FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32 Standings and Predictions Released

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Six group-stage matches will be played on Saturday at the FIFA World Cup, with six teams still fighting for a spot in the knockout rounds. England and Argentina are among those competing to finish their groups with perfect records. Colombia and Portugal will also face off for first place in Group K.

Off the pitch, Cape Verde have made history by reaching the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance. Iran is waiting to determine its fate as one of the best third-placed teams. Captain Mehdi Taremi has criticized FIFA over his team’s travel arrangements.

In other matches, England will face Panama for the second time at the World Cup. According to pre-match simulations, England have a 78.5 percent chance of winning, while Panama have an 8.9 percent chance of recording their first-ever World Cup victory.

Croatia and Ghana will also meet for the first time in the tournament. The Opta supercomputer predicts that Croatia will win 56.3 percent of the time, with Ghana victorious in 17.6 percent of simulations.

Colombia and Portugal will face off for the second time at the World Cup. According to pre-match simulations, Portugal have a 51.6 percent chance of winning, while Colombia have a 23.9 percent chance of securing the top spot in Group K.

DR Congo and Uzbekistan will meet for the first time in the tournament. The Opta supercomputer gives DR Congo an edge, with the Leopards predicted to win 48.9 percent of the time.

Austria and Algeria will face off for the second time at the World Cup. According to pre-match simulations, the draw is the most likely outcome, with Austria narrowly favored to win.

Finally, Argentina will meet Jordan for the first time in any competition. The Opta supercomputer predicts that Argentina will continue their perfect World Cup campaign, even with Lionel Messi starting from the substitutes bench.

These matches will determine which teams advance to the knockout rounds and secure their spots in the tournament.

Source: Al Jazeera