’s side beats Colombia and finish first in Group K, it would stay in the United States for a Round of 32 clash at Kansas City Stadium against a third-placed team from Group D, E, I, J, or L.

Should Portugal settle for second place in the group, their path would instead lead to Toronto Stadium, where they would face Croatia, as they finished as runner-up of Group L.

Either way, Portugal’s reward for getting through the group stage is a guaranteed change of scenery for the knockout rounds, with the exact opponent set to come into focus once today’s full slate of fixtures wraps up.

Cristian Romero suffered discomfort in his right knee in the last match against Austria. However, he does not appear to have suffered a serious injury, as he reportedly underwent an MRI scan that confirmed there was no ligament damage, as per Gastón Edul, a well-known Argentinean journalist. While the president of the Argentine Soccer Association (AFA), Claudio Tapia, stated that no such MRI took place, his injury still appears to be less serious than expected.

“I think he’s doing well. He didn’t train today, and he didn’t train with the group yesterday either, but he’s taking part and doing intense work. At this point, it’s less serious than we thought. We’ll see how he progresses over the next few days, but it’s much less serious than we expected, and that gives us peace of mind,” Lionel Scaloni told ESPN.

With this already being the second injury to his knee this season, Cristian Romero may not appear as a starter in the Round of 32, but rather until the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. With this, head coach Lionel Scaloni would look to reduce the possibility of a recurrence of the knee injury, which would be quite serious. In addition, Argentina maintain great squad depth, making it not so necessary to force his physical condition.

Who can take Cristian Romero’s spot in Argentina vs Jordan?

As one of the best national teams at the 2026 World Cup, Argentina may not have too much trouble defeating Jordan. Following Cristian Romero’s injury, Lionel Scaloni will rely on Nicolás Otamendi as the leader of the defense, according to Gastón Edul. With this, he is looking to add experience and leadership, as Otamendi delivered a strong performance against Austria and has proven to be one of the team’s best players despite his veteran status.

Alongside Otamendi, Scaloni could make more adjustments to the defensive line vs Jordan. As a result, Nicolás Tagliafico, Marco Senesi, and Gonzalo Montiel could start for Argentina. Far from underestimating their opponents, they are looking to give their biggest stars some rest, as they are very close to securing first place in Group J. Nevertheless, they are still aiming for a victory to arrive at the knockout stage in top form.

On Friday, with Spain holding a 1-0 lead over Uruguay, head coach Luis de la Fuente subbed out Lamine Yamal to give Williams some valuable match rhythm in the 76th minute. Deep into stoppage time, with La Celeste on the verge of tournament elimination, Nicolas de la Cruz leveled Williams with a reckless, heavy tackle that left the forward crumpled on the pitch.

Following the final whistle, De la Fuente confirmed that Williams left the field experiencing severe discomfort, and subsequent medical tests revealed a brand-new muscle tear. Devastated by the diagnosis, the Athletic Bilbao star posted an emotional message to his fans detailing his physical and mental struggles.

“Today is one of the worst days of my life,” Williams wrote on his social media accounts. “I am injured again after a very complicated year, in which pubalgia won many battles against me, but not the war. I managed to overcome it with hard work, sacrifice, and, above all, responsibility.“

While detailing the immense psychological toll of his season-long battle with chronic groin pain and a pre-tournament hamstring strain, the winger directly addressed the costly incident against Uruguay: “Yesterday, a new injury was inflicted upon me following an action in which a fellow professional acted out of frustration, discontent, and sadness over the situation he was going through. It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.“

Despite his clear frustration with De la Cruz’s reckless tackle, the dynamic winger made sure to thank the fans for their overwhelming support as he begins his rehabilitation. “The story has not ended; see you as soon as possible in this World Cup,” Nico Williams concluded.

Is Nico Williams out of the 2026 World Cup?

Following the physical battle against Uruguay, both Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino emerged as major injury concerns, leaving their tournament status up in the air. However, the RFEF issued a official medical update on Saturday, offering a glimmer of hope by indicating that neither player has been ruled out for the remainder of the competition.

“Radiological tests performed on Yeremy Pino rule out a fracture, diagnosing him with an acromioclavicular sprain,” the Spanish Royal Federation’s statement read. “For his part, Nico Williams is suffering from a muscle injury in his right adductor following a heavy trauma caused by a tackle in the match against Uruguay. Both injuries are of a moderate grade, and their recovery progress will determine their availability.“

While the federation’s medical staff refused to rule the duo out entirely, they noted that both players still have a realistic chance of featuring if Spain makes a deep run. Spain’s high-stakes Round of 32 clash is scheduled for Thursday, July 2nd, against either Austria or Algeria, a turnaround time that is likely too short for Williams to return, though a deep tournament run by La Roja could open the door for a later appearance.

Having successfully realized a generation-defining dream by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, the Asian representatives are embracing an unforgettable learning experience. Heading into this historic on-field assignment, Jordan sits at 72nd in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, carrying 1,355.89 coefficient points on the live global scale.

Argentina moved to second place in the FIFA rankings after France’s victory over Norway. The massive statistical separation between Argentina and Jordan sets up the single biggest ranking disparity in the section, giving Jordan the ultimate “nothing to lose” freedom on the pitch.

Group J standing and global rank

Jordan enters this match following highly competitive, yet educational losses against Austria (3-1) and Algeria (2-1). While Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina has already punched its ticket to the Round of 32 with a perfect six points, the underdogs are playing for national pride and a historic performance.

The group metrics shape up as follows before the simultaneous kickoffs:

Historical trajectory

Jordan’s presence at 72nd in the world marks a steady consolidation period compared to their deeper historical data. The nation recorded its absolute lowest structural floor in July 1996, when they slid all the way to 152nd globally.

Conversely, their absolute competitive peak was reached during a brilliant continental cycle in late 2004, when they briefly climbed to an all-time high of 37th in the world.

Leao will start on the bench due to a tactical decision by Martinez. Since the start of the tournament, the AC Milan forward has primarily been utilized as a reserve, and after failing to fully impress in his limited minutes over the first two matches, the Spanish manager has opted to keep him in a super-sub role.

For this high-stakes clash against Colombia, Martinez has chosen an attacking frontline featuring Joao Felix and Pedro Neto on the left and right wings, respectively. They will flank Bruno Fernandes, who is set to operate as the central attacking midfielder directly behind star striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Thus far in the tournament, Leao has featured in both games for Portugal, though his playing time has been strictly limited. He logged just 19 minutes off the bench in the opener against DR Congo and played 13 minutes against Uzbekistan, which was still enough time for him to score the final goal of that 5-0 rout in the 87th minute.

Joao Felix and Rafael Leao battle for a single role

The disappointing 1-1 opening draw against DR Congo exposed Portugal’s lack of verticality and elite dribbling against a compact, disciplined defense. In response, Martinez adjusted for the second match by shifting Pedro Neto to the right wing, benching Bernardo Silva, and inserting Joao Felix as the primary creative force on the left flank.

Over the last few months, Leao had been Martinez’s preferred option when looking for an explosive, right-footed left winger to cut inside and unbalance opposing backlines. However, Joao Felix’s breakthrough season at Al Nassr has not only secured his spot on the roster but has completely vaulted him ahead in the pecking order for a starting role in the World Cup.

Felix recently defended Ronaldo against intense media scrutiny and highlighted their strong on-field chemistry, a crucial factor that heavily influences Martinez’s lineup decisions. Despite his clinical goal against Uzbekistan, the AC Milan star will once again have to wait for his opportunity to make an impact as a second-half substitute.

This promises to be a tense match even though both teams have already qualified for the next round. Colombia lead the group with six points, meaning a draw would be enough to secure first place. Portugal, meanwhile, must win after dropping points in their draw with DR Congo.

Colombia sit at the top of the standings after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and edging DR Congo 1-0. Portugal are second with four points following their 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. DR Congo are third with one point, while Uzbekistan are bottom without a point.

Colombia vs Portugal lineups

For this match, Néstor Lorenzo opted for the following lineup for Colombia: Camilo Vargas, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Deiver Machado, Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba and Luis Díaz.

Roberto Martínez picked this lineup for Portugal: Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Their next match

The winner of Group K will play a third-placed team on July 3, while the runner-up will face England, Ghana or Croatia, whoever finishes second in Group L, on July 2.

Lionel Scaloni’s side wrapped up top spot in the group well before kickoff, cruising through the first two matchdays with a 3-0 win over Algeria followed by a 2-0 victory over Austria, a performance in which Lionel Messi scored twice to surpass Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. That run leaves the defending champions on a perfect six points, already through as Group J winners regardless of what happens against Jordan.

Jordan, meanwhile, arrive at this fixture with their tournament already over. The World Cup debutants opened with a 3-1 loss to Austria before falling 2-1 to Algeria, leaving them on zero points and eliminated heading into the final round of group games.

Because both teams’ fates are already sealed, the result of this match will have no bearing on who advances out of Group J. The real stakes for second and third place rest entirely on the simultaneous Algeria vs Austria clash in Kansas City, which will decide the group’s runner-up.

What happens if Argentina beat Jordan?

A win for Argentina would close out the group stage with a perfect nine points, the best possible send-off for Scaloni’s side ahead of the Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde at Miami Stadium.

What happens if Argentina and Jordan draw?

A draw would leave Argentina on seven points, still comfortably the group winners and unaffected in terms of seeding, since their place atop Group J was already mathematically locked in. For Jordan, a draw would mean ending their World Cup debut with a single point on the board.

What happens if Argentina lose to Jordan?

Even a loss would not threaten Argentina’s position, since their six-point cushion from the first two matchdays guarantees them top spot in Group J no matter the result against Jordan.

For Jordan, an upset win would provide a respectable note to end their historic first World Cup campaign on, lifting them to three points, but it would still leave them well short of catching either Algeria or Austria in the race for third place, ending their tournament at the bottom of Group J.

This placement follows a highly consistent qualification cycle in CONMEBOL under head coach Nestor Lorenzo. The matchday opponent represents one of the highest-seeded teams in the entire tournament structure. Portugal occupies the 8th spot globally with 1,766.74 points.

This creates a statistical gap of only three places on the international ladder ahead of the Group K kickoff.

Group K leaderboard context

The positioning of both nations dictates the mathematical stakes of this fixture. The official point baselines establish Portugal as the theoretical favorite, but Colombia’s on-field performance in Group K has already disrupted basic paper predictions.

The table below outlines the global rankings and points for the Group K field:

Group K global metrics

Historical data and algorithm mechanics

A review of Colombia’s historical trajectory highlights the team’s long-term recovery. The nation recorded its lowest structural floor in June 2011, dropping to 49th globally. Conversely, the team reached its highest competitive peak during the summer of 2018, climbing to 3rd in the world following consecutive knockout-stage appearances.

The mathematical structure of the FIFA ranking system provides distinct leverage to lower-ranked teams in head-to-head matches. Because the algorithm calculates weight based on the rank proximity of the opponents, Colombia stands to gain a significant coefficient increase with a victory or a draw.

Match Overview

The stakes are sky-high in this Group K finale, as the top spot is on the line in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage. Colombia enters this clash leading the group, needing only a draw to secure a more favorable path in the knockout rounds. Their consistent and composed performances have positioned them well, but they face their toughest test yet against a formidable opponent.

Portugal, currently trailing by two points, has a clear objective: win. After a stunning 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan where Cristiano Ronaldo found his scoring touch, Roberto Martínez’s squad is brimming with confidence. This match is a direct battle for control of the group, with the winner earning a significant advantage and the loser facing a much more challenging opponent in the Round of 32.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The two nations have arrived at this crucial juncture through different paths. Colombia has been a model of consistency, securing two professional victories, including a hard-fought 1-0 win over a DR Congo side that held Portugal to a draw. Their organized approach and clinical execution have made them a difficult team to break down throughout the 2026 tournament.

In contrast, Portugal shook off an underwhelming start to deliver a statement win. Their tactical identity revolves around dominating the ball, boasting an average of 70% possession in their first two games. The key to this match will be whether Portugal‘s patient, possession-based attack can unlock Colombia‘s defense, or if Colombia‘s rapid counter-attacks, led by the electrifying Luis Díaz, can exploit the space left behind by Portugal’s advancing players.

The motivation for both squads is immense. Finishing first in Group K means facing one of the eight best third-placed teams, a significantly more favorable draw. The runner-up, however, is projected to face a powerhouse like Spain in the next round. This fixture isn’t just about winning the group; it’s about charting a manageable course through the high-pressure knockout stages of the competition.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This match marks a historic first, as Colombia and Portugalhave never faced each other in an official or friendly competition. With no direct history to draw upon, both teams will be stepping into uncharted territory, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this decisive group stage encounter.

While they have never met, we can look at their records against similar opposition. Portugal has a solid history against CONMEBOL teams at the global showpiece, with a record of two wins, one draw, and just one loss in four matches. Their most recent victory came against Uruguay in the 2022 tournament. Colombia, on the other hand, has had mixed results against UEFA nations, winning three, drawing three, and losing five of their 11 encounters.

Looking at recent tournament form, Colombia has been formidable in group play, winning seven of their last eight group stage matches. They have been prolific in that span, scoring 18 goals while conceding only five. Portugal‘s attack, fresh off a five-goal performance, will test that defensive record, setting up a classic clash of an in-form offense against a historically resilient group stage competitor.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both teams head into this critical match with nearly full-strength squads, giving their managers a wealth of tactical options.

Colombia has looked settled and confident, with no new injury concerns reported. Néstor Lorenzo is expected to field a familiar lineup, relying on the creativity of James Rodríguez in midfield and the attacking threat of Luis Díaz, who has been central to their offensive efforts. The energetic midfield duo of Jefferson Lerma and Richard Ríos provides the engine room for their balanced system.

Portugal also boasts a clean bill of health. Roberto Martínez‘s primary decisions will revolve around managing his star-studded attack. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice against Uzbekistan, is expected to lead the line. However, the immense depth provided by players like João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos gives Portugal the flexibility to adapt their strategy as the game unfolds.

Colombia Projected XI (4-3-3): Ospina; Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica; Lerma, Ríos, Rodríguez; Díaz, Arias, Córdoba.

This lineup offers a blend of defensive solidity and counter-attacking speed. Daniel Muñoz’s forward runs from right-back have been a key source of offense, while Luis Díaz provides a constant threat from the wing, capable of creating chances out of nothing.

Portugal Projected XI (4-3-3): Costa; Dalot, Dias, Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Silva, Vitinha, Fernandes; Neto, Leão, Ronaldo.

This formation allows Portugal to control the midfield through the technical quality of Vitinha, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes. The front three offers a potent mix of pace and clinical finishing, with Ronaldo serving as the focal point of the attack.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Colombia vs Portugal match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

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A subscription to Fubois available for $14.99/month. This plan includes live and on-demand access to all covered sporting events, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.

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Match Overview

Tournament debutants Jordan face the ultimate test in their final group stage match as they take on the reigning world champions, Argentina. Despite spirited performances that saw them score in their first two games, Jordan has already been eliminated from the competition. Their focus now shifts to salvaging pride and attempting to secure a historic result against one of the sport’s most dominant forces.

For Argentina, the pressure is off. Having secured the top spot in Group J with two commanding victories, this match is a dead rubber. The stakes are different for La Albiceleste; the primary goal is to rest key players, avoid injuries, and give valuable minutes to squad members ahead of the grueling knockout rounds. Still, they will be determined to maintain their perfect record and carry momentum into the Round of 32.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The final group stage match presents a stark contrast in narratives. Jordan’s historic first appearance in the finals has been a learning experience, ending in two hard-fought defeats. While they’ve shown they can find the net, their defensive vulnerabilities have been exposed. Meanwhile, Argentina has executed a flawless campaign so far, securing two wins without conceding a goal, showcasing both their offensive firepower and defensive solidity.

The tactical battle will likely be one-sided, with Argentina dominating possession and Jordan organizing into a deep defensive block. Jordan has relied heavily on a counter-attacking strategy, but their pressing has been among the weakest in the competition. Argentina‘s disciplined defense, which has allowed minimal shots on target, will be difficult to break down. The key for Jordan is to remain compact and capitalize on any rare opportunities that arise from an experimental Argentine lineup.

Motivation will be a defining factor in this clash at AT&T Stadium. With nothing left to lose, Jordan can play with a sense of freedom, aiming to end their tournament on a high and perhaps score against the champions. For Argentina, the objective is efficiency. Manager Lionel Scaloni‘s priority will be managing his squad’s fitness for the more demanding challenges that lie ahead, making a comfortable, low-risk victory the most probable game plan.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This match marks a historic occasion, as it is the first-ever meeting between Jordan and Argentina. For Jordan, playing against a South American nation is also a first in the context of this global tournament, providing an invaluable experience for the developing football nation.

While there is no direct history, Argentina has a strong record against Asian opponents in the competition, with five wins and only one defeat. That single loss was the memorable upset against Saudi Arabia in 2022, a result they quickly avenged en route to lifting the trophy. Their most recent encounter with an AFC nation was a 2-1 victory over Australia in the Round of 16 of that same tournament.

Recent form heavily favors Argentina, who are on an eight-match unbeaten run in the tournament finals stretching back to 2022. They have been defensively impeccable, keeping eight clean sheets in their last nine matches across all competitions. Conversely, Jordan has shown a worrying pattern of conceding late, letting in four goals in the final 30 minutes of their two group stage games.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Argentina is expected to make wholesale changes to their starting XI with their place in the next round secured, while Jordan arrives with a fully available squad for their final match.

With qualification assured, Lionel Scaloni will almost certainly rotate his team heavily. Key defender Cristian Romero is sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the previous match, making his rest a certainty. Superstars like Lionel Messi, who has scored all five of the team’s goals, will likely be preserved for the knockout stages. This opens the door for fringe players such as Leandro Paredes and Giuliano Simeone to get crucial minutes.

Jordan enters their final game with no reported injuries or suspensions. This allows them to field their strongest possible lineup as they seek a memorable conclusion to their debut campaign. An unchanged team from their last match against Algeria is expected, providing continuity and stability against the formidable world champions.

Jordan Projected XI (3-4-2-1): Abulaila; Abu Dahab, Al-Arab, Nasib; Abu Taha, Al-Rawabdeh, Al-Rashdan, Haddad; Al-Mardi, Olwan; Tamari.
With no personnel changes required, Jordan will likely stick with the formation and players that have served them in their first two matches. This setup provides defensive numbers while allowing their key attackers to spring forward on the counter.

Argentina Projected XI (4-4-2): Martínez; Tagliafico, Otamendi, Senesi, Montiel; González, Paredes, Palacios, Simeone; Álvarez, López.
This projected lineup reflects Scaloni‘s focus on squad management. It features a completely new set of faces, designed to keep the team’s core fresh while still possessing more than enough quality to control the match against Jordan.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Jordan vs Argentina live stream on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

A subscription to [Streaming Platform] not only gives you access to the 2026 tournament but also to a host of other soccer competitions. You can stream leagues such as Liga MX, LaLiga, and Bundesliga, making it a comprehensive package for any soccer fan.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99/month. This plan provides access to all live matches, on-demand replays, and exclusive studio content. There are no long-term contracts, so you can cancel at any time.

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Match Overview

Algeria enters this crucial Group J finale with their tournament hopes on the line. After a humbling 3-0 defeat to Argentina, the Desert Foxes showed immense character to rally from behind and secure a 2-1 victory against Jordan. That win keeps their knockout stage dreams alive, but the pressure is immense; only a victory over Austria will guarantee their advancement, making this a must-win encounter.

Austria, meanwhile, sits in a more comfortable position. Despite a 2-0 loss to group leaders Argentina, Ralf Rangnick‘s side controls its own destiny. Thanks to a superior goal difference, a draw is all they need to clinch second place and move on to the Round of 32. With a formidable record of ten wins in their last thirteen matches, the Austrians have the form and tactical discipline to manage the game and secure the required result.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The season trajectories of these two nations set the stage for a fascinating clash. Austria has been a model of consistency under Ralf Rangnick, losing only two of their last thirteen games against high-caliber opponents. Their organized and aggressive style has made them one of Europe’s tougher teams to break down. Algeria, on the other hand, has had a more turbulent path, showing both vulnerability in their opening loss and resilience in their comeback win, highlighting a team still finding its footing on the global stage.

The tactical battle will likely be decided by Austria‘s high-pressing system against Algeria’s potential for counter-attacks. Rangnick’s philosophy demands his team win the ball back immediately after losing it, which often leads to a high defensive line. This aggressive approach could suffocate the Algerian midfield, but it also presents a clear opportunity. If Algeria can bypass the initial press, they will find space to exploit in behind the Austrian defense.

Motivations are crystal clear and will dictate the flow of the match. For Algeria, there is no alternative but to attack and chase a victory. This urgency will force them to take risks. For Austria, the objective is to avoid defeat. While they are unlikely to sit back entirely, their risk-averse position means they can be more measured, picking their moments to press and attack while primarily focusing on defensive solidity to see them through.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

History offers little insight into this specific fixture, as Algeria and Austria have only met once before. That encounter took place during the 1982 World Cup group stage, where Austria emerged with a 2-0 victory. With no recent history between them, both teams will be writing a new chapter in their head-to-head record.

Looking at their broader tournament records provides more context. Austria has a strong, albeit limited, history against African nations in the competition, remaining undefeated with one win and one draw. Their last match against a CAF opponent was a 1-1 draw with Cameroon in 1990. In contrast, Algeria has historically found it challenging against European opposition, winning just one of their nine previous tournament matches against UEFA teams, alongside four draws and four losses.

Algeria‘s most recent tournament match against a European side was a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time loss to eventual champions Germany in the Round of 16 in 2014. These historical trends suggest Austria may have a slight psychological edge, but with a knockout berth at stake, past results will mean little when the whistle blows.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Austria heads into this decisive clash with a fully fit squad, while Algeria is closely monitoring the status of a key attacker.

For Algeria, the primary concern is the fitness of Mohammed Amoura, who missed the game against Jordan with an undisclosed injury. His involvement may be limited to a role from the bench. However, Nabil Bentaleb is expected to return to the starting lineup, bringing experience and defensive stability to the central midfield, likely in place of Ramiz Zerrouki.

Austria has no reported injuries, giving Ralf Rangnick a full roster to choose from. The main selection dilemma is up front, where veteran forward Marko Arnautovic could earn a start after making an impact as a substitute in the first two matches. His presence could provide the clinical edge that was missing against Argentina, potentially displacing Michael Gregoritsch.

Algeria Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Zidane; Aït-Nouri, Mandi, Bensebaini, Belghali; Boudaoui, Bentaleb; Chaïbi, Maza, Mahrez; Gouiri.
This lineup relies on the creative talents of Riyad Mahrez and Farès Chaïbi on the wings to supply chances for striker Amine Gouiri. Bentaleb‘s return is crucial for shielding the backline and controlling the tempo against Austria‘s high-energy midfield.

Austria Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Schlager; Laimer, Danso, Alaba, Posch; Schlager, Seiwald; Sabitzer, Wanner, Schmid; Arnautović.
With Arnautović potentially leading the line, Austria gains a physical and intelligent focal point. The attack is orchestrated by Marcel Sabitzer, while the midfield engine room of Xaver Schlager and Nicolas Seiwald will be tasked with executing Rangnick‘s demanding pressing game.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the Algeria vs Austria match on Fubo. The service is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and mobile devices running iOS or Android.

A subscription to Fubo not only gives you access to the 2026 tournament but also includes coverage of other top soccer competitions. You can stream matches from Liga MX or LaLiga.

The service is available for a monthly fee of $14.99/month, or you can opt for an annual plan to save on the overall cost. Special bundles may also be available that include additional sports and entertainment channels.

SEE MORE: Complete World Cup TV schedule.

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Amid this tense mathematical reality, Algeria is holding firm at 29th in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with a coefficient baseline of 1,575.64 points, positioning themselves as a dangerous, top-tier threat out of the African continent.

To punch their ticket to the Round of 32, the Desert Warriors must solve a highly disciplined European roadblock. Austria sits just a few steps ahead at 22nd globally, commanding 1,599.99 points. This razor-thin margin of only seven places on the global leaderboard confirms what tape already shows: these two squads are almost identical in quality.

Group J: Who holds the edge?

Both teams head into tonight’s simultaneous kickoff with mirrored 1-1 records after trading blowouts against Jordan and absorbing defeats to Argentina. However, the current tiebreaker rules put the ball firmly in Algeria’s court to make the aggressive first move, as a draw will not be enough.

The group layout ahead of the final whistle illustrates the exact stakes:

Because Austria holds a superior goal difference (0 to Algeria’s -2), a stalemate favors the Europeans. Vladimir Petković knows his Algerian squad cannot afford to play for a conservative point; they must actively hunt a victory to leapfrog their opponents on the live table.

Historical volatility

Algeria’s current presence in the global top 30 represents a steady stabilization period. The Fennecs historically hit rock bottom in June 2008 when a severe dry spell saw them plummet to 103rd in the world. On the flip side, their golden era following the 2014 World Cup propelled them to a historic all-time peak of 15th globally.

Tonight’s match also carries significant weight for future tournament seeding. Because the FIFA algorithm highly rewards teams that defeat higher-ranked European opposition in tournament settings, an Algerian victory would trigger a massive coefficient point windfall, likely pushing them right to the edge of the world’s top 20.

By scoring three times against Norway, Dembélé became only the fourth player in the entire history of the World Cup to score a hat trick while reigning as the Ballon d’Or holder.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward joins a highly exclusive circle of soccer royalty, alongside Eusébio, who scored four goals against North Korea in 1966, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who struck a hat trick against Chile in 1982, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who famously did the same against Spain in 2018.

The commanding victory allowed France to clinch top spot in Group I, leaving Norway in second place. In the Round of 32, Les Bleus will play on June 30 at New York New Jersey Stadium, where they will face Sweden.

Dembélé joins the Golden Boot race

Beyond the historic individual milestone, Dembélé’s hat trick also catapults the forward into the thick of the Golden Boot conversation. The Frenchman’s treble against Norway, added to his earlier goal against Iraq, lifts his tournament tally to four goals, pulling him level with Vinícius Júnior, Erling Haaland, and his own teammate Kylian Mbappé.

Sitting just above that group is Lionel Messi, who continues to lead the race with five goals through Argentina’s group-stage campaign, a tally that has already pushed him past Miroslav Klose for the most goals scored across all World Cups in history.

With the group stage now wrapping up and the knockout rounds looming, the Golden Boot picture remains wide open. Dembélé’s surge means France could realistically have two legitimate contenders for the award, giving Les Bleus added incentive to go deep into the tournament.

Portugal enters the match knowing that only victory will secure top spot in the group after opening the tournament with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo before bouncing back emphatically with a 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. Colombia, meanwhile, has won both of its opening matches and needs only a draw to finish first after victories over Uzbekistan and DR Congo.

Everything is still to play for in Group K despite both teams already putting themselves in strong positions to qualify for the knockout rounds. Colombia sits at the summit with six points after consecutive victories, while Portugal follows closely behind with four points after recovering from an underwhelming opening performance.

The stakes could hardly be higher for Roberto Martinez’s side. Victory would allow Portugal to leapfrog Colombia into first place, while any other result would see Nestor Lorenzo’s team finish atop the standings heading into the Round of 32.

Historic occasion before kick-off

According to FIFA, the Portugal-Colombia showdown has become the most in-demand group-stage match of the entire 2026 World Cup, attracting around five million ticket requests during the initial ticket allocation period. That remarkable figure makes the clash the most sought-after of all 72 group-stage matches, an extraordinary achievement considering neither nation is hosting the tournament.

The combination of Portugal’s global popularity, Cristiano Ronaldo’s worldwide appeal, and Colombia’s passionate support has produced unprecedented demand.  Resale platform StubHub also indicates that resale ticket prices climbed well beyond $6,000, highlighting just how extraordinary the interest surrounding the match has become.

Roberto Martinez forced into unusual move before Colombia clash

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez admitted that securing seats for his own family became a challenge months before the tournament even began. “Well, it means I had to buy tickets for my family in November. That’s what it means. Because I knew it was going to be difficult to get tickets.”

Martinez also reflected on soccer’s ability to unite people from different backgrounds during one of the biggest sporting events in the world: “I think it’s fascinating. The passion of the game in a difficult moment in the world. Football still brings unity, it brings passion, it brings inspiration for the kids.

All the values that you want to see in a human being are in football, in a football pitch, and that makes me extremely, extremely proud.” He concluded by saying: “So I hope football wins and inspiration of anyone that watches the game.”

At 41, Ronaldo continues to define longevity at the highest level, delivering decisive moments for Portugal in a competition that has spanned multiple eras of football. With every appearance, he reinforces a career built on relentless consistency and an unmatched hunger for records.

The Al-Nassr superstar has become the first male player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cup tournaments, a milestone achieved across the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions. This achievement places him alone in a category that highlights both longevity and sustained excellence at the sport’s highest level.

He is also Portugal’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals, surpassing Eusebio’s long-standing tally of nine. Across 24 World Cup appearances, Ronaldo has consistently delivered in key moments, making him one of the most influential figures in the tournament’s modern era.

Statement win for Portugal raises the stakes

Portugal delivered a commanding 5-0 win over Uzbekistan in Group K, responding strongly after a previous draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The match quickly turned one-sided as the veteran opened the scoring in the sixth minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Nuno Mendes added a second goal in the 17th minute, while Ronaldo struck again just before half-time to make it 3-0. Uzbekistan briefly believed it had pulled one back through Aziz Ganiev, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The second half only deepened Uzbekistan’s difficulties, with an own goal from goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov adding a fourth before Rafael Leão completed the scoring late on. The result underlined Portugal’s attacking depth and control throughout the match.

His brace against Uzbekistan carried historic weight beyond the scoreline, pushing his career international goals tally even higher and reinforcing his place among football’s greatest-ever scorers. The match also marked a symbolic moment, ending a scoring drought at major international tournaments dating back several appearances.

Portugal’s biggest match yet comes with a special Cristiano Ronaldo tribute

In recognition of his unprecedented milestone, Nike has prepared a special gift for Ronaldo ahead of Portugal’s final Group K match against Colombia. The forward was spotted training in a pair of Gold Scorpion Mercurial Superfly 11 boots, designed to celebrate his record-breaking achievement.

The custom boots feature CR7 branding in white lettering and were reportedly created after Ronaldo became the first player in history to score in six different World Cup tournaments, a feat confirmed by his brace against Uzbekistan.

According to reports shared by Fabrizio Romano and Footy Headlines, the boots were specifically designed to honor this historic accomplishment, marking yet another symbolic tribute to a career filled with record-breaking moments.

On the latest global stage, Austria holds the 22nd position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, functioning as a highly stable and competitive component of the UEFA contingent.

Standing across the pitch from them is an aggressive African side breathing down their necks on the international ladder. Algeria occupies the 29th spot globally, sitting a mere seven places behind Austria on the official FIFA leaderboard.

This thin separation sets up a direct, winner-take-all shootout: with both countries tied on three points, the winner of this match will officially secure passage into the Round of 32 alongside group leaders Argentina.

Group J standings and global rank

The positioning within this section remains exceptionally tight due to both teams matching each other’s records with three points apiece. However, Austria maintains structural possession of the second-place slot courtesy of a marginally better goal difference baseline.

The table below outlines the current group standings alongside global ranking metrics:

Historical context

A look back at Austria’s historical timeline illustrates the transformation the program has completed over the last two decades. The nation recorded its absolute lowest structural floor in July 2008, when severe competitive difficulties saw them collapse to 105th globally.

Conversely, their highest modern peak arrived in the spring of 2016, when an extraordinary qualification run briefly propelled the squad into the elite global top ten at 10th in the world.

Because the FIFA calculation matrix determines point updates based on the exact rank proximity of the two teams on the pitch, a positive result against Algeria locks down critical leaderboard value.

Rice will not start the match against Panama as he continues to recover from a minor lower-body issue. Following England‘s previous match against Ghana, the midfielder was spotted leaving the stadium with heavy wrapping around his left calf, sparking immediate concern that he had sustained an injury during the game.

Fortunately, the FA has since reported that the strapping was merely a precautionary measure and that Rice had only suffered a minor knock. The central midfielder subsequently sat out Thursday’s training session before successfully returning to practice alongside his teammates on Friday.

Despite his return to the training pitch, Rice has not yet recovered entirely from the knock. With qualification to the knockout rounds on the line, head coach Thomas Tuchel has decided against risking the Arsenal star from the opening whistle, opting to keep him on the bench with the potential to log second-half minutes to maintain match fitness ahead of the Round of 32.

England looking for the first position with an offensive lineup

During his pre-match press conference, Thomas Tuchel noted that both Rice and Elliot Anderson “had minor issues after the match but had enough time to recover.” Ultimately, the German manager chose to act conservatively with the Arsenal anchor while giving Anderson the green light to start in the midfield.

The manager made several notable adjustments following a frustrating 0-0 draw against Ghana, losing defender Reece James to injury while also dropping wingers Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke to the bench for the first time in the World Cup.

Aiming for a more attack-minded blueprint, Tuchel will deploy a dynamic double pivot featuring Anderson and Jude Bellingham, offering a much more offensive look than a traditional Rice-led midfield. Currently tied with Ghana at four points, a decisive win over Panama would place the Three Lions in a prime position to win Group L and secure a favorable Round of 32 matchup against a third-place wild card, at the moment being Senegal.

Reece James has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury after the match against Ghana. As a result, he will miss the match against Panama and the Round of 32 match, as per Fabrizio Romano. “He was not able to train in the last two days. He is now in an accelerated rehabilitation program, and we take it game by game. But we strongly believe that he will be available for us in the tournament. No one could see it coming,” he said in the press conference.

Without Reece available, England do not have any other right-back in the roster, as Thomas Tuchel only called up him, Djed Spence, and Nico O’Reilly. While he could adapt any profile in the starting lineup, no natural right-backs beyond those players were called up. Head coach needs to prove that his squad selection was not a mistake by guiding his national team to the latter stages of the tournament.

For today’s game against Panama, Thomas Tuchel has decided to bet on Jarell Quansah as right back. With his defensive focus, he maybe target to stop Panama’s counterattacks, forming a three-man defensive line. Nico O’Reilly will be the one leading the left side, with his offensive approach, complementing Marcus Rashford. Nonetheless, Bukayo Saka will need to shine with his dribbling skills and passing, to find Jude Bellingham or Harry Kane.

Reece James’ absence could haunt England in World Cup Round of 16

In case England advance to the Round of 16, Thomas Tuchel could opt for the same approach, with Jarell Quansah or John Stones as more defensive options. Nonetheless, they might have serious problems, as Senegal are their expected opponents. With Sadio Mané on that side, Reece James’ absence might be harmful. While both stars can cover the right-back position, they do not usually shine there as they do at center-back.

Reece James could return in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, but only if England reach that stage. To stop Mané’s counterattacks, Quansah or Stones may struggle to match his speed. For that reason, Elliot Anderson or Bukayo Saka may need to help the right-back by providing double coverage. Without another natural right-back in the squad, Thomas Tuchel may need to make structural changes to his defensive strategy against counterattacks.

Making their highly anticipated return to the world stage, the African side enters this match against Uzbekistan aiming to locking down a path to the single-elimination bracket. Under the latest official metrics, DR Congo sits at the 46th position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking with a coefficient score of 1,472.37 points.

Their opponent on the pitch enters the finale looking to play the role of spoiler after a demanding start to the tournament. Uzbekistan occupies the 57th spot globally on the official leaderboard, holding a total of 1,432.84 ranking points.

Group K standings and global rank

The mathematical distribution of this section highlights a clear competitive ladder. While Colombia and Portugal have claimed control of the automatic qualification spaces, DR Congo must maximize this final match to position themselves favorably within the third-place wildcard tracking system.

The table below outlines the current group metrics alongside global ranking seedings:

Group K standings and global rank

Historical context

DR Congo recorded their absolute lowest structural floor in October 2011, when an extensive rebuild caused them to plummet to 133rd in the world. Conversely, their absolute peak arrived during the summer of 2017, when a dominant continental run propelled them to a historic high of 28th globally.

Because the FIFA calculation matrix evaluates point exchanges based on the rank proximity of both competitors, a win tonight offers DR Congo an immediate coefficient reward alongside tournament survival.

With Ghana requiring only a positive result to strengthen its hopes of advancing, both national teams enter Philadelphia Stadium under enormous pressure. Croatia has little room for error after recovering from its opening defeat, making every selection decision even more significant.

Croatia enters the final group-stage fixture after collecting three points from two matches, bouncing back from a heavy defeat to England with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama. Ante Budimir’s winning goal kept Zlatko Dalic’s side alive, but the European nation still needs another strong performance to avoid relying on results elsewhere.

Ghana, meanwhile, has impressed throughout the tournament with disciplined defending and intelligent game management. The Black Stars defeated Panama before producing a resilient goalless draw against England, leaving Carlos Queiroz’s squad in an excellent position ahead of the final group fixture.

Why Josko Gvardiol is starting on the bench

Putting an end to the pre-match speculation, the team finally cleared up the mystery behind Gvardiol’s absence right as the countdown to kickoff began. According to a report from Sportske Novosti, coach Zlatko Dalic decided to leave the Manchester City defender out of the starting lineup because he has not fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered earlier this year and is still working his way back to peak competitive condition.

Rather than risking one of Croatia’s defensive leaders from the opening whistle, the coaching staff chose to carefully manage his workload with the knockout rounds still a possibility. Ivan Perisic has therefore shifted into the left-back role, while Nikola Vlasic comes into the attacking lineup to add creativity against what Croatia expects will be a compact Ghana defense.

The stakes could not be higher

Dalic’s decision demonstrates the difficult balance national team managers often face during major tournaments. Although Gvardiol remains one of Croatia’s most valuable defenders, protecting a player who is still regaining full match sharpness may prove more valuable over the course of the competition than asking him to start every fixture.

Should the Checkered Ones secure the required result, having a fresher Gvardiol available later in the tournament could become a major advantage. For now, however, the manager will trust Ivan Perisic’s versatility and Ante Budimir’s recent form as it chases a place in the Round of 32.

In fact, every minute of this contest carries enormous importance for both national teams. Croatia needs maximum points to remove any uncertainty surrounding qualification, while Ghana knows another composed performance could secure a long-awaited return to the World Cup knockout rounds.

Luka Modrić will start for Croatia, as he is fully fit and has no suspensions pending. As the central figure of the team’s play, head coach Zlatko Dalić could hand him a starting role for the third consecutive match, looking to dominate possession and limit Ghana. Despite already being 40 years old, he remains one of the tournament’s best midfielders, standing out for his vision, passing, and physical consistency.

Alongside Modrić, Croatia will start Mateo Kovacic and Martin Baturina, looking for physical strength in midfield while also having the quality to control the tempo of the game. Likewise, Marin Pongracic and Josip Šutalo will complete the defensive line. However, Ivan Perišić and Josip Stanišić will once again be key in exploiting the space behind Ghana’s defense, finding space and taking advantage of their goalscoring ability.

Ghana could cause Croatia significant problems, as they combine a solid defensive style with a highly efficient attack. Head coach Carlos Queiroz builds his team from the back to the front, relying on a low defensive block in their first games in the 2026 World Cup. However, they excel on the counterattack, breaking quickly through Kamaldeen Sulemana and Antoine Semenyo. Alongside them, Jordan Ayew will be crucial in the goalscoring side.

Croatia confimed lineups vs Ghana

As one of the most impressive national teams of the last few years, Croatia arrive as the favorites to defeat Ghana. To do so, head coach Zlatko Dalić is expected to maintain his attacking approach, with a crowded midfield led by Luka Modrić. However, defensive consistency will be crucial, as their opponents excel on the counterattack and could cause them significant problems.

With this in mind, Croatia will lineup as follows: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Nikola Vlasic, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa.

Ghana confirmed lineups vs Croatia

After surprising in their opening matches of the 2026 World Cup, Ghana will be looking for their second victory to secure qualification as the runners-up in Group L. To do so, they could repeat the same approach they used against England. However, their main challenge will be in attack, as being efficient on the counterattack will be vital if they are to score. With this in mind, Antoine Semenyo will need to shine in the attacking department.

Considering this, Ghana will play as follows: Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo; Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.

Harry Kane will start for England, as he is fully fit and has no suspensions pending. With first place in the group not yet secured, head coach Thomas Tuchel could stick with the experienced striker, as he remains the team’s best player. In addition, he will be looking to close the gap on Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland in the 2026 World Cup‘s scoring charts, arriving highly motivated.

Alongside Kane, Thomas Tuchel will rely on Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka on the wings, looking to exploit the spaces in the opposition’s defense. In addition, Jude Bellingham will once again be essential as the attacking midfielder, making runs into space. As a clearly attack-minded team, they are aiming to shine in the goalscoring department. However, the defense remains a major talking point, as they will be without Reece James at right back.

Panama have failed to make an impact at the 2026 World Cup. While they delivered competitive performances, they were unable to secure even a draw, leaving them eliminated. Nevertheless, head coach Thomas Christiansen will be looking to earn at least a draw or a victory, defeating England in what would be a historic result. To achieve this, they are expected to stick with the same tactical approach: Defensive solidity and counterattacks.

Panama confirmed lineup vs England

Looking for their first victory at the 2026 World Cup, Panama will rely on their defensive solidity as their main weapon against England. As a result, Thomas Christiansen is likely to stick with his five-man defensive line. However, they will look to attack on the counter, making use of their wing-backs and wide midfielders. Their biggest challenge will be in the goalscoring department, meaning all eyes are on Tomás Rodriguez.

With this in mind, Panama will play as follows: Orlando Mosquera; Amir Murillo, Fidel Escobar, José Córdoba, Andrés Andrade, Jorge Gutiérrez; Cristian Martínez, Yoel Bárcenas, Carlos Harvey, José Luis Rodríguez; Tomás Rodriguez.

England confirmed lineup vs Panama

England could adopt a highly attacking approach to face Panama. To do so, Thomas Tuchel will keep Harry Kane as the focal point of the attack. However, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are the players with the greatest opportunity to shine, as the veteran striker could create plenty of space for them. In addition, Djed Spence has emerged as the leading candidate to start at right back, as Reece James will miss the match through injury.

Considering this, England will lineup as follows: Jordan Pickford; Jarell Quansah, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford.

The final Group J encounter at Arrowhead Stadium carries enormous significance, with both Algeria and Austria knowing their World Cup future depends on the final whistle. Austria currently sits second thanks to a superior goal difference, while Algeria occupies third despite matching its opponent’s three-point tally.

The fixture also revives memories of one of the World Cup’s most controversial moments. The nations last met at the 1982 World Cup, where Austria won 2-0 before becoming involved in the infamous “Disgrace of Gijon,” a result that ultimately led FIFA to introduce simultaneous kickoffs during the final group-stage matches.

Algeria recovered impressively after a heavy opening defeat to Argentina by defeating Jordan 2-1, showing resilience and tactical flexibility under Vladimir Petkovic. Riyad Mahrez once again emerged as the creative heartbeat of the side, while Amine Gouiri and Nadhir Benbouali provided the goals that revived Algeria’s qualification hopes.

Austria also arrives after mixed results, opening with a convincing victory over Jordan before suffering defeat against Argentina. Ralf Rangnick’s side remains one of the tournament’s most organized teams, relying on aggressive pressing, midfield intensity, and experienced leaders such as Marcel Sabitzer, Konrad Laimer, and David Alaba.

What happens if Algeria wins and Austria loses?

An Algerian victory changes everything immediately. Algeria moves to six points and finishes second in Group J, securing automatic qualification to the Round of 32.

Austria, meanwhile, drops to third and must wait for results elsewhere to confirm if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. The win also reshapes the knockout bracket, likely sending Algeria toward a clash with a top Group H winner.

This outcome represents Algeria’s cleanest path forward, removing all uncertainty and avoiding reliance on goal difference or external results.

What happens in case of a draw between Algeria and Austria?

A draw creates the most complicated but fascinating scenario. Both teams finish on four points, but Austria retains second place due to their superior goal difference.

Austria qualify as runners-up, while Algeria finish third but remain strong contenders for knockout qualification as best third-placed side. The numbers suggest four points is usually enough to progress, making this a relatively safe outcome for both.

This scenario also revives historical echoes of cautious football between nations with shared incentives, where game control matters more than ambition in the final minutes.

What happens if Austria wins and Algeria loses?

A defeat places Algeria in serious danger. It remains on three points and drops firmly into third place with a negative goal difference, leaving its qualification hopes dependent on other groups.

Austria would climb to six points and comfortably secure second place. Algeria’s campaign would then hinge on whether its record is strong enough to rank among the best third-placed teams across the tournament.

In most projections, a loss would likely end Algeria’s World Cup journey unless other results fall perfectly in their favor.

Match Overview

DR Congo enters this final group stage match with their tournament destiny on the line. After securing a hard-fought draw against Portugal but falling to Colombia, the Leopards know that only a victory will give them a realistic chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. The urgency is palpable, as they must transition from a defensive mindset to an all-out attacking approach to secure the vital three points.

For Uzbekistan, their debut at the global tournament has been a harsh lesson. With zero points and a crushing -7 goal difference after two games, qualification is a remote possibility. This match is now about national pride and proving they can compete on the world stage. Facing a DR Congo side that must push forward, Uzbekistan has an opportunity to play spoiler and hunt for their first-ever tournament point.

Tactical Analysis & Match Context

The trajectories of these two nations in the tournament could not be more different. DR Congo has shown resilience, holding a European powerhouse to a draw before a narrow defeat. Their defensive structure has been mostly solid, but their attack has been muted, scoring just once. In contrast, Uzbekistan has been overwhelmed, conceding eight goals and looking outmatched against the group’s top teams, highlighting the gap between their domestic league and elite international competition.

The tactical battle will likely be one-sided in terms of possession. Expect DR Congo to dominate the ball and dictate the tempo from the opening whistle. Their game plan will revolve around breaking down a deep-lying Uzbek defense. Uzbekistan, managed by Fabio Cannavaro, will likely focus on staying compact, absorbing pressure, and launching quick counter-attacks to exploit any space left behind by DR Congo‘s aggressive push.

Motivation is crystal clear for both sides. DR Congo must win, and ideally by a significant margin, to bolster their chances of qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams. For Uzbekistan, the goal is to leave the tournament with their heads held high. A draw or a win would be a historic achievement and a foundation to build upon for the future, making them a potentially dangerous opponent with nothing to lose.

Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends

This clash in Atlanta will be a historic first. DR Congo and Uzbekistan have never faced each other before in either a competitive match or a friendly. This lack of shared history adds a layer of unpredictability to the encounter, as neither side has a direct precedent to draw upon for this specific matchup.

The novelty extends to their tournament experience against continental confederations. For Uzbekistan, this is their first-ever match against an African nation at the finals. Similarly, DR Congo, in their second tournament appearance, will be playing against a team from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the first time on this stage.

Despite the lack of direct history, recent trends offer insight. DR Congo‘s matches have been consistently low-scoring, with at least one team failing to score in eight of their last 11 games. Conversely, Uzbekistan has been defensively porous, conceding two or more goals in five of their last seven matches. This contrast between DR Congo‘s shy attack and Uzbekistan‘s leaky defense will be the defining statistical storyline.

Squad News & Projected Lineups

Both managers have fully fit squads to choose from, with no reported injuries or suspensions heading into this crucial final group fixture.

DR Congo manager Sébastien Desabre is expected to shift to a more attacking formation after the conservative approach against Colombia. This could see a change in midfield, with Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki potentially coming in to provide more creative energy. The focus will be on providing better service to the front two, who have been starved of clear-cut chances so far.

After a heavy defeat to Portugal, Fabio Cannavaro is also expected to make adjustments to Uzbekistan‘s lineup. Changes are anticipated in midfield to provide more defensive stability and control, with Alijonov and Mozgovoy potentially stepping in. The attacking trio will likely remain unchanged, tasked with creating chances on the break.

DR Congo Projected XI (5-3-2):
Mpasi; Masuaku, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Kapuadi, Wan-Bissaka; Moutoussamy, Kayembe, Sadiki; Bakambu, Wissa

This setup provides a solid defensive base but allows the wing-backs, Masuaku and Wan-Bissaka, to surge forward and support the attack. The success of this formation will depend on the midfield’s ability to control the game and feed strikers Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, who must be clinical in front of goal.

Uzbekistan Projected XI (3-4-3):
Nematov; Abdullaev, Khusanov, Ashurmatov; Alijonov, Mozgovoy, Shukurov, Karimov; Fayzullaev, Ganiev, Shomurodov

A flexible formation designed to stay compact defensively and expand quickly on the counter. The wide midfielders will have a demanding role, tracking back to defend while also providing the primary attacking width. All eyes will be on star forward Eldor Shomurodov to lead the line and create scoring opportunities.

More details on how to watch

You can watch the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan live stream on Fubo. The service is available on a wide range of devices, including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, a web browser, and apps for iOS and Android smartphones.

In addition to this crucial tournament match, a subscription to Fubo gives you access to a host of other soccer competitions. You can watch leagues such as Liga MX, LaLiga, and Bundesliga, ensuring you have plenty of soccer action all year round.

A subscription to Fubo costs just $14.99 per month. This plan gives you access to all the live action, as well as on-demand content and analysis shows, providing excellent value for soccer fans.

SEE MORE: Schedule of World Cup games on US TV and streaming

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