The group stage approaches its climax as Groups G, H and I conclude on a thrilling day of action on Matchday 16 – Friday, 26 June. Ten of the 12 teams in action are yet to secure their places in the knockout stage although some sides' tasks are a little easier.
France and Norway have already booked their spots in the Round of 32 but there is still plenty of intrigue around their meeting in Boston. The match will determine which team finishes top of Group I and it is set to be a , who have scored four goals each so far.
There is far more at stake in the other game between Senegal and Iraq, who are both on zero points. Their only hope of getting through is by finishing third, and in all likelihood they will need a win to stand a chance of making it.
Spain top Group H after two games and they will clinch pole position with victory against Uruguay. A draw would also be enough to finish first in the event Cabo Verde do not beat Saudi Arabia by a margin of five or more goals. Uruguay, on two points, can grab top spot over La Roja if they win the clash in Guadalajara.
Cabo Verde, who also have two points, can keep up their stunning journey on their tournament debut by advancing to the knockouts with a win against Saudi Arabia while a draw may also suffice depending on other results. The Saudis, meanwhile, will progress if they win the showdown in Houston and Uruguay fail to beat Spain.
The day is rounded out by a highly-competitive Group G, where all four places are up for grabs. Egypt lead the group following their comeback win over New Zealand which was also their first ever victory at a World Cup. They will seal top spot if they defeat IR Iran while a draw will also be enough if Belgium fail to overcome New Zealand by a margin of three or more goals.
IR Iran still have a chance of grabbing first place, which they can pull off if they beat Egypt and Belgium fail to defeat New Zealand. Belgium will be extra keen to make it through to the knockouts after being eliminated from the group stage in 2022. They will top the group if they overcome New Zealand by a margin of three or more goals, and Egypt draw with IR Iran.
New Zealand cannot win the group but they can qualify for the knockouts at the third time of asking if they defeat Belgium, and IR Iran fail to beat Egypt. The All Whites will be eliminated if they lose, regardless of what happens in the other matches.
Friday, 26 June | 15:00 | Boston Stadium
Friday, 26 June | 15:00 | Toronto Stadium
Friday 26 June | 19:00 | Houston Stadium
Friday 26 June | 18:00 | Guadalajara Stadium
Friday 26 June | 20:00 | Seattle Stadium
Friday 26 June | 20:00 | BC Place Vancouver
Sources: FIFA Official
