World Cup Group Stage Finale Pits Portugal Against Colombia, England Faces Panama

The final day of the 2026 World Cup group stage will be completed Sunday morning, with three groups wrapping up and several qualification spots still in play. The main attraction is Portugal against Colombia in Miami for first place in Group 11, while Argentina will rotate heavily against Jordan in Group 10 and England meet Panama in Group 12.

In Group 10, reigning champions Argentina have already secured first place after two wins and are expected to make many changes against Jordan, who have no chance of reaching the round of 32. The main question is whether Lionel Messi, who has indicated he is fit to play, will start alongside Julián Álvarez or come off the bench. Giuliano Simeone and Giovani Lo Celso are also set to start. In the other match, Austria and Algeria both have three points, and Austria can secure advancement with a draw. Algeria will know by kickoff whether a draw is enough or whether it must win, since this is the last match in the group.

In Group 11, Portugal face a heavily supported Colombia side in Miami in what had been the most anticipated game ahead of the tournament. Coach Roberto Martínez is not expected to change the lineup that beat Uzbekistan, but Portugal need a win to finish first and avoid a possible last-16 clash with Spain. The Congo DR can advance with any win, as that would take it to four points with a non-negative goal difference. Uzbekistan need a high-scoring win to stay alive, though they may already be eliminated before kickoff.

In Group 12, England, on four points after a setback against Ghana, must beat 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 of Panama after scoring a hat-trick in a 6-1 win at the 2018 World Cup. Croatia, with three points, need at least a draw against Ghana to avoid elimination. Ghana would advance from second place if they avoid defeat, and could still survive with a narrow loss by going through as one of the third-place teams.