The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is coming to an end this weekend, and we already have 12 qualified teams for the round of 32. While Groups A, B, and C have concluded their matches, the upcoming matches will decide the fate of many heavyweights and underdogs.
There is tough competition in Groups G, H, L, and K, where a single defeat could keep the second team out. With eight of the 12 best third-place teams also advancing, no side can afford to be complacent. Here are the group stage deciders you must watch.
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Paraguay vs. Australia — Group D, Thursday, June 25, 10 PM EDT
The United States has already topped Group D and secured its place in the round of 32. Australia and Paraguay, however, are both level on three points, meaning the winner advances as group runners-up. The loser will have to rely on their goal difference being good enough to finish in the top eight third-place teams across all groups.
Paraguay impressed in their opener, beating Türkiye 1-0 with a goal inside the second minute — one of the earliest strikes of the tournament. They were reduced to ten men late in the first half but held firm throughout. It sets up a fascinating finale: can the Socceroos make it through, or will Paraguay march on?
Norway vs. France — Group I, Friday, June 26, 3 PM EDT
Both Norway and France have already secured their places in the round of 32 after winning their opening two fixtures, each finishing on six points. This match is not about survival — it is a straight fight to determine who tops the group.
In the concurrent fixture, Senegal takes on Iraq. Iraq has been eliminated, but Senegal still has an outside chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-place finishers. A heavy Iraq win combined with a Senegal defeat would be required for any significant shake-up, which makes Norway vs. France the real showpiece of the day.
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Uruguay vs. Spain — Group H, Friday, June 26, 8 PM EDT
Spain versus Uruguay is one of the most anticipated matches of Group H. Although Spain are clear favourites, Uruguay's attack and midfield should not be underestimated. Both sides opened their campaign with draws — Spain were held 0-0 by Cabo Verde, while Uruguay were pegged back 1-1 by Saudi Arabia — before the group diverged sharply in the second round.
Spain emphatically beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 to take control, while Uruguay drew 2-2 with Cabo Verde, leaving Marcelo Bielsa's men needing a result here to guarantee their place. If Uruguay loses and Cape Verde beats Saudi Arabia, it is the Cape Verdeans who would advance, leaving Uruguay depending on the third-place standings.
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Croatia vs. Ghana — Group L, Saturday, June 27, 5 PM EDT
Croatia was tipped as a Group L contender, but their campaign has stuttered. Their only win came with a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama, while England — already in commanding form — beat them 4-2 in the opener. Ghana, meanwhile, held England to a 0-0 draw in the second round, showing real defensive discipline.
Ghana needs to win to protect its spot in the round of 32, while for Croatia, this is equally a must-win if they want to advance directly rather than rely on the third-place standings. Could this be the final chapter of Luka Modrić's World Cup story? The veteran midfielder will be desperate to make it count.
Colombia vs. Portugal — Group K, Saturday, June 28, 7:30 PM EDT
Both teams have effectively secured their places in the round of 32, but this match decides who carries the momentum of a group winner into the knockout stage. Colombia is topping the table after two wins, beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and then DR Congo 1-0. Portugal, after a stumble in their opener, a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, responded emphatically with a 5-0 dismantling of Uzbekistan.
The winner will likely face Croatia or Ghana in the next stage, while the runner-up can expect a tie against England. Ronaldo fans will be hoping for nothing less than a dominant performance to set the tone for the knockouts.
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Jordan vs. Argentina — Group J, Saturday, June 28, 10 PM EDT
Lionel Messi, who turned 39 this week, has already guided Argentina to the round of 32 and shows absolutely no sign of slowing down. He has been the only Argentine goalscorer so far — a hat-trick against Algeria in the opener and two more against Austria — as the defending champions march through Group J with a perfect record.
Jordan has been mathematically eliminated after a 2-1 defeat to Algeria and plays on Saturday for pride alone. As the group standings stand, Argentina are set to face Cabo Verde or Uruguay from Group H in the next round, while the winner of Algeria vs. Austria will meet Spain.
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Other Matches Worth a Glance
Group G throws up a the most entertaining double-header. Table-topping Egypt face Iran, while Belgium take on New Zealand, and all four teams retain mathematical chances of advancing. A win for any side in either fixture could be enough to secure a knockout berth, making this one of the most unpredictable conclusions of the group stage.
In Group L, Panama vs. England may look straightforward on paper, but World Cup history is littered with upsets against in-form European sides. England will be keen to top the group, making their level of motivation high despite the apparent mismatch.
In Group F, Japan and Sweden meet in Dallas on Thursday in a match that could define both teams' fates. Japan needs at least a draw to stay ahead, while Sweden must win to leapfrog them. The Netherlands, who have four points after a draw with Japan and a 5-1 win over Sweden, is well-positioned but will be watching closely.
