World Cup group finales set up key showdowns in Miami and beyond

The 2026 World Cup group stage will end on Sunday morning, with the last three groups being completed. The headline match is Portugal against Colombia in Miami for first place in Group 11, while England faces modest Panama, and Argentina plans heavy rotation against Jordan.

In Group 10, world champion Argentina has already secured first place after two wins and is expected to make several changes against Jordan, which has no chance of reaching the round of 32. The main selection question is whether Lionel Messi, who has signaled that he is fit to play, will start alongside Julián Álvarez or come off the bench. Giuliano Simeone and Giovani Lo Celso are also expected to be in the starting XI. In the more decisive match, Austria and Algeria each have 3 points, and Austria can clinch qualification with a draw. Algeria will know by kickoff whether a draw is enough or whether it must win, since this will be the group’s final match.

Group 11 brings the most anticipated game, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal meets Colombia in Miami, with strong Colombian support expected. Roberto Martinez is not expected to change Portugal’s lineup after its previous win over Uzbekistan, but Portugal must win to finish first. Any other result could send Portugal into a round-of-16 meeting with Spain. In the other match, DR Congo can reach 4 points and keep a non-negative goal difference with any win, while Uzbekistan needs a big victory to stay alive and could already be eliminated before kickoff.

In Group 12, England, after stumbling against Ghana, needs a win over already-eliminated Panama to guarantee first place. Declan Rice has returned to training and will be available, while Reece James is out injured. Harry Kane, who struggled against Ghana, has good memories against Panama after scoring a hat trick in England’s 6-1 win at the 2018 World Cup. Croatia, with 3 points, must take at least a draw against Ghana to avoid elimination, while Ghana advances from second place if it does not lose and can also survive a narrow defeat by going through as a third-place team.