Group stage concludes with crucial matchups
The group stage of the 2026 World Cup is set to conclude on Saturday, June 27, with action from Groups J, K, and L. This day marks the final opportunity for teams to secure their spots before the knockout rounds begin, with several groups still having undecided outcomes for advancement and seeding.
In Group L, England will face Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey, at 5 p.m. ET. England aims to clinch the group with a victory, especially if Ghana loses to Croatia. A win for England combined with a better goal differential than Ghana would also secure their top spot. Thomas Tuchel‘s side is looking to regain momentum after a 0-0 draw against Ghana in their previous match. Harry Kane will have another chance to potentially break Gary Lineker‘s all-time World Cup goals record for England.
Meanwhile, Panama, already eliminated from the knockout stage, will be playing for its first-ever World Cup win in its second tournament appearance. The team has played hard in its earlier matches, including a 1-0 loss to Ghana and a 1-0 defeat to Croatia. Panama is still seeking its first goal of the tournament.
Ghana and Croatia battle for advancement
Also in Group L, Croatia will play Ghana at 5 p.m. ET in Philadelphia. The winner of this match will secure at least second place and automatic qualification to the Round of 32. If England fails to win against Panama, the winner of the Croatia versus Ghana match would determine the group winner.
Ghana enters this game after a 0-0 draw with England, showcasing a compact defense and dangerous counterattack. Under coach Carlos Queiroz, Ghana has not conceded a goal in the World Cup so far. Croatia, on the other hand, had a challenging start, including a 4-2 loss to England and a hard-fought 1-0 win against Panama. Veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, 40, and Mateo Kovačić, 32, will be key for Croatia in breaking down Ghana‘s defense.
Group K and J finales
In Group K, a highly anticipated match between Colombia and Portugal will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET in Miami. Colombia has already qualified for the Round of 32 and needs a win or a draw to secure first place in the group. Portugal needs a win to claim the group title. Portugal‘s Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, recently scored two goals in a 5-0 win against Uzbekistan, ending a scoring slump in major tournaments and becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups.
The other Group K match features DR Congo against Uzbekistan at 7:30 p.m. ET in Atlanta. Both teams are still in contention but require a win and assistance from other results to advance. DR Congo needs a win, a Portugal loss, and a better goal differential than Portugal to clinch a knockout spot. An Uzbekistan win would put them in contention for a third-place spot, though they would need a significant goal differential advantage.
For Group J, Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, has already secured its spot in the Round of 32 and won the group. They will play Jordan at 10 p.m. ET in Dallas, with Jordan already eliminated. Lionel Scaloni, Argentina‘s coach, may make changes to the squad, potentially resting key players like Messi.
The final match in Group J will see Austria face Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri. Second place in the group is on the line, with the winner advancing. A draw could leave both teams waiting to see if they qualify as one of the best third-place finishers. The team that finishes second will likely face Spain in the Round of 32, while a third-place team that advances could potentially play England, Egypt, Colombia, or Portugal.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
