At the time of writing this out, there are still a number of Groups that have to conclude their second round robin of fixtures, but the 2026 World Cup Knock Out Bracket is beginning to be filled in and that should bring a new excitement around this tournament.
Like with every World Cup Finals, there have been upsets and surprising teams writing themselves into global history, but the Knock Out Rounds will bring a different intensity to the tournament and teams are still jockeying for position in the Last 32.
Of course this is also a tournament where eight of the twelve third place teams will also be working the way through to the Knock Out Rounds and the consensus before the Finals began was that three points and a decent goal difference (minus two or better) would be enough to take a team through to the next Round.
However, results will always dictate what is needed and there is a growing feeling that three points may be enough as the draws continue to rack up.
Scotland fans will be very happy to hear that, but the reality is that those teams in the first six Groups are going to be a lot more uncertain as to what constitutes a good result compared with those playing in the last six Groups.
That is something FIFA may want to address in four years time when another forty-eight team World Cup is set to take place across multiple countries and continents.
World Cup 2026- Match Day 3 Group Picks
Wednesday 24th June
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar Pick: Group B may lack a bit of quality and both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar have been big disappointments, but the opening draws against Canada and Switzerland respectively means the heavy defeats in the second games in the Group do not spell elimination.
Instead, both Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar will be well aware that a win in this final Group fixture should be enough to secure one of the best third place spots in the Last 32 with four points expected to take them through.
A draw likely means both are eliminated considering the thumping defeats suffered in the middle of the Group, and that should help create an open football match, even if the quality may be lacking.
Out of the two teams, Bosnia-Herzegovina have to be given the edge on the opening two performances and general quality within the squad.
They have been second best in both matches, but Bosnia-Herzegovina gave Canada something to think about and looked like they could frustrate Switzerland with that game goalless until the 74th minute.
Eventually they were overwhelmed, but Bosnia-Herzegovina could bounce back against a Qatar team that finished the game with nine men in the 6-0 defeat to Canada. That came days after they were absolutely pummelled by Switzerland, but found a way to hang in and then hit the European nation with a sucker punch, although the number of chances Qatar continue to give up is going to make it very difficult to see them picking up the three points they need.
Bosnia-Herzegovina have to show more conviction going forward, but they do have some quality in the final third and that may just give them the edge. The likelihood is that the tournament will not go much further than the Last 32 without a very favourable path, but Bosnia-Herzogivina are expected to have enough to earn the three points needed to at least pick up one of the best third place finishes for the Knock Out Rounds.
Switzerland vs Canada Pick: Big wins in the second round robin of Group matches should mean Canada and Switzerland are both playing in the Last 32, but the top of this section is still up for grabs.
Second place will face second place in Group A, while the team finishing top will face one of the best third place finishers so there may not be much between those final places in terms of level of opponent that is expected to be faced in the Last 32.
However, motivation could be produced from keeping the momentum of the last Group games behind the teams after Switzerland won 4-1 and Canada won 6-0.
A draw suits one of the co-hosts and would mean Canada are back in Vancouver in the Last 32, but Switzerland is the best team they would have faced at the World Cup Finals.
Better composure in the final third would have meant Switzerland had maximum points, but they were wasteful against Qatar and needed 74 minutes to finally breakthrough against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Those levels will give Switzerland encouragement, but Canada are tough to beat in Vancouver and it will be a test for the higher Ranked nation.
A draw would surprise no one, but the edge has to still be with Switzerland who may also want the additional days of rest between the final Group games and the Last 32 tie- winning the Group would mean playing at the end of next week, rather than Sunday if finished second in the section.
Switzerland look a big price, but it may be best to get behind them in any 'draw no bet' market against a dangerous co-host who would love to use Vancouver as a potential fortress right through to the Quarter Final.
Morocco vs Haiti Pick: Strong first half displays have earned Morocco four points in this Group and they are now bidding to finish with another win and perhaps edge out Brazil for top spot in the section.
Seventy seconds after opening kick off, Morocco took the lead against Scotland last time out and they had early opportunities against a rattled opponent.
Morocco were hanging on at the end without giving up major chances and they can use a solid defensive base to ensure Haiti go home without a point to their name and without a goal.
Haiti have to be credited for some of the efforts in the narrow loss to Scotland, but they were well beaten by Brazil in the second of the Group fixtures and they may struggle to break down this Morocco defensive shape. The Haitians do not have the same organisation at the back as Morocco and so you have to feel the latter will find a way to break them down, although this may not be a big win for a team who have scored just twice in two matches.
Yes, this is a weaker opponent than both faced, but Morocco may have to rely on the solid defensive shape to make sure they pick up the three points and it may be asking a lot for them to score at least three goals to have a chance of covering the handicap lines set.
Scotland vs Brazil Pick: If this was a fixture being played in one of the later Groups in the section, Scotland would be much happier with knowing where they stand as they play the last fixture with three points on the board and a neutral goal difference.
Instead they have been scheduled to play in a Group which is going to be completed second out of the twelve sections involved in the World Cup Finals.
That does raise some indecision as to how Scotland should best approach the game- a draw would almost certainly be enough to progress to the Knock Out Rounds of a major international tournament for the first time, while a win would see Scotland through as one of the top two teams in the Group. However, a defeat would mean Scottish fans anxiously watch the conclusion of the Group Stage, especially as they have only scored a single goal in two matches.
Steve Clarke will want his team to approach this game as usual, but Scotland cannot afford a slow start as they produced against Morocco.
This is not a vintage Brazil team, which should encourage Scotland, but there is some quality in the final third which will make them very dangerous, even if Raphinha is set to miss this game and perhaps the remainder of the tournament.
Brazil made light work of Haiti, but still did not do enough to impress all of the fans, and they will feel that they can win this game and earn top spot in the Group. That will be the focus for this squad and a narrow win for the higher Ranked nation feels the most likely score when all is said and done in Miami.
Would Scotland accept a 1-0/2-1 defeat right now? The feeling is that they would so backing Brazil to earn three points in a relatively low-scoring game looks the right way to approach this final Group fixture.
Czechia vs Mexico Pick: After securing top spot in the Group, there is a school of thought that Mexico will choose to rotate the squad and make wholesale changes to the starting eleven.
They have six days between Group games and winning this section means Mexico are not due to play again until next Monday, another six days and that may mean the manager is going to pick a team that does not lose momentum.
Czechia will be hoping differently after being held to a draw by South Africa and that means they will likely need to win this game to have any hope of making it through to the Last 32. A draw does not do a lot for Czechia with two points unlikely to be good enough to earn one of the best third place finishing spots, but having to push forward could leave them exposed as Mexico return to the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
The home team have a really proud record here and Mexico have a passionate fanbase that are not going to be accepting of a sub-par effort, even if the co-hosts have secured a place in the Last 32.
All of the pressure is on Czechia to get forward, but they have struggled in the first two games of the Group against two opponents that Mexico have beaten.
In both fixtures, Czechia have given up more shots than they have allowed and they have not shown the quality in the final third that they would have hoped, which suggests their time in North America is coming to a conclusion.
Once they have to take risks, Mexico should be able to pick off Czechia and there is every chance that the home team will be able to maintain the 100% start to the tournament.
South Africa vs South Korea Pick: Both of these teams head into the final round robin of fixtures with a chance of progressing through to the Last 32, although South Korea do have more routes to achieving that compared with South Africa.
An opening win over Czechia is key for South Korea and a point would be enough to take them through behind Mexico, regardless of the result in the other fixture to be played at the same time.
However, a defeat leaves South Korea vulnerable- a win for Czechia at the same time would mean South Korea would definitely be going home, while any other result would mean South Korea are waiting to see if they are one of the best third place finishers.
The focus for South Korea has to be on earning a positive result.
Things are so much clearer for South Africa who need to win to have any hope of making it through- one point has been earned and a draw would not be expected to be good enough for South Africa considering that would also come with a minus two goal difference.
It should mean South Africa play with some freedom in the mind about to approach this, but that should also suit South Korea who will believe they can cause more problems when counter-attacking an opponent than looking to break them down.
Out of the two teams, South Korea have impressed more in this tournament and they may have the players in the final third that ultimately see them punish South Africa where Czechia failed and the Asian Qualifiers can score at least twice in a winning effort to power into the Last 32 as the Group A Runners Up.
Thursday 25th June
Curacao vs Ivory Coast Pick: They had to battle and dig in and they needed a big game from the goalkeeper, but Curacao will have made everyone back home so proud after the goalless draw with Ecuador.
Not only did they earn a maiden World Cup point, but Curacao have an opportunity to progress to the Last 32 of the 2026 tournament.
However, to do that, Curacao will have to go a little better than they did last time out and that means beating Ivory Coast in the final game in the Group. That would take Curacao up to four points and that should be enough to secure a best third place spot in the Knock Out Rounds at the very least.
Beating Ivory Coast is going to be a significant test- this is a team that needed a late goal to beat Ecuador, but who conceded very late in the 2-1 loss to Germany as Ivory Coast blew a 0-1 lead and left themselves with some work to do.
Of course, you have to believe most associated with Ivory Coast would have accepted avoiding defeat against Curacao to earn a spot in the Last 32 and that is all they need to do if they are going to finish second in this Group.
Ivory Coast do have those players in the final third that can give them the creative spark to just break down Curacao where Ecuador failed and they have impressed in the opening two performances. More will be needed to have a significant impact in the tournament, but Ivory Coast should be able to make comfortable work of this final Group fixture and they can keep Curacao from adding to the one goal scored in the tournament in a winning effort.
Ecuador vs Germany Pick: Unlike Mexico, Germany have topped a Group but are also scheduled to be in action on Sunday, which gives them a much shorter turnaround than one of the co-hosts at this World Cup Finals.
That may mean there is more reason for Julian Nagelsmann to rotate his starting eleven having overseen two wins out of two matches played thanks to an an injury time winner against Ivory Coast.
This could be good news for Ecuador who were stunningly held to a draw by Curacao last time out and who need to win this match to have any real hope of progressing to the Last 32.
A draw is not expected to be enough, but the situation may feel different for Ecuador by the time this fixture is played- three Groups will already be completed and they will have a better understanding of what is needed, although the players have to also deal with the criticism that they have faced since the goalless draw with Curacao.
One of the big concerns around Ecuador was regarding their threat in the final third and that has ultimately let them down in this tournament so far.
Credit has to be given to Ecuador for much of how they have performed defensively, and that could be key for them in this final Group fixture. At some point they may need to take risks, which could allow Germany to hurt them, but the changes in the Group Winners starting eleven are also anticipated, which could just weaken them slightly.
There could be very little between them when all is said and done and backing fewer than three goals to be shared out is the approach to take to another Germany game, although hopefully without an injury time killing goal this time around.
Japan vs Sweden Pick: Both of these teams have crushed Tunisia in the Group Stage and that already may be enough for Japan and Sweden to make it through to the Last 32 of the World Cup.
However, the difference between the nations is that Japan took a point from Netherlands, while Sweden were beaten 5-1, the exact same scoreline in their favour when facing Tunisia.
That leaves Sweden with a bit more work to do, but Japan will be keen on finishing in the top two in this Group, if only to keep the momentum of being unbeaten behind them ahead of the Knock Out Rounds. This is a section which has been paired with the one housing Brazil and Morocco, while any third place finisher may end up having to face France, who are favoured to win their own Group.
A draw would probably suit both teams, but Japan have been a bit stronger at both ends of the pitch and that may just see them edge to a victory in this fixture.
Graham Potter's Sweden will have to defend a lot better than they did against Netherlands and they cannot expect Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres to outscore opponents.
Sweden also were given a huge helping hand by Tunisia, which was not on display when facing Netherlands, and Japan may prove to be too strong for them when all is said and done.
Tunisia vs Netherlands Pick: Ronald Koeman's team showed little sign of being under pressure when crushing Sweden on Saturday and the manager may have benefited from an enforced change.
Memphis Depay was not fit enough to start and that allowed Brian Brobbey to come into the team with his two early goals pushing Netherlands on the right path for a convincing win.
They round out the Group Stage against a Tunisia team in disarray and Netherlands may still be keen on winning this section to avoid facing Brazil in the Last 32.
No one will suggest facing Morocco is 'easier' but winning the Group also comes with several more hours of recovery time, although Netherlands would have to play across the border in Mexico rather than in the United States.
Players don't tend to look too far ahead and Koeman will be demanding another strong performance against a Tunisia team that have looked well out of their depth in this tournament. The five goals conceded to Sweden were largely self-inflicted mistakes, but Tunisia were outclassed by Japan, despite a change in manager, and Netherlands have shown a real attacking threat in the win over Sweden, whilst also scoring twice against Japan.
Covering this handicap mark will not be easy with the likelihood that changes will be made in the second half if Netherlands are on course for top spot and that disruption can sometimes allow matches to peter out.
However, if Netherlands come out even close to as focused as they were on Saturday, they can put themselves in a position to secure another very comfortable victory to round out this Group Stage before heading into the expected tough Last 32 tie the Dutch will have to face.
Paraguay vs Australia Pick: Just one look at the pricing for this game and you can understand what the layers are thinking and what the public may be thinking- a draw would suit both Paraguay and Australia when it comes to almost guaranteeing a place in the Last 32.
That price is already the favourite in the win-draw-win market, but could shorten considerably come kick off with Group D being the sixth to be completed at the World Cup Finals.
By that time both teams will know the value of a point (and perhaps even a single goal margin of defeat) and that is likely going to mean Paraguay and Australia are not taking too many risks.
The USA have already secured top spot, but there does feel like finishing 2nd would represent entering a much more manageable part of the Knock Out Bracket, but it would be Australia who earn that spot by avoiding a defeat.
Paraguay may still hope to sneak above the Australians, but they are unlikely to take too many risks with the minus two goal difference ahead of this fixture- risking trying to win the game and losing would leave Paraguay in a vulnerable spot with three points and at least a minus three goal difference, but their situation may be easier to understand at kick off, rather than right now.
Draws around the Group Stage have made it feel like three points could be enough for one of the best third place finishing spots, but the quality shown by both of these teams in the tournament suggest a low-scoring game regardless. Paraguay have been surprisingly vulnerable at the back with the chances they have given up, but Australia may not exploit the issues as well as United States and Turkiye and backing this to end up being a low-scoring fixture is the pick.
Turkiye vs United States Pick: There is going to be a serious inquest on their return home after Turkiye were eliminated from the World Cup after playing just two games.
Losses to both Australia and Paraguay has left Turkiye bottom of the standings and the employment of head to head being the first tie-breaker ahead of goal difference means they cannot go through.
No goals and no points has meant this has been a really chastening experience for the Turkiye players, but they do have a chance of finishing on a high when taking on one of the co-hosts United States, who have already secured top spot in Group D.
It will likely mean Christian Pulisic is not risked, while Mauricio Pochettino may give a few of the squad players an opportunity to impress, although the manager is still going to head into this fixture with the same expectations.
He will certainly feel United States can create chances, but Turkiye have also been very good at creating chances without showing the clinical finishing to find the back of the net. Some of the chances missed against Paraguay would have baffled the fans watching on, but Turkiye can play with some freedom as they sign off on the tournament and this may end up becoming a pretty entertaining fixture.
Neither team needs to take a backwards step, and that should open up the possibilities for goals considering the chances both have created in the tournament. Turkiye's finishing has been well below par, but they may be facing a second string USA defence, which will help, while the home team are going to play with intensity and look to exploit mistakes so there should be at least three goals shared out between the teams.
Friday 26th June
Norway vs France Pick: Didier Deschamps had to return to home after his mother sadly passed away and you have to believe his French squad will be thinking about the manager in their build up to the final Group match.
Topping this section will place France in a slightly awkward part of the Knock Out Bracket, at least on current projections, but it will also ensure being kept away from the likes of Argentina, Spain and England until the Semi Final at the earliest.
If they were to finish second, that would likely place France in with Ivory Coast in the Second Round and then Brazil, England and possibly Argentina to merely make the Final.
Overthinking the Knock Out Stage would be a mistake and France are a team well versed in tournament football to know they should not be thinking too far ahead.
A draw would ensure France top this section after Norway conceded a very late goal against Senegal to win that fixture 3-2... If they had finished up at 3-1, it would have been Norway who could settle for a draw to earn top spot and you do have to wonder how much motivation there is to do that knowing they would have to push for a win.
Both teams will likely make changes and neither will want to give too much away about how they will prepare for the Last 32 ties coming up.
However, it is France who look to have the greater depth, especially in attacking areas, and they may complete a 100% record in the Group by winning a tight game against a Norway team that have achieved their biggest aim of making it out of this section.
The layers feel the same about France and backing them to win a game that features less than five total goals is the play- the superior attackers may just create a chance or two to earn the victory, especially if both teams are making changes in the final third, and France's depth may just see them edge to the three points.
Senegal vs Iraq Pick: The situation is pretty clear for both Senegal and Iraq after opening up with losses to both Norway and France in this Group and that is they need to win this final fixture and win well.
Senegal have a minus three goal difference and Iraq have a minus six goal difference so it is clear that the former have a more realistic pathway to progressing.
A win by a two goal margin would give Senegal a real chance, but even a narrow win may be enough depending on results elsewhere.
It would be a mistake to go chasing goals too quickly, even if this Iraq team have struggled with the quality in the Group, but Senegal should approach the fixture as they would usually and that should still be a level too high for the underdog to deal with. Senegal have had some behind the scenes issues, but the players still put in a pretty good attacking display against Norway and France, although the defending did leave a lot of room for improvement.
That could be a potential issue for Senegal going into the Knock Out Rounds, but this is a fixture that should be manageable and the expectation is that they will have enough in the final third to complete a pretty routine victory. Results on Wednesday and Thursday may determine how many goals Senegal need to win by, but that is something they will have to deal with on the day and this is a team that should be good enough to become the latest to beat Iraq by at least a couple of goals.
You cannot fully dismiss Iraq considering the way they were frustrating France before a major defensive mistake in the last Group match, but this is a team learning on the job at this level and that may lead to more problems at the back against a quality attacking unit.
Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia Pick: If you had told these two nations that beating the other would take them through to the Last 32 of the World Cup before a ball had been kicked, the expectation is that both would have very much accepted the situation.
Draws against the higher Ranked nations in the Group, and two former World Champions, have given Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia this huge opportunity.
Cape Verde have drawn with both Spain and Uruguay, while Saudi Arabia have picked up the sole point against Uruguay before a one sided loss to Spain, but four points would be enough to make it through the Group, regardless of the result in the other fixture.
That makes things clear for Saudi Arabia and they will have to get forward and test a Cape Verde team that may feel a draw could be enough to earn at least a Last 32 berth.
However, that will be a lot clearer at kick off and Cape Verde may use the momentum from the performance against Uruguay to push forward and try and hurt this Saudi Arabian defence.
Both have lacked a bit of quality in the final third, although that is partly down to the strength of the nations faced and this is a fixture that will feel much more comfortable for both squads.
It could lead to an entertaining game and a first half goal either way may force the other to come out and have to get forward and that may all point to at least three goals eventually being shared out as the two underdogs in the Group fight to make it through to the Knock Out Rounds.
Uruguay vs Spain Pick: The big win over Saudi Arabia has put Spain in command of this Group and they will be aware that a draw in this final fixture would likely be enough to secure top spot and have the benefit of avoiding facing World Champions Argentina in the Last 32.
That does not mean Spain will set out to defend what they have as that is not how the current European Champions are built.
However, Spain are not likely to send so many men forward chasing a win, especially when they know that a defeat would mean finishing behind Uruguay in this Group and perhaps having to face Argentina after all.
Uruguay's two draws have left them in a very tough position- they will likely believe that one more positive result would be enough to take them through, but Marcelo Bielsa's men have struggled with their consistency at the World Cup Finals. They have been tough to beat with 5 draws in the last 6 games played, including against England at Wembley Stadium in March, but Uruguay have been sloppy defensively and that has cost them.
You also should not ignore the fact that this game has been scheduled for Guadalajara where altitude can be an issue and especially for two teams that have been playing in Atlanta and Miami in the first two games of the Group. It may mean the managers are careful with the players and it could bring about a situation where both teams are happy to settle for a point late on if it means both achieve what they want.
Spain are right to be favoured and there is a chance that this Uruguay team have been dealing with issues in the camp considering the lack of real belief they have had under Marcelo Bielsa. There is also the potential of this being a situation where a point may not be good enough for Uruguay, but they have shown a stubbornness that could yet pay out for them and it may be worth backing the draw at the prices in a game that could potentially lack some urgency within the conditions as time ticks on.
Egypt vs Iran Pick: The school of thought seems to be that a draw would suit both of these nations in the final round robin of Group fixtures- it would give Egypt a chance of topping the section, while a third draw would do very nicely for Iran and almost certainly push them through to the Last 32.
However, there is a real feeling that winning this section would give that Group Winner a much easier path than the one that is likely going to have to be tread by those finishing second.
It should mean Egypt are playing with some motivation knowing a big win for Belgium would allow the latter to take over top spot in their place.
With four points on the board, there is less pressure on Egypt and especially having earned a first ever World Cup win in the victory over New Zealand. They have looked a little more dangerous in the final third compared with Iran, although the latter have been playing under tough conditions with the United States allowing them minimum entry into the country and with a limited amount of preparation time.
Some of those policies have been relaxed a little bit ahead of the final Group game, but Iran have still felt like they have been playing with one hand tied behind the back.
As other Groups are concluded, the draw is shortening all of the time in the pricing, but it still feels like a game in which the better team should be motivated and Egypt are the more likely winners. Would they settle for a point with twenty minutes remaining and hearing Belgium are not winning in the other match played at the same time? Yes, that is likely to be the case, but backing Egypt on any 'draw no bet' market would make most sense if the situation arises where they need to find a winning goal.
That could come into play very early if news filters through that Belgium are ahead, and the superior attacking options in the Egypt squad can make the difference in this match.
New Zealand vs Belgium Pick: At some point you do have to expect Belgium to find the finishing touch in the final third having created some very good openings in the first two matches in the Group.
Jeremy Doku is back with the squad to give them another option, while Belgium are taking on the weakest team in the section and one that was overwhelmed by Egypt in the last match.
However, all is not lost for New Zealand and an upset win would take them through to the Last 32 of the tournament- the draw would likely be enough for Belgium to make it through, but that does little for New Zealand, especially with a minus two goal difference, and that may leave the underdog exposed against a quality Belgian attack.
It has been a real surprise to see how much Belgium have struggled to put the finishing touches to the football being played, but this is an opportunity to not only turn things around, but perhaps do enough to top the Group and enter a slightly more comfortable looking part of the Knock Out Bracket.
Only a big win will do, but Belgium could do that against a New Zealand defence that has allowed 36 shots in the first two games and who have to come forward.
Covering this Asian Handicap line will be anything but easy, but Belgium may finally put it all together in the final third and, like London buses, the goals may end up flowing if they can get on top early.
Saturday 27th June
Croatia vs Ghana Pick: All eyes will be on the Groups that have been completed before this fixture takes place and it could result in a different approach, especially as far as Croatia are concerned.
Finishing second or third in this Group looks like it is going to produce similarly tough challenges in the Last 32, but Croatia may yet need a point if there are more upsets like the one South Africa produced on Wednesday.
That pushed them onto four points and there is a feeling that those sitting on three points are in for a nervy conclusion to the Group Stage.
Croatia can only guarantee to finish above South Korea and Scotland if they earn a point and the experienced squad should be capable of doing that against a Ghana team that have achieved all of what they have wanted in the Group.
A draw with England means Ghana have four points already and Carlos Queiroz is unlikely to urge his players to push forward and try and win the Group knowing they likely need to win by two more goals than England are expected to beat Panama. Instead the manager may choose to set his team up in a similar way to the meeting with England, but perhaps resting key attackers for the Last 32 and it all could result in a tight match.
The layers expect Croatia to win and it would not be a surprise if they managed to edge this one with likely more motivation to get forward.
However, this is an ageing team and it may pay off to not overwork legs ahead of what is likely to be a Last 32 tie of their own and so backing under 2.5 goals is the call, which is where a result that suits both team can be found without taxing the key contributors.
Panama vs England Pick: Eight years ago, England beat Panama 6-1 at the 2018 World Cup Finals Group Stage, but the latter have shown a lot more defiance in their two matches at the 2026 tournament.
A developing nation still has room to grow following back to back 0-1 defeats to Ghana and Croatia which has meant elimination, but Panama have flashed their potential in those defeats.
Merely scoring in this game would be considered a huge achievement, but Panama have to show better composure in the final third.
They would have been hoping to be facing an England team that have already achieved what they want from this Group, but the disappointing goalless draw with Ghana means Thomas Tuchel's men need a win to earn top spot. That would place England in the Seeded spot reserved for them in the Last 32 and it would mean avoiding having to face someone like Colombia or Portugal in the next Round and having a very awkward start to the Knock Out Football to be played.
England had chances to beat Ghana late on in the middle of the Group matches, but everyone will be demanding more intensity from the off after a tepid opening 70 minutes. They could have even conceded before those late chances were created and Tuchel may utilise the squad to give players like Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins chances from the outset.
It should still mean England have too much for Panama and the likelihood is that they will do enough to contain the threat of the underdog in a winning effort.
Colombia vs Portugal Pick: Both teams are through to the next Round after the way results have come out over the first few days of Match Day 3 of the Group Stage, but top spot is still on the line for both Colombia and Portugal.
It is Colombia who have the edge thanks to picking up maximum points, but Portugal can win and top the section and there is a reason that both teams will be chasing that position.
Instead of going into the bottom quarter of the Knock Out Bracket, which looks like it is much more comfortable until the Quarter Final, second place would be on track to face Spain in the Last 16, at least at the time of writing.
However, it is also clear that playing on the last day of the Group Stage is not ideal with the Last 32 ties beginning on Sunday and the team that does finish second is in action on Tuesday. It is something both managers could consider and this is another Group fixture that could settle down and be managed in and around the second half hydration break.
Before that both teams should attack, but the defences may feel they are in a position to repel the qualities of the other team in the attacking department. Neither Colombia nor Portugal could sit back and expect to be good enough to be comfortable, but this may be a fixture where the lookahead to the Knock Out Stages tempers some enthusiasm.
Hot conditions are expected on what is forecasted to be a humid day in Miami and even the local 730pm kick off time may not help- after a first half where both teams may play with some freedom, this could be a fixture that settles down in the second and backing under 2.5 goals is the play.
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Pick: The heavy defeats to Colombia and Portugal means Uzbekistan are almost certainly going home, but they are managed by 2006 World Cup Winner Fabio Cannavaro and he will want his debutants to have something to celebrate back home.
They have scored a maiden World Cup Finals goal in the defeat to Colombia, but picking up a maiden point is the challenge facing Uzbekistan on Saturday.
It should not be dismissed how much that could mean to Uzbekistan Football for years to come, but there is clearly a lot more on the line for DR Congo who have a point from the opening two games and three points will be enough to take them through to the Last 32. Any win would push DR Congo above four teams in the best third place spots, while a big win and a big loss for Portugal may yet open up second place.
No one will be thinking about anything other than a victory and DR Congo do have some qualities in the final third that will give them a chance. However, the mindset has to be very different compared with the first two games when they were happy to sit back and allow Portugal and Colombia to attack them, and they will have to be wary of what Uzbekistan could do on the counter attack.
DR Congo would have certainly taken a position where a win over Uzbekistan would see them through to the Last 32, but this is likely going to be a nervy and tense final Group fixture. They have not yet convinced going forward, albeit against stronger opposition than the one they face last time out, while DR Congo did only score fifteen goals in 10 World Cup Qualifiers.
One goal may be all it takes, but backing the under looks the play in this fixture too with some respect afforded to Uzbekistan to be able to contain better than they have against world level attacks that Colombia and Portugal have had against them.
Algeria vs Austria Pick: I have been holding off on any prediction for this fixture until things have begun to clear up in the best third place Group situation, but it is becoming increasingly likely any loser in this fixture is going to be sent home.
That may mean the 'Disgrace of Gijon' is water under the bridge for Algeria who would have loved to eliminate Austria before a ball had been kicked.
Now you have to believe that the two teams could be set up in a way that the draw is the result that suits best- there was a situation where Austria may have thought a narrow defeat would be best to avoid Spain in the Last 32, but it is increasingly likely that three points and a negative goal difference would now mean elimination after upsets in Group A and Group E earlier in the week.
The layers are anticipating some shenanigans with the point perhaps suiting both- it is something to note that Group G is set to be concluded on Friday and that is the one that could make it clear for Algeria where they stand. They had been ahead of Paraguay thanks to the superior disciplinary record and it may mean avoiding tackles and not taking too many risks if Iran have failed to beat Egypt, which would leave them as one of four teams that could not finish above Algeria if ending up with four points too.
The Group game between Spain and Uruguay is another one that is key in that regard as long as the latter do not win, but all signs are pointing to this fixture being played in a relative lack of intensity that you would have had if only two teams were going through.
Check back on Saturday morning when a selection will be added to this page once the situation is virtually known for both teams.
Jordan vs Argentina Pick: There is all sorts of intrigue around the other game in this Group, but in this one Jordan know they are going home and World Champions Argentina have topped the section.
Expect changes from Argentina, but they are an experienced squad and should still have too much for a Jordan team who have learned plenty in their time in North America.
Jordan have nothing to lose and will come forward, but this Argentina rearguard looks like being key to the success they will have at this tournament a single goal conceded in the last nine matches played. That includes two clean sheets against Algeria and Austria and you have to believe they can contain the Jordan threat in this final game before turning attention to the Knock Out Rounds.
The underdog have scored in both Group games and that should earn them the respect of the World Champions, but Jordan have not created great openings as their inexperience has perhaps held them back. Only a single Big Chance has been created in two games, while Argentina have only allowed one against them in two games and it could mean Lionel Scaloni's team moves through behind another win and another clean sheet.
MY PICKS: Bosnia-Herzegovina - 1.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.75 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Switzerland 0 Asian Handicap @ 1.65 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Morocco Win to Nil @ 1.77 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Brazil to Win & Under 4 Total Goals @ 1.86 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Mexico @ 1.95 Coral (1 Unit)
South Korea to Win & Over 1 Total Goals @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Ivory Coast Win to Nil @ 1.70 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Ecuador-Germany Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10 Sky Bet (1 Unit)
Japan @ 1.90 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
Netherlands - 2.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.85 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Paraguay-Australia Under 1.5 Goals @ 2.30 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Turkiye-United States Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.72 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
France to Win & Under 5 Total Goals @ 2.00 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Senegal - 1 English Handicap @ 1.70 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
Cape Verde-Saudi Arabia Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.00 William Hill (1 Unit)
Uruguay-Spain Draw @ 4.20 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
Egypt Draw No Bet @ 1.61 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
Belgium - 2.25 Asian Handicap @ 1.95 Bet365 (1 Unit)
Croatia-Ghana Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.66 Bet Fred (1 Unit)
England Win to Nil @ 1.83 Paddy Power (1 Unit)
Colombia-Portugal Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 Bet365 (1 Unit)
DR Congo-Uzbekistan Under 2.5 Goals @ 1.80 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Argentina Win to Nil @ 1.77 Bet Victor (1 Unit)
Group Stage MD 3: 9-8-1, + 0.08 Units (18 Units Staked, + 0% Yield)
Group Stage MD 2: 16-8, + 7.44 Units (24 Units Staked, + 31% Yield)
Group Stage MD 1: 12-12, - 0.30 Units (24 Units Staked, - 1.25% Yield)
