The group stage of the 2026 World Cup ends Saturday, and honestly, it’s about time. Six matches across Groups J, K, and L will decide the final 16 teams heading into the knockout rounds, and there’s no shortage of storylines — starting with three of the biggest names in the sport taking the field one last time before things get single-elimination serious.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina already locked up Group J, so the big question is whether coach Lionel Scaloni rests his starters, especially the man himself, ahead of a Round of 32 matchup against Cabo Verde. Messi is the tournament’s leading scorer, and Argentina hasn’t lost in 18 months. But this is a marathon, not a sprint. If Scaloni sits him, fans in Dallas might feel cheated, but it’s the smart play.
Group J’s second spot is up for grabs
Austria needs something off Argentina to have a shot at advancing. They’re not getting it if Messi plays. They probably aren’t getting it if he doesn’t. Meanwhile, Algeria should handle Jordan and slide into second place. Either way, the second-place team from this group likely draws Spain in the next round. So, good luck with that.
Portugal vs. Colombia could be a banger
Both teams are already through to the knockout stage, but Group K positioning matters. Colombia might rest starters because they’re guaranteed to advance, but if they don’t, this game has serious fireworks potential. Both teams have looked better each match, and Cristiano Ronaldo is still the main character. He’s scored in every game so far, and the crowd in Miami will be ready for him.
But here’s the thing: Portugal might actually look better without him. If Roberto Martínez decides to sit Ronaldo and the team still rolls, that’s a conversation we’ll be having all week. According to team insiders, Martínez hasn’t decided yet, but there’s pressure to keep the 41-year-old legend on the field for marketing and morale reasons. It’s the kind of drama that makes this tournament feel bigger than just soccer.
England needs to shake off the Ghana loss
Thomas Tuchel’s squad got bullied last time out. Ghana physically ground them down, and England didn’t have answers. Now they face Panama, who are just as gritty defensively. The Central Americans won’t give up much space, and England’s attack has looked disjointed when teams sit deep. Harry Kane is due, but he can’t do it alone.
Ghana vs. Croatia is the other match in the group, and it’s sneaky important. A tie almost certainly puts both through. But if Ghana wins, Croatia goes home. Luka Modric might be playing his last World Cup game. That alone is worth watching.
The schedule hits three time slots — 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 10 p.m. ET — with games in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Miami, Atlanta, Kansas City, and Dallas. FOX and FS1 have the English broadcasts, Telemundo handles Spanish. By midnight, we’ll know all 32 knockout teams. Then the real tournament starts.
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