The World Cup group stage closes with three groups still delivering big stakes, familiar stars and a few teams clinging to survival. England, Portugal and Argentina are all back in action as the bracket takes its final shape.
Harry Kane has a shot at another piece of history when England faces Panama, while Croatia still has work to do against Ghana to secure its knockout-round place. The day also brings Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal into a top-of-the-group battle, plus Lionel Messi starting on the bench for Argentina.
England’s chase and Croatia’s uncertainty
England opens the day against Panama, and Kane is one goal away from becoming the Three Lions’ all-time leading World Cup scorer. He is tied with Gary Lineker on 10 goals, which adds an extra layer to a match that already matters for the group picture.
Croatia enters its game against Ghana without having locked up advancement yet. That leaves Group L with room for movement before the knockout round field is fully set.
Portugal can seize control, others must survive
Portugal’s meeting with Colombia decides first place in Group K, and Colombia can finish top with either a win or a draw. For Cristiano Ronaldo, it is another chance to influence a group that still has plenty on the line.
The other Group K match is even more urgent, with DR Congo taking on Uzbekistan. Both teams need a win to stay alive in the tournament, making it one of the day’s most direct elimination scenarios.
Messi starts on the bench as Argentina looks safe
Argentina closes the schedule against Jordan, with Lionel Messi set to begin on the bench. Argentina has already won Group J, so the team can rotate and preserve key players while still trying to keep its unbeaten run intact.
Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in the 2026 World Cup, and his two-goal outing against Austria pushed him past the previous mark to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 18. Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Friday that Messi is not dealing with an injury.
The final Round of 32 bracket will keep shifting as these matches finish, and Saturday’s results will determine which teams get the chance to keep going. For teams like DR Congo and Uzbekistan, the margin is simple: win or go home.