Shillong, June 26: Several teams will battle for knockout places when the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concludes with a series of crucial matches on Sunday, June 28, with qualification still hanging in the balance across multiple groups.
Panama vs England
England will look to seal top spot in Group L when they take on already-eliminated Panama at MetLife Stadium.
Thomas Tuchel’s side require a win to guarantee first place, although a draw should also be enough unless Ghana record a big victory over Croatia.
Panama, meanwhile, will be aiming to bow out on a positive note after suffering back-to-back defeats. While England have their sights set on topping the group, Panama will be hoping to end their campaign with an upset
Croatia vs Ghana
Croatia and Ghana face off in a winner-takes-all Group L encounter at Lincoln Financial Field. Ghana need only avoid defeat to reach the Round of 32, while Croatia must claim all three points to secure qualification after reviving their campaign with a victory over Panama.
Colombia vs Portugal
Already assured of a place in the knockout stage, Colombia need just a draw against Portugal to finish atop Group K. Portugal, fresh from a convincing win over Uzbekistan, must win to leapfrog the South Americans and claim first place.
Congo DR vs Uzbekistan
Congo DR’s hopes of reaching the Round of 32 rest on beating Uzbekistan in their final Group K fixture.
The African side remain without a win in the tournament, while Uzbekistan will also be chasing a positive result to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Algeria vs Austria
Algeria and Austria meet in a high-stakes Group J clash with both sides eyeing progression.
The Fennecs revived their campaign with a victory over Jordan and need another win to qualify automatically, while Austria are also in contention after picking up three points from their opening two matches.
Jordan vs Argentina
World champions Argentina will aim to maintain their perfect record when they take on already-eliminated Jordan in Dallas.
Lionel Messi’s side have already secured top spot in Group J and will look to carry their impressive momentum into the knockout stage after winning both of their opening matches.
With qualification, group positions and knockout seedings still to be decided in the upcoming matches, Sunday’s fixtures promise high drama as teams battle for survival while others look to build momentum ahead of the Round of 32. (Agencies)
