The final day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage sees Colombia vs Portugal for group leadership. England look to top their group if they can get past Panama on Saturday. We continue to offer previews and predictions for every World Cup match.
Panama vs England (Saturday June 27th in New York/New Jersey)
A tale of two games for Tomas Tuchel’s England. The first game brought confidence and joy, a strong second half put them 4-2 past UEFA rivals Croatia. Harry Kane was on song, Jude Bellingham looked to have settled into the #10 role. The second game was a disaster, England were left rotating passes sideways and couldn’t break down Ghana’s low block. The squad selection criticism leveled at Tuchel, with creative players like Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, Phil Foden left at home, has roared back.
This is a squad that under pressure, look a bit limited going forward and out of ideas. Tuchel will need to get players like Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford more engaged if England is going to threaten in the knockout stages. On 4 points, passage is assured, but group leadership is not.
Panama will feel hard done by their elimination, they held Ghana for most of the match but conceded late, and similarly they were competitive against Croatia, but failed to secure any points. This is a well-organized side, but it lacks top end talent. They will likely go for a low block against England and aim to grind out a result. Expect England to reply to adversity well and at least get on the scoreboard to lift themselves to 7 points after three games.
Prediction: England 1-0
Croatia vs Ghana (Saturday June 27th in Philadelphia)
It’s been an incredible tournament from Ghana, who on a +1 goal difference, sit second in Group L. They entered the tournament in tragic form, but Carlos Queiroz has them defending with vigor, and a clutch late goal against Panama got them a vital three points. Against England, they were the better team, though they largely sat off the ball and ceded possession to the Three Lions. They kept England at a distance from threatening to score, and had a penalty shout that could have won them the game, had it been called. That draw put them on four points and into the knockout phase.
Now they are aiming to go on and win this group, if they can upset Croatia.
Croatia only managed to defeat Panama 1-0, the gap in quality between the teams was evident, but tactically, Panama had the better of the game and were bossing Croatia around at times. Croatia have proven to be an inconsistent team this tournament, far from elite, they conceded four goals against England and a number of chances. Dominik Livakovic in goal has been their savior for the three points they have gathered so far.
23-year-old Martin Baturina has been a revelation for Croatia this tournament but they still lean on veterans like Luka Modric and Ante Budimir. Ghana should be able to maintain their defensive shape and frustrate Croatia, a draw would suit them as they would likely go through in second place.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Colombia vs Portugal (Saturday June 27th in Miami)
Colombia vs Portugal is the most expensive and anticipated match of the group stage, we’ve known that since the draw was made. What we didn’t know is how these teams would arrive on matchday 3. It’s good news for both, Portugal had a dreadful time trying to break through against DR Congo on matchday 1 and ended up with a draw. Cristiano Ronaldo responded to his critics on matchday 2, finding space and multiple goals as Portugal battered Uzbekistan 5-0. On 4 points, Portugal will be in the knockout phase.
Colombia has joined them in the last 32, South America’s most recent Copa America finalist continued to show their mettle in tournament football. They were superior against Uzbekistan on matchday 1 with a pair of key second half goals. On matchday 2 they showcased pace and attacking prowess, in a physical match they pressured DR Congo all night, and finally broke through, with Daniel Munoz scoring his second World Cup goal. Luis Diaz had two goals called back for offsides.
Colombia’s defence, all be it against weaker attacks, has also looked more organized than expected. A win or a draw would give them the leadership of Group K.
Portugal’s quality attack is still a serious threat however, while the stakes aren’t quite as high with both teams qualified, pride is on the line. A dull, scoreless contest, seems unlikely, with Luis Diaz and Ronaldo likely to go blow for blow. Colombia should score enough to manage a draw.
Prediction: 2-2 Draw
DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Saturday June 27th in Atlanta)
Two brave performances from DR Congo have them in a position to reach the knockout phase with a win. A draw against Portugal on matchday 1 is looking like one of the biggest upsets of this tournament. Against Colombia they had to defend all night, and a physical game ended up in a loss, as Congo failed to create chances on goal, and ultimately Colombia broke through some fantastic goalkeeping.
Uzbekistan have conceded 8 goals in this tournament, they competed well for 80 minutes against Colombia on matchday 1, but failed to threaten consistently. On matchday 2, the wheels came off, Portugal scored early and often, and on 0 points they are eliminated from the tournament. A great golazo of a goal against Portugal ended up being called back by VAR.
This is a young Uzbekistan squad that will relish every World Cup game and get more experience, but Congo should be able to play more freely and through Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, find a goal that keeps the World Cup dream alive.
Prediction: DR Congo 2-0
Algeria vs Austria (Saturday June 27th in Kansas City)
Both teams beat Jordan but faltered against Argentina, if you were making a bracket at the start of the tournament, that was the expectation. That sets this game up as a contest where a draw ensures the passage of both teams on 4 points, while a win likely sends the loser home. With Austria having a better goal difference, a draw would put them in second. The question is whether Algeria is satisfied with a draw and the game will fall into a stagnant state.
This Algeria team has looked long in the tooth at times this tournament, they needed to work hard against Jordan for the result, while Austria remains a team nobody is quite sure about. It’s hard to see anything in the cards but a draw here.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Jordan vs Argentina (Saturday June 27th in Dallas)
Argentina’s start has been perfect as they try to defend their World Cup title. Five goals, all from the magical foot of Lionel Messi, now 39, he’s aged like a fine Argentine wine. He would be on six goals if not for a missed penalty against Austria.
Beyond Messi’s vision and skill and the way the attack flows around him, Argentina have been solid defensively at well. Algeria lost confidence in the first game, and on matchday 2, Austria also failed to create many chances. Argentina will be a heavy favorite in this game, with Jordan one of the poorer sides this tournament. However, they are going to employ squad rotation most likely, given they have topped the group on six points. Expect names like Giovani Lo Celso and Thiago Almada to get minutes in this one. Jordan has conceded five goals in two games, and despite scoring in both contests, it’s the defensive lapses that have them on 0 points. Argentina are a side that punish those kind of lapses without fail.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
