World Cup 2026: Five Key Matches Left in the Group Stage
The group stage of the World Cup heats up over the next few days with several matches carrying major implications for which teams advance and who they face next. Some games stand out more than others as teams jockey for top spots or fight to avoid elimination.
Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada (3 p.m. ET, Wednesday, June 24)
Canada holds a strong advantage thanks to their goal difference after beating Qatar. Both Canada and Switzerland have four points each, but Canada’s +6 goal difference leads over Switzerland’s +3. A draw would secure Canada the group’s top spot, allowing them to play it safe. Switzerland must chase a win to avoid finishing second. The first-place team faces a third-place team in the Round of 32 and benefits from staying in Canada for two rounds, while the runner-up faces the second-place team from Group D.
Group I: Norway vs. France (3 p.m. ET, Friday, June 26)
This match features Erling Haaland against Kylian Mbappé in a battle to claim the top spot. Both teams sit on six points, with France holding a slight edge in goal differential. Neither side has an incentive to settle for a draw. The group winner plays a third-place team next round but will likely meet Germany in the Round of 16. Second place could mean facing Brazil early, adding extra pressure to this game.
Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain (8 p.m. ET, Friday, June 26)
Uruguay has struggled so far, drawing with Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, leaving no room for mistakes. Spain leads with four points; Uruguay and Cape Verde follow with two, and Saudi Arabia trails with one. Uruguay must win to guarantee advancement. Spain can afford a draw but risks dropping to second or even third with a loss, which would pit them against Argentina in the Round of 32. The group winner faces either Austria or Algeria.
Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium (11 p.m. ET, Friday, June 26)
Belgium sits third with two points, New Zealand last with one. Assuming Egypt tops the group by beating Iran, this match becomes a knockout scenario for second place. The victor moves on while the loser goes home. Securing second is valuable, as that team will face either Australia or Paraguay in a more manageable Round of 32 clash. Avoiding a third-place finish means steering clear of tougher opponents like those coming from Group B.
Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal (7:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, June 27)
Portugal bounced back impressively with a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. A win here would crown them Group K winners with seven points, giving them a smoother path forward by facing a third-place team in the Round of 32 and potentially the Group B winner next. This route might set up a quarterfinal showdown between Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Lionel Messi’s Argentina on July 11, a matchup many fans hope to witness one final time.
