The country’s best World Cup performance came in 2006, when Ecuador reached the Round of 16 for the first time. They advanced from the group stage after victories over Poland and Costa Rica before finishing second behind host nation Germany following a defeat in the final group match.

Their memorable run ended against England in the Round of 16. Ecuador produced a disciplined performance but were eliminated 1-0 after David Beckham scored the winning goal from a free kick in the 60th minute.

Their other participations

In their other appearances before 2026, Ecuador were unable to reach the knockout stage. On their World Cup debut in 2002, they finished fourth in a group with Italy, Mexico and Croatia, although they closed the tournament with a memorable victory over Croatia.

In 2014, Ecuador again fell short after finishing third behind France and Switzerland with four points. Their only victory came against Honduras, with Enner Valencia playing a starring role.

In 2022 they narrowly missed out in a disappointing way after beating Qatar and drawing with the Netherlands before a decisive 2-1 defeat to Senegal in their final group match.

The 2026 campaign

This campaign has already brought Ecuador close to matching their best World Cup run. The expanded tournament format allowed the best third-placed teams to advance, and Ecuador took advantage after recovering from a loss to Ivory Coast and a draw with Curaçao by defeating Germany to finish third and reach the Round of 32.

Ecuador are currently 24th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,592.59 points. That is one place lower than in the June 11 update, despite recovering from a defeat to Ivory Coast and a draw with Curaçao by beating Germany to qualify for the knockout stage.

After finishing third in Group E, Ecuador went from being on the brink of elimination to becoming a confident side capable of challenging a team that won all three of its group-stage matches.

Mexico’s ranking

Mexico have enjoyed an excellent tournament so far, winning all three group-stage matches against South Africa, South Korea and Czechia to finish top of Group A and earn a home knockout match against Ecuador.

They are currently ninth in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,736.01 points. That is five places higher than in the June 11 update after their perfect group-stage campaign.

Mexico have spent long periods among the world’s top national teams. Their highest ranking was fourth in 1998, while their lowest position came in 2015, when they dropped to 40th.

Ecuador’s highest ranking

Ecuador have also reached impressive heights in the FIFA World Ranking. Their highest-ever position was 10th in 2013, while their lowest ranking was 76th in 1995.

In the first half, Mexico were clearly the better side, controlling possession and dictating the rhythm of the game while creating the better chances. They took a deserved 2-0 lead at halftime through goals from Quiñones and Jiménez that put the match in their control.

There was not much action in the second half as Mexico stepped back to defend their lead, while Ecuador could not create clear chances despite having more possession. Crosses came from many areas but did not reach the forwards, allowing Mexico to secure the victory.

The match between Paraguay and France is scheduled for July 4, just one day after the Round of 32 concludes. While France may enter as the favorite, Germany’s elimination showed that no team can afford to underestimate its opponent.

Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET at Philadelphia Stadium, one of the tournament’s largest venues with a capacity of 67,593. The stadium should see another packed crowd as Paraguay attempt to continue their remarkable run against a great team.

Their previous match

The two teams reached this stage in very different ways. While the tournament has already produced several surprises, including Cape Verde’s draw against Spain, Paraguay and France booked their places in the Round of 16 with contrasting performances.

Paraguay’s victory was filled with tension. Germany came from behind to level the match at 1-1, had a goal disallowed in extra time, and Paraguay missed two penalties that could have sealed the shootout before finally advancing.

France, meanwhile, had a much more comfortable path. They showcased their attacking quality throughout the match against Sweden, securing a 3-0 victory to book their place in the Round of 16 with an impressive all-around performance.

A famous antecedent

These teams have produced two memorable meetings. The first came at the 1958 World Cup, when Paraguay led 3-2 before France mounted a comeback to win 7-3. They met again in the Round of 16 in 1998, where eventual champions France needed a 114th-minute golden goal from Laurent Blanc to eliminate Paraguay.

France are currently second in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,906.84 points. That is one place higher than in the June 11 update after overtaking Spain, with victories over Senegal, Iraq and Norway helping them move up the standings.

After winning all three group-stage matches, France will look to carry that momentum into the knockout rounds. Argentina are the only team ranked above them in the latest FIFA update.

Sweden’s ranking

As winners of Group I, France were paired with one of the eight best third-placed teams to advance from the expanded group stage. That team turned out to be Sweden.

Sweden have experienced both highs and lows in the FIFA World Ranking over the years. Their highest position came in 1994, when they reached second place, while their lowest ranking was 45th in 2017.

Sweden are currently 37th in the FIFA World Ranking with 1,525.58 points after climbing one place from the June 11 update. A win over Tunisia, a draw against Japan and a loss to the Netherlands were enough to secure a place in the knockout stage.

France’s highest ranking

France have consistently been among the world’s top national teams throughout their history. Their highest position came when they reached first place, most recently on April 1 this year, while their lowest ranking was 27th in 2010.

Argentina secured first place in the group with their victory over Austria. Under the tournament’s tiebreaking rules, head-to-head results are the first criterion, ensuring Argentina finished at the top of the standings even before their last match. The only remaining question was who their opponent would be.

To the surprise of many fans, Cape Verde finished second in Group H ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. As a result, Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Miami.

Austria’s rival

From the start of the tournament, it was expected that second place in Group J would come down to Austria or Algeria. Their meeting on the final matchday drew plenty of attention because the runner-up was set to face Spain in the Round of 32.

Since Group J was the last group to conclude, both teams already knew the possible scenarios before kickoff. Austria needed only a draw to advance in that position, and that is exactly what they achieved.

The 3-3 draw with Algeria left Austria in second place on goal difference after both they and Algeria finished with four points. Austria will now face Spain in the Round of 32 on July 2 in Los Angeles.

Algeria’s rival

Algeria entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to qualify for the Round of 32. However, the result was not enough to finish above Austria on goal difference. As one of the best third-placed teams, Algeria will face Switzerland on July 2 in Vancouver.

There were several memorable results during the group stage, including Cape Verde’s draw with Spain and Curaçao’s point against Ecuador. Albeit Curaçao lost by six goals to Germany, even scoring against one of the tournament favorites was a historic achievement for the nation.

Despite those surprises, there were not many unexpected eliminations, largely because eight third-placed teams also advanced to the knockout stage. Uruguay’s exit is arguably the biggest surprise of the group stage.

The 16 eliminated teams

• Group A: South Korea (3 points) and Czechia (1 point)
• Group B: Qatar (1 point)
• Group C: Scotland (3 points) and Haiti (0 points)
• Group D: Turkiye (3 points)
• Group E: Curaçao (1 point)
• Group F: Tunisia (0 points)
• Group G: Iran (2 points) and New Zealand (1 point)
• Group H: Uruguay (2 points) and Saudi Arabia (2 points)
• Group I: Iraq (0 points)
• Group J: Jordan (0 points)
• Group K: Uzbekistan (0 points)
• Group L: Panama (0 points)

Messi has scored six goals for Argentina. He began the tournament with a historic hat trick against Algeria, becoming the oldest player to score three goals in a World Cup match, before adding two more against Austria.

Close behind him are several of the tournament’s biggest stars with four goals each, including Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland, who all helped France, Brazil and Norway reach the knockout stage.

Golden Boot standings

Lamine Yamal’s position

Lamine Yamal is not among the tournament’s leading scorers, having scored one goal during the group stage after returning from injury. The winger found the net in Spain’s 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.

This promises to be a tense match even though both teams have already qualified for the next round. Colombia lead the group with six points, meaning a draw would be enough to secure first place. Portugal, meanwhile, must win after dropping points in their draw with DR Congo.

Colombia sit at the top of the standings after beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and edging DR Congo 1-0. Portugal are second with four points following their 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. DR Congo are third with one point, while Uzbekistan are bottom without a point.

Colombia vs Portugal lineups

For this match, Néstor Lorenzo opted for the following lineup for Colombia: Camilo Vargas, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Deiver Machado, Gustavo Puerta, Jefferson Lerma, Jhon Arias, James Rodríguez, Jhon Córdoba and Luis Díaz.

Roberto Martínez picked this lineup for Portugal: Diogo Costa, João Cancelo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, João Neves, Vitinha, Pedro Neto, Bruno Fernandes, João Félix and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Their next match

The winner of Group K will play a third-placed team on July 3, while the runner-up will face England, Ghana or Croatia, whoever finishes second in Group L, on July 2.

The first half came to an end with a balanced contest in which both teams created opportunities. Colombia controlled possession for most of the half, while Portugal grew into the game during the closing minutes, but neither side managed to find the breakthrough.

Not much changed after the break as the second half was played at a slower pace. Colombia continued to dominate possession in search of a winner, but Diogo Costa proved to be their biggest obstacle with several important saves. In the end, neither team could break the deadlock, and the draw kept the standings exactly as they were at kickoff.

Egypt enter the match after drawing with Belgium and beating New Zealand, while Iran drew against both New Zealand and Belgium. Both teams remain in contention to advance, with Egypt in the stronger position.

Egypt lead Group G with four points (+2 goal difference). Iran are second with two points (0 goal difference), Belgium are third with two points (0 goal difference), and New Zealand are fourth with one point (-2 goal difference).

How Egypt’s win vs Iran impacts the 2026 World Cup Group G standings

If Egypt beat Iran, they would secure first place in Group G and advance to the next round. Iran would remain on two points and be eliminated regardless of the result between Belgium and New Zealand, as that would not be enough to finish among the eight best third-placed teams.

How Egypt’s draw vs Iran impacts the 2026 World Cup Group G standings

If Egypt draw with Iran, they would move to five points and secure a place in the next round. They would finish first unless Belgium defeat New Zealand by a margin large enough to overtake them on the tiebreakers. Iran would move to three points and could still finish second or qualify as one of the best third-placed teams depending on the result of the other match.

How Egypt’s loss vs Iran impacts the 2026 World Cup Group G standings

A loss to Iran would leave Egypt on four points, while Iran would move to five and secure a place in the next round. Egypt would then need to wait for the result between Belgium and New Zealand to determine whether they finish first, second, or qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

The situation makes the match even more intriguing. Egypt are in a stronger position after drawing with Belgium and defeating New Zealand, while Iran remain in contention after drawing both of their matches in the tournament.

With such a tight race, Egypt lead the group with four points. Iran are second with two points and a goal difference of 0, sitting above Belgium on goals scored. New Zealand are bottom of the group with one point.

Egypt vs Iran lineups

For this match, Hossam Hassan could use this lineup for Egypt: Shobeir; Hany, Rabia, Abdelmonem, Fatouh, Ashour, Ziko, Saber, Lasheen, Trezeguet and Salah.

Manager Amir Ghalenoei could opt for this lineup for Iran: Beiranvand; Rezaeian, Kanani, Khalilzadeh, Nemati, Mohammadi, Ghoddos, Ghorbani, Ezatolahi, Mohebbi and Taremi.

Possible next matches

While not every spot in the knockout stage has been filled, some matchups are already set. The winner of Group G will face a third-placed team, although their opponent has not yet been determined. Meanwhile, the runner-up already knows they will play Australia, who finished second in Group D.

The explanation is that Uruguay also won Olympic gold medals in 1924 and 1928. Those tournaments took place before the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, which Uruguay won on home soil before claiming their second title in 1950.

Nowadays, the Olympic football tournament is viewed as an under-23 competition. However, FIFA allows Uruguay to display those two Olympic triumphs as stars because they were recognized as senior world championships at the time.

The rule

This position has been heavily debated because the official FIFA Equipment Regulations state that national teams can only display one championship star for each FIFA World Cup they have won.

However, Uruguay were granted a unique historical exception because FIFA organized and officially recognized the 1924 and 1928 Olympic football tournaments as senior world championships before the FIFA World Cup existed.

FIFA’s marketing department questioned the four stars in 2021 before the Uruguayan Football Association presented historical documentation proving FIFA’s involvement in those Olympic tournaments, leading the governing body to permanently validate and accept all four stars.

The history behind Uruguay’s first two stars

Uruguay earned worldwide recognition by winning the Olympic football tournaments in 1924 in Paris and 1928 in Amsterdam. Those victories established the country as one of the strongest football nations in the world and paved the way for its World Cup triumphs in 1930 and 1950.

In this edition, there hasn’t been a more surprising team than Cape Verde, who were solid enough to keep a clean sheet against a top side like Spain before drawing 2-2 with another strong team like Uruguay.

Saudi Arabia also had a strong start when they rescued a point against Uruguay. Even if they lost 4-0 to Spain, they are still in the race for a place in the next round. Whoever wins this tense match will secure qualification.

Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia lineups

For this match, Pedro Brito opted for this lineup for Cape Verde: Vozinha, Diney Borges, Pico Lopes, Kevin Pina, João Paulo, Jamiro Monteiro, Deroy Duarte, Willy Semedo, Dailon Livramento, Ryan Mendes and Wagner Pina.

Manager Georgios Donis picked this lineup for Saudi Arabia: Mohammed Al Owais, Abdulelah Al Amri, Hassan Al Tambakti, Nasser Al Dawsari, Feras Al Brikan, Salem Al Dawsari, Saud Abdulhamid, Nawaf Bu Washl, Abdullah Al Khaibari, Sultan Mandash and Mohamed Kanno.

Possible next matches

Even if Group H is not yet decided, the possible rivals are already known. This group crosses paths with Group J, where Argentina could face the runner-up, while Austria or Algeria could meet the group winner.

In the first half, France dominated possession and constantly created danger whenever they wanted. Among the attacking players, one stood out more than the rest, as Dembélé scored three goals that nearly decided the match early, while Thelo Aasgaard had briefly cut the difference to one.

For the rest of the match, not much else occurred. The moment that could have made it more competitive came early in the second half when Norway were awarded a penalty, but Mike Maignan saved a poor effort from Jørgen Strand Larsen. In the final minutes, Désiré Doué scored with a header to seal the result.

In the first half, the USMNT started very strong with an early goal by Auston Trusty. However, Turkiye managed to come back with a quick Arda Güler goal before Orkun Kökçü scored to make it 2-1 for Turkiye.

In the second half, the USMNT went out motivated and levelled the match with a good goal by Sebastian Berhalter. A key moment for the team was the inclusion from the bench of Pulisic in the 58th minute after leaving at halftime of the first match. That momentum was ruined by Kaan Ayhan’s late goal in the final moments of the match.

It is a great chance for the USMNT to continue building on a strong tournament so far, with two victories that secured first place in the group. In contrast, Turkiye have been eliminated after two defeats.

The USMNT are top of the group with 6 points, with their spot already secured because they won the head-to-head match against the teams that could tie them. Australia are second with 3 points and an even goal difference, while Paraguay are level on 3 points with a -2 goal difference.

USMNT vs Turkiye lineups

For this match, Mauricio Pochettino opted for this lineup: Turner; Scally, Trusty, M. Robinson, McKenzie; Berhalter, McKennie; Aaronson, Reyna, Weah; Pepi.

For Turkiye, Vincenzo Montella picked this lineup: Çakir; Çelik, Elmali, Bardakçi, Kabak; Özcan, Kökçü, Güler, Yildiz, Yilmaz, Aydin.

USMNT’s next match

With first place in the group already secured, the USMNT know they will play on July 1 in San Francisco against a third-placed team. While the opponent has not been confirmed yet, Bosnia and Herzegovina should be the rival unless a number of outcomes occur in the final matches.

Japan remain in contention for first place after drawing with the Netherlands before beating Tunisia. Sweden also have a good chance of advancing, with 3 points from a victory over Tunisia and a loss to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands lead Group F with 4 points (+4 goal difference and 7 goals scored), while Japan have the same number of points and goal difference but with 6 goals scored. Sweden remain third with 3 points (0 goal difference), while Tunisia have already been eliminated.

How Japan’s win vs Sweden impacts the 2026 World Cup Group F standings

If Japan beat Sweden, they would move to 7 points and secure a place in the Round of 32. They would finish first if the Netherlands draw or lose to Tunisia. If the Netherlands also win, Japan and the Netherlands would be level on 7 points, with the final order decided by goal difference. Sweden would remain on 3 points and would need to wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

How Japan’s draw vs Sweden impacts the 2026 World Cup Group F standings

If Japan draw with Sweden, they would move to 5 points and secure qualification. Sweden would reach 4 points and remain in contention to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Japan would finish first if Tunisia beat the Netherlands, while a Netherlands draw or win would leave Japan in second place.

How Japan’s loss vs Sweden impacts the 2026 World Cup Group F standings

A loss to Sweden would leave Japan on 4 points, while Sweden would move to 6. Japan could still finish second if Tunisia beat the Netherlands, but a Netherlands draw or win would leave them in third place. Japan would then need to wait for the results in the other groups to know if 4 points are enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

The reason Kubo is out of the lineup is a knee injury he sustained in Japan’s draw against the Netherlands, when he had to leave the field in the 75th minute because he could not continue.

While Kubo has not been ruled out for the rest of the competition, his chances of returning are diminishing as the level of the opponents increases. The attacking midfielder will not be on the bench either.

Hajime Moriyasu on the group

A place in the next round is not secured for any of these teams, but Japan are certainly close with their 4 points. For Hajime Moriyasu, this match is of great importance because Japan are not only looking to finish in the top two spots in the group.

The manager explained in his press conference how important it would be for Japan to win the group. Not only would it allow them to avoid Brazil, but it would also mean returning to a city like Monterrey, which they already know.

Moriyasu said: “We had a pre-tournament training camp there, we played against Tunisia there, and the players have already experienced the atmosphere of the stadium as well as the pitch conditions and how the venue works. So being able to play in a place we’re already familiar with is definitely an advantage.”

Moriyasu on Sweden

Sweden’s performances have been very different in their two matches, first winning 5-1 against Tunisia before losing 5-1 to the Netherlands. Even with the issues they have shown, Moriyasu sees a strong opponent in front of Japan.

Moriyasu said: “Sweden are a very strong side. They’re solid in defense and quick in attack. It won’t be an easy match. First and foremost, we need to focus on winning. I hope our defenders enjoy coming up against world-class strikers like Isak and Gyökeres.”

For Japan, the situation is in their favor, as they are ahead of today’s rivals with 4 points. While an unfavorable result would leave them in third place, they are in a strong position after drawing with the Netherlands and earning a convincing victory over Tunisia.

Sweden have had very different performances in their two matches so far. After a solid 5-1 victory over Tunisia, they were beaten 5-1 by the Netherlands, leaving them also with a chance to qualify as one of the best eight third-placed teams in the competition.

Japan vs Sweden lineups

In this match, Hajime Moriyasu opted for this lineup for Japan: Suzuki; Seko, Itakura, H. Ito; Sugawara, Kamada, Tanaka, Nakamura; Doan, Maeda; Ueda.

The lineup Sweden manager Graham Potter picked is: Zetterstrom; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelof; Bernhardsson, Ayari, Stroud, Gudmundsson; Elanga; Gyokeres, Isak.

Group F standings

The Netherlands are first with 4 points, a +4 goal difference and 7 goals scored. Japan are second with 4 points, a +4 goal difference and 6 goals scored. Sweden are third with 3 points, a 0 goal difference and 6 goals scored, while Tunisia have already been eliminated with 0 points and a -8 goal difference.

For Mexico, there was nothing to play for in the final match, as they had already secured first place because a possible tie on points with South Korea would favor them thanks to the direct result. Even so, they still beat Czechia 3-0.

With history on the line for South Africa, the team showed its best version in its most important match ever. They reached the next round after beating South Korea 1-0 in a very tense environment.

Round of 32 venues and potential opponents

While there may be a third team from this group in the next round because the expansion to 48 teams also includes the eight best third-placed teams, not all the rivals of Mexico and South Africa are decided.

The importance of winning the group was especially huge for Mexico because they are going to play their Round of 32 match in their own country. That match was set for June 30 at Estadio Azteca against a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I that has not yet been determined.

For South Africa, the match comes much sooner, as they will play Canada on June 28 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Canada finished second in their group with 4 points.

Group A standings

Ancelotti said: “I think everyone’s performance was good. We played as a collective, and that is positive. We did not concede a goal, and there were many positive things, including Neymar’s return, which can help us.”

After a long wait and plenty of speculation, Neymar made his debut in this competition when he replaced Matheus Cunha in the 76th minute to get his first minutes after a muscle injury left him out for a few weeks.

Ancelotti liked what he saw

The good thing for Brazil in this competition is that they have been improving with every match. After a questionable draw against Morocco, they beat Haiti 3-0 before closing with another 3-0 win, boosted by a Vinicius brace and a Cunha goal.

It was not the usual version that fans may be used to seeing from Brazil as Scotland dominated possession for long stretches, but this match was nearly perfect for the manager.

Ancelotti said: “We played well and repeated the performance. That was the objective, to repeat the match against Haiti. It was a more complete performance, and we are satisfied. It was a good game. Now comes the best part.”

Brazil’s next match

With first place secured in Group C for Brazil, their next match is against the runners-up in Group F, who could be the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden.

In the first half, Scotland controlled possession but could not create danger. This control often led to mistakes that made the match easier for Brazil, with Rayan intercepting a pass to leave Vinicius with a clear goal. Right before halftime, Vinicius scored again with a header after a mistimed play by the goalkeeper.

There was not much action in the second half because Brazil preferred to conserve energy. Scotland needed to reduce the goal difference but could not do enough, despite some crosses aimed at Scott McTominay that were saved by Alisson. Matheus Cunha decided the match with a goal before being substituted in the 76th minute for Neymar, who debuted in this competition after being sidelined.

South Korea enter the match after beating Czechia and losing to Mexico, while South Africa lost to Mexico before drawing with Czechia in their next match. Both teams remain in contention to advance, with South Korea in a stronger position.

Mexico have already secured first place in Group A with 6 points (+3 goal difference), as the tiebreaker favors them. South Korea are second with 3 points (0 goal difference), Czechia are third with 1 point (-1 goal difference), and South Africa are fourth with 1 point (-2 goal difference).

How South Korea’s win vs South Africa impacts the 2026 World Cup Group A standings

If South Korea beat South Africa, they would secure second place in Group A and advance to the round of 32. South Africa would remain on 1 point and be eliminated from the competition. Even if Mexico lose to Czechia, South Korea would remain second because they won the direct matchup.

How South Korea’s draw vs South Africa impacts the 2026 World Cup Group A standings

If South Korea draw with South Africa, they would move to 4 points and remain in second place. Even if Czechia beat Mexico, their 4 points would not be enough to finish above South Korea because South Korea won the direct matchup. South Africa would reach 2 points, but they would need other results to go their way to have any chance of advancing as a third-place team.

How South Korea’s loss vs South Africa impacts the 2026 World Cup Group A standings

A loss to South Africa would leave South Korea on 3 points, while South Africa would move to 4. That result would put South Africa in a strong position to advance, while South Korea would need to wait for the result between Mexico and Czechia to know whether they finish second or must rely on a third-place spot.

It was a positive start for these teams, with Colombia beating Uzbekistan and DR Congo earning a valuable draw against Portugal. Those results left them in a strong position entering this match, which could play a major role in deciding who advances from the group.

Those results leave Portugal first with 4 points and a +5 goal difference, followed by Colombia with 3 points and a +2 goal difference. DR Congo are third with 1 point and an even goal difference, while Uzbekistan are last with 0 points and a -7 goal difference.

How Colombia’s win vs DR Congo impacts the 2026 World Cup Group K standings

If Colombia beat DR Congo, they would move to 6 points and secure their place in the knockout round. They would also move ahead of Portugal and take control of first place in the group before the final round of matches. In the important race for first place, a draw against Portugal in the final match would be enough for Colombia to finish on top of the group.

How Colombia’s draw vs DR Congo impacts the 2026 World Cup Group K standings

If Colombia draw with DR Congo, they would move to 4 points while DR Congo would reach 2. Colombia would remain in a strong position to advance, but qualification would still need to be secured in the final match. DR Congo would also keep their hopes alive going into the last round against the weakest team in the group.

How Colombia’s loss vs DR Congo impacts the 2026 World Cup Group K standings

A loss to DR Congo would leave Colombia on 3 points while DR Congo would move to 4. That result would make the battle for qualification much tighter entering the final matchday, with every team except Uzbekistan still having something to play for.

This may be the best opportunity for Croatia to show what they can do on the field after a disappointing debut in which they lost 4-2 to England. Even with the quality in their squad, they need to win this match to reach the final day with a little less pressure.

Panama were moments away from earning a valuable draw against Ghana, but a painful defeat in stoppage time left them with little room for error in the race to reach the next round. Those results left England on 4 points (+2), Ghana on 4 points (+1), Panama on 0 points (-1) and Croatia on 0 points (-2).

How Croatia’s win vs Panama impacts the 2026 World Cup Group L standings

If Croatia beat Panama, they would put themselves back into contention for a place in the next round. They would sit one point behind England and Ghana, knowing that a win in their final match would put them in the knockout round. Panama would be eliminated.

How Croatia’s draw vs Panama impacts the 2026 World Cup Group L standings

If Croatia draw with Panama, both teams would move to 1 point. That result would leave them needing a victory in the final round to have a chance of advancing. A draw would also create the possibility of all four teams finishing on 4 points if Croatia and Panama win their final matches.

How Croatia’s loss vs Panama impacts the 2026 World Cup Group L standings

A loss to Panama would leave Croatia on 0 points after two matches while Panama would move to 3. Panama could still dream of reaching the next round, while Croatia would be automatically eliminated.

For Croatia, their first match was the toughest one, as they had England on the fixture. However, even with the talent of their rivals, the performance was not the best, and they were beaten 4-2. This match looks like a great chance to redeem themselves against a weaker team.

Panama’s debut was almost historic, as they came very close to earning a point until Ghana scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Their goal of reaching the next round may now look out of reach with the teams in the group.

Panama vs Croatia lineups

The lineup that Thomas Christiansen confirmed for Panama is this one: Mosquera, Blackman, Cordoba, Ramos, Harvey, Andrade, Murillo, Martinez, Rodriguez, Barcenas and Fajardo.

On the Croatia side, Zlatko Dalić chose this lineup: Livakovic, Stanisic, Pongracic, Gvardiol, Sutalo, Kovacic, Modric, Baturina, Perisic, Pasalic and Musa.

Their final matches

For the final match of the group, which will decide the teams reaching the next round on June 27, Panama are playing against England while Croatia meet Ghana. England currently lead Group L with 4 points and a +2 goal difference, followed by Ghana with 4 points and a +1 goal difference. Panama are third with 0 points and a -1 goal difference, while Croatia are last with 0 points and a -2 goal difference.

England began their campaign with a strong 4-2 win over Croatia, showing a very solid performance. While their main objective is to reach the knockout rounds, they are also thinking about finishing top of the group.

Ghana had a different kind of debut, edging Panama 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal to avoid disaster. Those results left England first in the group on goal difference, with both teams on 3 points. Croatia and Panama remain without a point.

How England’s win vs Ghana impacts the 2026 World Cup Group L standings

If England beat Ghana, they would move to 6 points and put themselves in an excellent position to finish first in the group. Ghana would remain on 3 points and could face pressure heading into the final round, depending on the result between Croatia and Panama.

How England’s draw vs Ghana impacts the 2026 World Cup Group L standings

If England draw with Ghana, both teams would move to 4 points and remain in control of their chances to reach the next round. However, neither side would be guaranteed qualification, leaving everything to be decided in the final group-stage matches.

How England’s loss vs Ghana impacts the 2026 World Cup Group L standings

A loss to Ghana would leave England on 3 points while Ghana would move to 6 and take a major step toward winning the group. England would still have a strong chance to advance, but their final match against Panama would become much more important if Croatia are also able to pick up points.

The reason Rashford isn’t starting for England is technical, as Thomas Tuchel has chosen Anthony Gordon over him. It is a decision based on the manager’s preference for this match rather than any fitness issue.

Even if Rashford remains one of the most experienced attacking players in the squad, Tuchel has decided to go with a different option after choosing the same attack that did a very good job in the 4-2 victory over Croatia in their first match.

The replacement

Tuchel has opted for Gordon on the left wing instead of Rashford after the new Barcelona player had a strong match a few days ago. The younger winger also brings a different profile with his work rate and direct running.

It was not an easy decision considering Rashford made an impact in England’s first match of the tournament. The forward scored against Croatia and continued to show why he remains an important part of the squad despite not being in the starting lineup today.

Rashford may still earn significant minutes as the tournament progresses, especially with England looking to manage their players carefully ahead of the knockout rounds. For now, Gordon gets the opportunity to start on the left side of the attack.

England’s next match

Regardless of the result against Ghana, England will close their Group L campaign on June 27 against Panama. With qualification potentially already secured by then, that match could provide an opportunity for Tuchel to rotate his squad and give minutes to more players.

The reason Saka isn’t starting for England is that he is still working his way back to full fitness after a muscle injury that limited his participation during the final weeks of Arsenal’s season. While he could play if Thomas Tuchel decided to use him, the manager has chosen not to rush him back into the team.

Even when he was in Arsenal’s lineup for the Champions League final, he was not at 100 percent, as Saka took the field only because of how important that match was for him.

The replacement

Tuchel has followed the same path Mikel Arteta used in recent matches. Since Saka is not at full fitness yet, the replacement on the right wing is Noni Madueke.

The manager was encouraged to see that Saka has not lost his touch with the ball, as he showed in the 20 minutes he played against Croatia, when he provided an assist to Marcus Rashford for the final goal in the 4-2 victory.

Saka may be ready to earn more minutes soon and get closer to the most important matches with better competitive rhythm, with Madueke currently filling the right-wing role and also delivering good performances.

England’s next match

After the victory over Croatia, Group L looks much better for England. Today’s match against Ghana could seal their place in the next round, with Saka aiming for more minutes against Panama on June 27.

The current ranking of Tunisia is 54th with 1453 points. That is nine spots lower than the June 11 update, making them the team with the second-biggest drop in the competition behind only Turkey, who fell 10 places.

After a 5-1 defeat in the first match, Tunisia will be hoping to stop their slide with a positive result against Japan. Another defeat would likely see them lose even more ground compared to where they stood before the tournament began.

Tunisia’s rivals

The highest-ranked team in the group is the Netherlands, who are currently 7th in the FIFA world ranking after climbing one place from their previous position. Their status made them the favorites to win the group before the competition started.

Japan are next in 17th, also moving up one position from the latest FIFA update. Their draw against the Netherlands strengthened their chances of reaching the knockout rounds.

Sweden sit in 36th after gaining two places compared to the June 11 ranking. Their opening victory over Tunisia helped them create an important gap over the African side.

Tunisia’s highest ranking

Tunisia have experienced very different moments in the FIFA world ranking throughout their history. Their highest position came in 2018, when they reached 14th place, while their lowest ranking was 65th in 2010.

The reason behind Kubo not playing in this match is a knee injury he sustained in Japan’s draw against the Netherlands. It was in an action that left him down in the 75th minute of action, being unable to continue as he was replaced last Sunday.

Kubo’s injury left Japan very worried as the issues have been piling up lately, with the team missing some huge names for them like Takumi Minamino or Kaoru Mitoma before the competition. This was also the case with team captain Wataru Endo, who had to be replaced from the final list.

Kubo’s future

While there were some concerns around Kubo’s future in the competition, Japan seem confident there are going to welcome the talented player back soon. Coming back against Sweden in the third match isn’t out of the question yet.

The fixture does not help Japan very much as they are one of the teams that had to travel between countries during the groups round. After presenting themselves in Dallas, Japan now had to travel to Mexico for the Tunisia match before returning to their first city.

This made it easier to see that Kubo is not going to even be on the bench because he didn’t even travel with the team. Instead, the left-footed player stayed in the team’s facilities in Nashville recovering properly to gain his best form.

Hajime Moriyasu’s view on the Tunisia match

This was a hit for the team as they rely on Kubo’s creativity to produce goal chances. For manager Hajime Moriyasu, this Tunisia represents a threat to them even after they lost 5-1 against Sweden. That made their Federation fire Sabri Lamouchi to hire Herve Renard, which could be a factor for Japan.

Moriyasu said: “Tunisia had a change of manager and will come out fighting with extremely high motivation, desperate to redeem the defeat from the first game in order to progress from the group stage. We must not be defensive against such a mentality and must be prepared to make the effort to win the match.”

Ecuador opened the group with a loss to Ivory Coast, which left them with plenty to recover because that was their main rival for qualification. Curacao also had a difficult debut, falling heavily to Germany and leaving them with a much worse goal difference.

Germany are first in the group with 6 points and a +7 goal difference after beating Ivory Coast 2-1. Ivory Coast are second with 3 points and a goal difference of 0, while Ecuador sit third with 0 points and a -1 goal difference. Curacao are last with 0 points and a -6 goal difference.

How Ecuador’s win vs Curacao impacts the 2026 World Cup Group E standings

If Ecuador beat Curacao, they would move into the race for the top two spots. A win would bring them level with Ivory Coast on points and leave the group wide open. However, they would lose a direct tie with Ivory Coast because the head-to-head result is the first tiebreaker.

How Ecuador’s draw vs Curacao impacts the 2026 World Cup Group E standings

If Ecuador draw with Curacao, they would stay on 1 point and would need a win in their final match to have any realistic chance of advancing. That result would still leave them behind Ivory Coast and Germany, while Curacao would also remain alive with 1 point of their own.

How Ecuador’s loss vs Curacao impacts the 2026 World Cup Group E standings

A loss to Curacao would eliminate Ecuador before the final matchday. Curacao would move level with Ivory Coast on points, and everything would be decided in the final match between those teams, where goal difference could become a factor if the match ends in a draw.

Despite interest from U.S. Soccer in recruiting the talented shot-stopper, Suzuki ultimately committed to the Japan national team. His professional journey began in the J-League with Urawa Red Diamonds.

The goalkeeper developed quickly through the club’s youth academy before becoming a commanding senior goalkeeper. Suzuki’s physical presence and continued growth caught the attention of scouts abroad, paving the way for a move to Europe.

Trajectory in Europe

The goalkeeper expressed gratitude to his first club before moving on: “I have decided to make a permanent transfer to Sint-Truiden VV. I will continue to work hard so that I can use the experience I gained at Urawa on the world stage and so that I can become a role model for the players of the Urawa Reds Academy. Once again, thank you for the past 11 years.”

In 2023, Suzuki joined Belgian club Sint-Truiden on loan to gain valuable first-team experience, where fellow Japanese goalkeeper Daniel Schmidt was the starter. That development helped fuel his rapid rise until the club made the move permanent in July 2024.

After that, he took another big step by moving to Serie A to play for Parma. This could be a major moment of stability for the young goalkeeper, who has made 120 career appearances across three clubs.

Suzuki’s career with Japan

At such a young age for a goalkeeper, Suzuki has already shown leadership in Japan’s defense with strong performances. His numbers at youth level are modest, as he played 20 matches across the U-15 to U-23 teams. At senior level, he had made 24 appearances entering the competition.

The current ranking of Ecuador is 28th, which is five spots lower than the June 11 update. Only three teams lost more positions than them in this competition: Turkey (10), Tunisia (9) and Panama (6).

In a system that gets updated with every match, Ecuador will be looking to respond against Curacao. A positive result would help them stay in the race in a group that also includes Germany, so this is a must-win match for them.

Ecuador’s rivals

As expected, the team that stands out most in the group is Germany. They are currently 8th in the FIFA world ranking, making them the highest-ranked side in the section by a clear margin after climbing one spot.

Ivory Coast follow at 31th, a gap that was narrowed by the match between them a few days ago. That result also made the battle for the top spot much harder for Ecuador, who may need a major upset in their final appearance, not just in this one.

Curacao are further behind in 83rd, leaving them as the lowest-ranked team in the group and the side with the most ground to make up. That position puts them just ahead of Haiti among the 48 teams in the competition.

Ecuador’s highest ranking

Ecuador have had some notable moments in the FIFA ranking over the years. Their highest position came in 2013, when they reached 10th place, while their lowest ranking came in 1995, when they were 76th.

The current ranking of Curacao is 83rd, which is one spot lower than the June 11 update. That puts the Caribbean side in a difficult position ahead of the match, even if they are mostly enjoying their first-ever appearance in the competition.

With the ranking changing after every match, Curacao will be looking to climb if it can put together a strong result. A positive performance against Ecuador would help them keep pace, even if their goal may be more modest than what some other teams might aim for.

Curacao’s rivals

As expected, the team that stands out most in the group is Germany. They are currently 8th in the FIFA world ranking, making them the highest-ranked side in the section by a clear margin after being 10th in the latest ranking.

Ecuador are next in line, but far behind at 28th, which made them one of the main contenders to advance from the group until they lost their opening match and put themselves at risk of missing out on the next round.

Ivory Coast follow closely behind at 31th after starting the competition three spots lower. The most important thing for them is that they beat their direct rivals, which also means Curacao are the lowest-ranked team among the four.

Curacao’s highest ranking

Curacao have remained in a steady position over the years in the FIFA ranking. Their current position is not too far from their highest ranking, which came in 2017 when they reached 68th place. Their lowest ranking came in 2014, when they were 183rd.

The current ranking of Ivory Coast is 30th with 1568.62 points ahead of their match. This takes into account the matches played after the previous update on June 11, with the nation gaining some spots compared to the start of the competition.

With the ranking changing after every match, Ivory Coast were able to climb three places because of how they started the group. Their victory over Ecuador with a late goal by Amad Diallo made them move ahead of countries like Algeria provisionally.

Ivory Coast’s rivals

As expected, no other team in the group is close to Germany. They are clearly the highest-ranked team, in ninth place after climbing over Belgium with the 7-1 victory over Curacao, along with Belgium’s draw with Egypt.

While Ecuador remain the nearest team to Germany, their opening match caused them to lose several positions, with the defeat dropping them from 23rd to 28th in the world ranking.

Not many changes were expected for Curacao, who are enjoying their first appearance in the competition. Their current ranking is 83rd, having been overtaken by New Zealand after a draw with Iran. Haiti remain the only team below them among the 48 participating countries.

Ivory Coast’s highest ranking

This country has been known for producing many talented players this century. Even if this is not Ivory Coast’s best period, they were much higher in the ranking in the past. Their highest position came in 2013, when they were 12th, while their lowest came in 2004, when they were 75th in the ranking.

The reason Minamino is not competing for Japan is that he did not recover in time from a severe injury. It was impossible for the attacking midfielder to be ready in full form after tearing his ACL in December while playing for Monaco.

This injury typically takes six to eight months to recover from. Even if the timeline may have been in his favor, not all cases are the same with this injury. It also requires time to build up slowly to avoid setbacks, so Minamino was not able to be called up.

Minamino’s role with the team

While the player could be doing his rehab in his preferred city, Minamino accepted the invitation from the staff to stay close to them. His rehab continues on a schedule parallel to the light movements he makes with the team.

His role as a mentor could be very important for many reasons, and it is even more needed in this edition because, before the first match, the team captain, Wataru Endo, was left off the list because of an injury.

Minamino said about his role, according to Kyodo News: “Lots of people helped me get here and I’m hoping to give my maximum support to the team by offering my personal experience and coming up with my own approach.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu on Minamino’s supporting role

There are many players with respectable experience in Japan, and Takehiro Tomiyasu is one of them after playing for an elite club like Arsenal. The defender, who now plays for Ajax, praised Minamino for his ability to leave his ego aside as he described his role, according to Nikkan Sports.

Tomiyasu said: “Minamino is definitely a plus for the team. He has only just arrived, but just having Takumi here makes everyone smile, and we are happy too, so I think he will do a good job.”

The current FIFA world ranking of Turkiye is 22nd with 1605.73 points in the latest June 11 update, a position that is not going to change until the competition ends.

This leaves them far from the best moments in their history because the country reached fifth place in 2004. Their lowest point came earlier, when they were 67th in 1993.

Turkiye’s rivals

If the FIFA world ranking is any indication of the favorites in Group D, Turkiye should be among the main candidates to reach the next round. Only the United States stand above them in the group, occupying 17th place in the ranking.

The next closest team to Turkiye is Australia, who are positioned 27th in the list. While not far behind, that gap still gives the European side an advantage on paper.

The lowest-ranked country in the group is Paraguay. They sit in 41st place in the ranking, making them the only team in the group outside the top 30.

FIFA ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking published on the federation’s website is not always easy to follow because it relies on a complex algorithm that uses several variables. Its next update is scheduled for July 19, with an explanation of how it works available on the official site.

According to FIFA: A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

Paraguay are currently 41st in the FIFA world ranking with 1505.35 points in the latest June 11 update, a position that will not change until the competition ends.

This is not their best moment, even if they are returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. Their highest ranking came in 2001, when they were eighth in the world. Their lowest point is also far away, as they were 103rd in 1995.

Paraguay’s rivals

While they entered the competition with expectations, that was not based on the FIFA world ranking, as they are the lowest-ranked team in Group D, where the United States are ahead of the rest in 17th place.

There are also several teams ahead of Paraguay. The closest country is Turkey, which sits 22nd in the ranking with a strong group of talented players.

Australia are also close to Turkey, leaving Paraguay in last place in the group. They are just a few spots below the European side in 27th, which makes the gap significant with the third-place team.

FIFA ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking published on the federation’s website is not always easy to follow because it relies on a complex algorithm that uses several variables. Its next update is scheduled for July 19, with an explanation of how it works available on the official site.

According to FIFA: A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

The reason En-Nesyri is not in the competition is that the manager did not call him up for technical reasons. While injuries can often play a role at this stage of the year, that was not the case for the forward.

When Morocco learned that Walid Regragui was stepping down from his position in March, the federation turned to Mohamed Ouahbi. The new manager decided to go with a younger group, which left En-Nesyri off the list.

En-Nesyri’s club career

While leaving En-Nesyri out of the Morocco squad was a big decision, his club career has not included many of the biggest names in world football. Most of his résumé has been built in Spain, where he spent the bulk of his career.

He began his career at Málaga before moving to Leganés to build his name. His best years came at Sevilla, where he played 196 matches and scored 73 goals during a golden period for the club.

It was in the last few years that the forward moved away from the most competitive leagues in the world when he joined Galatasaray in 2024. Earlier this year, he joined Al Ittihad, but his performances there were not enough to convince the manager.

En-Nesyri’s career with Morocco

What made En-Nesyri’s omission even more notable was his record with Morocco. Even if his club form has not been at its best lately, he has scored 25 goals in 92 matches for his country. His biggest moment came in Qatar, when he scored the winning goal against Portugal in the quarterfinals during Morocco’s run to the semifinals.

The reason Ziyech was not called up is the lack of form he has shown in recent years. While the talented winger has been productive for Wydad AC, the coach did not consider that enough to include him in the squad.

A surprising change came when then-coach Walid Regragui stepped down in March. That led to the hiring of Mohamed Ouahbi, who opted for a much younger team to refresh the attack, leaving the 33-year-old Ziyech out of the list.

Ziyech’s club career

It has been a steady decline for the experienced player in recent years, which may seem unexpected given how good his peak years were. Ziyech began with Heerenveen and Twente before making a major move within the country.

His best performances clearly came at Ajax, where he was part of a team that came close to making history, especially in 2019 when they beat teams like Real Madrid and Juventus on their way to the Champions League semifinal.

In 2020, he moved to a more competitive league such as the Premier League, with Chelsea investing 40 million euros in him. However, his spell there was not his best, as he scored 14 goals in 107 matches. He then had two uneven years with Galatasaray, spent a few months with Qatari club Al-Duhail, and eventually joined his current club last year.

Ziyech’s career with Morocco

While Ziyech represented another country, the Netherlands, in the youth categories in the past, he chose Morocco at senior level. The left-footed winger scored 25 goals in 64 matches for the national team, but he has not played for them since 2024. His biggest moment came when Morocco reached the semifinal in Qatar before falling to France.

The FIFA world ranking puts South Korea in 25th place with 1591.63 points in the June 11 update, a figure that will not change until the competition ends.

That is not too far from their highest ranking in 1998, when they were 17th under a different system than the current one. It also made them third in the continent.

South Korea’s rivals

If FIFA’s ranking is any indication of which teams are most likely to reach the next round, South Korea should advance, though not as group winners. That position belongs to Mexico, who are ranked 14th.

A much wider gap separates South Korea from the other teams in the group, with the closest rival being Czechia, which sits 40th in the ranking.

The lowest-ranked team in this version of the list is South Africa, who are 60th overall and the 11th team in their continent.

FIFA ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking published on the federation’s website is not always easy to follow because it relies on a complex algorithm that uses several variables. Its next update is scheduled for July 19, with an explanation of how it works available on the official site.

According to FIFA: A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

Mexico are currently 14th after moving ahead of Senegal in the latest update. In the June 11 edition, their total points were 1687.48, and that will remain the case until the competition ends.

With this position, Mexico are three spots ahead of the United States and 16 ahead of Canada. Their highest ranking has been fourth on multiple occasions, while their lowest position was 40th in 2015.

Mexico’s rivals

Mexico are the clear No. 1 team in Group A, 11 places ahead of their next opponent. That team is South Korea, who are ranked 25th in the most recent ranking and are also the main challenger for first place.

The rest of the group is close to one another, but much further behind Mexico. The third-ranked team in the group is Czechia, which is placed 40th.

The lowest-ranked team in the group is South Africa. As the 11th-ranked team in their confederation, they are 60th overall, which reflects their place in the talent pool.

FIFA ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking published on the federation’s website is not always easy to follow because it relies on a complex algorithm that uses several variables. The next update is scheduled for July 19, with an explanation of how it works available on the official site.

FIFA states: “A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.”

In the first half, imprecisions were everywhere from both teams. For some time Mexico controlled the ball, with South Korea just covering spaces, which then occurred the other way around as they went into halftime tied 0-0.

It was a match in which only mistakes could turn into a goal. This occurred precisely in favor of Mexico on a high ball that looked easy for the South Korea goalkeeper, but he crashed into a teammate and dropped the ball into Luis Romo’s area, leaving him with only a simple finish into the net. Mexico could then hang on to the advantage to get the victory.

It was not the best debut for Canada in front of their fans, although they left with a positive feeling because it could have been worse against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a match where they fell behind, they were at least able to salvage a 1-1 draw.

Qatar also had a historic first match, even if it ended in a 1-1 draw as well. They were facing the group’s top team, Switzerland, and went down 1-0, but scored in the final minute to earn their first point in the competition and keep their knockout-round hopes alive.

How Canada’s win vs Qatar impacts the 2026 World Cup Group B standings

Switzerland beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 earlier in the day, leaving the winners with 4 points and a +3 goal difference, while the losing side has 1 point and a -3 goal difference. If Canada beat Qatar, they would join Switzerland on 4 points, while Qatar would need to avoid a heavy defeat to stay in the race for a third-place finish.

How Canada’s draw vs Qatar impacts the 2026 World Cup Group B standings

If Canada draw with Qatar, they would need a win in their final match to take the group. Canada and Qatar would be tied for second place with 2 points and a 0 goal difference, Switzerland would lead alone with 4 points, and Bosnia and Herzegovina would remain last with 1 point.

How Canada’s loss vs Qatar impacts the 2026 World Cup Group B standings

A loss to Qatar would put Canada at serious risk of missing out on a top-two finish. Switzerland and Qatar would lead the group with 4 points each heading into the final match, while Canada would be tied with Bosnia and Herzegovina in third place on 1 point, with goal difference potentially determining their position after the match.

The current ranking of Canada is 30th in the table made by FIFA on June 11. This ranking isn’t updated monthly, meaning this won’t change during the competition as the team tries to make history.

This ranking isn’t bad at all considering Canada’s best ranking since this method was established in 2018 is 26th in September 2025. It is however, the third in CONCACAF, 16 spots below Mexico and 13 spots away from the United States.

Canada’s rivals

While the ranking should say as it is right now with 1559.48 points, once the competition ends it could be higher. What Canada should do may be improve more from what they did in the past.

If the metrics of the ranking are worth something, Canada should be expected to reach the next round as they stand only behind Switzerland in this mathematic number, which are in the 19th.

The other teams on Group B are far behind with Qatar being 26 places below in the 56th position. A bit lower are Bosnia and Herzegovina as the lowest ranked team from the four competing in the 64th.

FIFA Ranking procedure

The FIFA ranking announced by the entity on their website may not be very easy to follow because it requires a complex algorithm that uses many variables. Its next update is on July 19 with the explanation of how it works appearing on the official site.

According to FIFA: A new model took effect in August 2018 after approval by the FIFA Council. This new version relies on adding/subtracting points won or lost for a game to/from the previous point totals rather than averaging game points over a given time period as in the previous version of the World Ranking. The points which are added or subtracted are partially determined by the relative strength of the two opponents, including the logical expectation that teams higher in the ranking should fare better against teams lower in the ranking.

Its statement read: “On Wednesday night, the seismic station in Bergen recorded clear signals near the station from the World Cup match between Norway and Iraq. The largest fluctuations coincide with Haaland’s goals, which triggered strong cheers among Norwegian supporters.”

It was a perfect way to open the tournament for Norway, who had been out since 1998. Haaland scored the first goal of the match and then answered after Iraq’s equalizer by forcing a mistake from the goalkeeper to restore the lead, a huge moment for the country.

More of the statement

On Wednesday night, the seismic station in Bergen recorded clear signals near the station from the World Cup match between Norway and Iraq. The largest fluctuations coincided with Erling Braut Haaland’s goals, which triggered strong cheers among Norwegian supporters.

In the seismic data, we see clear signs of the timing of several important events in the match, which shows how large crowds can create measurable vibrations in the ground. The most obvious effects are seen in connection with the Norwegian goals, especially Haaland’s two goals.

The signals are probably due to cheers and movements among Norwegian supporters who followed the match in Bergen. When many people react simultaneously to big sporting moments, the combined movements can create vibrations in the ground that are recorded by sensitive seismometers.

Sensitive seismometers record not only earthquakes, but also vibrations from human activity. When many people move at the same time, this can have a clear impact on seismic measurements. So even though Norway did not trigger an earthquake against Iraq, the cheers from Norwegian supporters caused the seismic readings in Bergen to shake a little more.

Norway’s matches

After the 4-1 victory, Norway can approach its next matches with less pressure. Still, it cannot relax too much, because its next game could be the most important of the group against Senegal on June 23, followed by the final match against France on June 26 to decide its place in the tournament.

Henry said: “I’ve seen a lot of people say it should have been a red card, but for me, intent is very important when properly analyzing these situations. Watching it again, it’s clear that Messi is focused on the ball and trying to make a play, with no intention of hurting anyone. Yes, there is contact. Yes, it looks bad. But not every hard challenge is a red card.”

The play that sparked the controversy came in the 30th minute of the first half, when Messi tripped Aissa Mendi from behind while pressing. In the action, the forward hit the defender’s calf with his cleats.

Henry on VAR

These players know each other very well. Henry not only played alongside Messi at Barcelona, but they were also Champions League winners in 2009 under Pep Guardiola.

Part of the debate came from a still image showing Messi’s foot striking the calf in a high area, which fueled reactions from fans. Many also felt VAR should have reviewed the play for longer.

Henry said: “That is precisely why VAR exists: to slow the action down and determine whether there was malicious intent or serious foul play. The referees reviewed it carefully and ultimately did not even believe it warranted a yellow card.”

Henry on the reactions

The play became a bigger talking point because of the player involved. If another player had committed the foul, the debate likely would not have lasted this long. The former France forward, who won the tournament in 1998, believes Messi being at the center of it made the issue bigger than it should have been.

Henry said: “People are reacting because it was Messi. If it had been another player, I don’t think there would have been this much controversy. For me, it was accidental, unfortunate, and nothing more. Football is a contact sport, and sometimes incidents look much worse in real time than they actually are.”

The reason Carrasquilla is out of the lineup is that he is still recovering from a muscle injury he suffered a few weeks ago. The left abductor tear came in the Liga MX final on May 25, when Pumas lost to Cruz Azul.

Even if Carrasquilla is not available from the start in this important match for Thomas Christiansen, the expectation is that the midfielder could come off the bench if the team needs him.

Carrasquilla’s importance

Even if Carrasquilla does not have a long club résumé, he does have plenty of experience. The 27-year-old began at Tauro in Panama before moving to Cartagena, where the most important transfers in his career later followed.

His next step came when his career took off after he was initially loaned to Houston Dynamo, where he stayed longer. The following move was another important jump in level when he joined his current club.

Carrasquilla’s biggest asset for this team may be the international experience that not many players can match. The midfielder’s 73 appearances for his country could be missed in this tournament if he is not able to play regularly.

Panama’s matches

After the match against Ghana, which closes the first fixture in Group L following England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, Panama will face Croatia on June 23 before playing England on June 27.