The group stage of the 2026 World Cup wraps up on Saturday as Groups J, K, and L take to the field.
As the last day before the knockout stage, a lot remains to be determined. The Round of 32 bracket is nearly complete, and today’s matches will finalize the outcomes and matchups.
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Here’s what to watch for on Day 17 of the World Cup.
Saturday, June 27 | 5 p.m. ET | East Rutherford, N.J. | TV: Fox
Odds: Panama (+1600), England (-650), Tie (+650)
Harry Kane has another opportunity to surpass Gary Lineker’s record as England’s all-time World Cup goalscorer, with the Three Lions needing a win and either a loss by Ghana to Croatia, or a win along with a better goal difference than the Black Stars.
Having reached the quarterfinals in 2022 and semifinals in 2018, Thomas Tuchel’s team is eager to regain momentum after a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Matchday 2.
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Croatia vs. Ghana
Saturday, June 27 | 5 p.m. ET | Philadelphia | TV: FS1
Odds: Croatia (-130), Ghana (+470), Tie (+220)
If England does not secure a win against Panama, this match will determine the winner of Group L. Ghana has multiple scenarios to secure either the group lead or finish second. A victory for Luka Modrić and Croatia would guarantee them a top-two finish. Their final group position will depend on England’s performance.
Panama, already eliminated, aims to play the role of spoilers in pursuit of their first World Cup victory in their second tournament appearance.
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Saturday, June 27 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Miami | TV: Fox
Odds: Colombia (+320), Portugal (-120), Tie (+270)
A place in Kansas City for the Round of 32 is at stake as the top two teams in Group K face off. Colombia needs either a win or a draw to claim first place, while Portugal must win to top the group; a draw or loss could see them finish second if Uzbekistan defeats DR Congo.
Historically, Portugal has only once failed to advance from the group stage during Cristiano Ronaldo’s illustrious career (in 2014).
DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan
Saturday, June 27 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Atlanta | TV: FS1
Odds: DR Congo (-140), Uzbekistan (+350), Tie (+300)
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Both DR Congo and Uzbekistan are still in contention but must win their clash, and rely on other match results for help. DR Congo needs to secure a win, hope Portugal loses, and finish with a better goal differential than Portugal to advance. An Uzbekistan victory could potentially place them in the hunt for a third-place finish, but they would need to win by a considerable margin for goal differential reasons.
Saturday, June 27 | 10 p.m. ET | Dallas | TV: Fox
Odds: Jordan (+1500), Argentina (-600), Tie (+650)
Lionel Messi and his teammates have advanced to the Round of 32, while Jordan has been eliminated after two matches. Argentina has clinched their group, suggesting that coach Lionel Scaloni may make several changes ahead of next week’s knockout stage match in Miami. The question remains: will he rest Messi, or give him some playtime as he aims for the Golden Boot award as the tournament’s top scorer?
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Saturday, June 27 | Time p.m. ET | Kansas City, Mo. | TV: FS1
Odds: Austria (+190), Algeria (+300), Tie (+120)
In a crucial Group J encounter, Algeria and Austria will battle for second place. The winner will advance, while a draw could leave both teams anxiously awaiting news on the best third-place finishes. The “Disgrace of Gijon” has been a hot topic as whichever team finishes second will likely face Spain in the Round of 32. Should the third-place team also advance, they might encounter England, Egypt, Colombia, or potentially Portugal.