Postpublished at 13:30 BST 26 June
Chris Sutton has some good news for Scotland fans on this one...
Summary
Fifa World Cup 2026: It's Erling Haaland v Kylian Mbappe later as France take on Norway with finishing top of Group I up for grabs
Cape Verde have an opportunity to qualify for the knockouts in their first World Cup when they play Saudi Arabia - see all fixtures here
Predict the outcome of selected upcoming fixtures using our World Cup predictor
England sweat on the fitness of Reece James before Panama game - who could fill in at right back if he is injured?
Who will England play if they beat Panama and who will they play if they don't win their group?
Send us your views
Postpublished at 13:30 BST 26 June
Uruguay v Spain: What result do Scotland need to help them qualify?published at 13:29 BST 26 June
Uruguay v Spain (Sat, 01:00 BST)
This one is simple, Scotland need Uruguay to lose to Spain to ensure that they finish with a better record than the third-placed team in Group H.
Group H standings and route to last 32published at 13:28 BST 26 June
Spain will progress as one of the top two sides if they avoid defeat against Uruguay on Saturday (01:00 BST).
Even if they lose, they will still finish inside the top two unless Cape Verde beat Uruguay. If that happens, Spain will finish third on four points, which is likely to be good enough.
Spain will top the group with a draw, unless Cape Verde win and overturn a goal difference deficit of four.
The group winners go on to play the runners-up of Group J.
Uruguay will be through if they beat Spain. If they draw, then a top-two finish is only possible if Cape Verde also draw.
Cape Verde will make the top two if they beat Saudi Arabia. They can also definitely go through with a draw if Spain beat Uruguay.
If Uruguay and Cape Verde both win they will be tied for top spot, or if they draw for second spot. As they drew with each other, placings would be determined on goal difference - which is level at zero.
If goal difference is identical, positions will be decided first by the better disciplinary record (Cape Verde -3, Uruguay -2) and then by Fifa world ranking, which Uruguay hold.
The second-placed team will face Argentina.
Neither team will qualify if they lose.
Saudi Arabia must beat Cape Verde, and will also need Spain to avoid defeat against Uruguay, to finish second. Four points would likely be enough in third anyway.
Postpublished at 13:27 BST 26 June
Right, we have two more groups to preview before we close this page at 14:00 BST.
Let's move on to Group H...
Senegal v Iraq: What result do Scotland need to qualify?published at 13:25 BST 26 June
Senegal v Iraq (20:00 BST)
Scotland need four third-place teams to finish with a record worse than their three points and -3 goal difference to qualify to the last 32.
In this match they would need Senegal and Iraq to draw OR Iraq to beat Senegal by no more than two goals to finish above them in the third-place rankings.
'Senegal will be desperate to win and win well'published at 13:23 BST 26 June
Predicted score: Senegal 3-0 Iraq
Chris Sutton
Former England forward's World Cup predictions
After two defeats so far, Senegal will be desperate to win and win well.
They will get the better of Iraq but they will probably need to score a few goals to improve their goal difference if they are going to sneak through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Postpublished at 13:22 BST 26 June
Chris Sutton does not hold out much hope for Iraq in Group I's other match...
Watch Mbappe on iPlayerpublished at 13:21 BST 26 June
From the Paris suburbs to the pinnacle of football, BBC documentary Mbappe explores Kylian Mbappe’s once-in-a-generation talent while uncovering what led him to become one of the best players in the world.
Golden Boot race hots uppublished at 13:16 BST 26 June
Norway v France (20:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesOnly Argentina's Lionel Messi (5) has scored more than Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland at this World Cup so far.
This is only the second time in World Cup history that three players have scored four or more times after two matches - and the first since since 1954.
Mbappe has now drawn level with Germany's Miroslav Klose who has the second-highest amount of goals in World Cup history (16) after Messi broke the record to score 18 goals from 28 World Cup games.
Haaland, playing in the World Cup for the first time in his career, could become only the third player in World Cup history to net two or more goals in each of his first three appearances in the competition.
Top goal scorers at 2026 World Cup:
- 5 - Lionel Messi*
- 4 - Erling Haaland*, Kylian Mbappe*, Vinicius Jnr
- 3 - Deniz Undav, Johan Manzambi, Brian Brobbey, Matheus Cunha, Ismael Saibari, Jonathan David
* = Played two games, the rest have played three games
Mbappe v Haaland: Country first, personal glory secondpublished at 13:14 BST 26 June
Norway v France (20:00 BST)
Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalistTwo of the greatest forwards in world football will go head-to-head at Boston Stadium on Friday, as France and Kylian Mbappe take on Norway and Erling Haaland.
Both nations have won their opening two group-stage matches at the World Cup, helped by devastating displays from their star strikers. Mbappe and Haaland have each scored twice in both of their opening games, leaving them on four goals for the tournament. Lionel Messi leads the race for the Golden Boot with five.
With top spot in Group I still up for grabs, both players are expected to start despite their teams having already secured qualification for the knockout stages. The match effectively serves as a playoff to determine who finishes first and, in theory, earns a more favourable path in the bracket.
Mbappe v Haaland: Who is more important for their country?published at 13:08 BST 26 June
Norway v France (20:00 BST)
Matt Jones
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesThis World Cup has shown that neither player is daunted by the pressure of a major tournament too.
For all the focus on Lionel Messi, it feels only a matter of time before Kylian Mbappe reels him in at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.
The Frenchman trails the 39-year-old by just two goals after scoring 16 times in 16 World Cup appearances. Crucially, Mbappe is 12 years younger than Messi and, while you would not completely rule out the Argentina legend returning in four years' time, this is likely to be his final World Cup.
Erling Haaland is playing in his first World Cup and has taken to the tournament like a Viking rower to water.
He is the sixth player in World Cup history to score multiple goals in each of his first two appearances at the tournament and only the second to do so in the past 50 years, after Harry Kane for England in 2018.
His recent form for Norway has been remarkable, too. He has scored in 12 consecutive competitive internationals, including an incredible 16 goals in his last six matches.
On the international stage, Haaland has also been the more prolific scorer overall. Mbappe has an impressive 60 international goals in 100 games, but the Norway striker is just one behind on 59 despite having played only 52 matches for his country - 48 fewer than Mbappe.
How far can Haaland carry Norway?published at 13:04 BST 26 June
Norway v France (20:00 BST)
Norway
Image source, Getty ImagesTheir respective and comparable importance is neatly illustrated by their recent international goal involvements.
Since August 2022, Kylian Mbappe has been involved in 44% of France's goals, contributing 33 goals and 17 assists. During the same period, Erling Haaland has contributed 39 goals and four assists, accounting for 43.9% of Norway's goal involvements.
France, of course, have loftier ambitions this summer and are among the favourites to win the tournament. Even Haaland himself has said he believes Les Bleus will beat Norway on Friday and go on to lift the trophy.
Norway are capable of giving the French a bloody nose though, especially with the game's most dominant penalty-box predator in red-hot form. With Haaland, it would be foolish to put a lid on their ambitions.
'Backing Mbappe to outscore Haaland'published at 13:03 BST 26 June
Predicted score: Norway 0-2 France
Chris Sutton
Former England forward's World Cup predictions
This is to decide who wins the group and the consequences are quite big - the runners-up would play the runners-up in Group D and then possibly run into Brazil in the last 16.
France's firepower is the reason I am backing them to win the World Cup and I am backing Kylian Mbappe to outscore Erling Haaland here, and help Les Bleus take the win.
I thought Norway had won the World Cup after seeing the way they celebrated their win over Senegal. They won't be doing the same after this game.
Group I standings and route to last 32published at 12:59 BST 26 June
France and Norway have already qualified and meet each other to battle for top spot on Friday (20:00 BST).
As France have the better goal difference, Norway must get a victory to finish first.
The group winners will play a third-placed team and the runners-up meet second in Group E.
Senegal (-3) and Iraq (-6) have zero points and if there is a winner they must hope three points is enough for a best third-place spot.
As both have poor goal difference, as it stands, it looks a tough task to make it through.
How Scotland's chances of qualifying have dwindledpublished at 12:56 BST 26 June
ScotlandIf none of those favourable scenarios play out overnight then Scotland will be eliminated from the World Cup.
Manager Steve Clarke did not mince his words after their 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami, bluntly stating that he expected the squad to be going home.
Yet they must wait for the group stage to play out before it is confirmed whether or not they have missed out on qualification for the last 32.
Should at least one of tonight's scenarios play out in Scotland's favour then their fate will rest on the final round of group games.
However, the way Scotland's percentage chances have dwindled since before their defeat to Brazil would suggest that Clarke's fears were not misplaced:
What results would help Scotland qualify?published at 12:53 BST 26 June
ScotlandIn conjunction with our build-up to these games, we will also be assessing their significance to Scotland's chances of qualifying for the knockout phase.
Scotland fans are clinging on to hopes of progressing as one of the eight best third-placed sides.
They finished third in Group C on three points with a goal difference of -3, having scored one goal in their three games.
Scotland are currently eighth in the third-place table, with final matches still to be played in six groups.
This is what Scotland need to happen tonight in Groups F to G to finish above their third-place team:
- Group F: Senegal and Iraq to draw. Or Iraq to beat Senegal by no more than two goals.
- Group G: Iran to lose to Egypt.
- Group H: Uruguay to lose to Spain.
Latest round of group deciderspublished at 12:51 BST 26 June
Kick-off times in BST
World CupWe are halfway through the final round of group matches now.
Here are the next batch of deciders to look forward to:
Friday, 26 June
Group I
- Norway v France
- Senegal v Iraq
(Both 20:00)
Saturday, 27 June
Group H
- Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia
- Uruguay v Spain
(Both 01:00)
Group G
- Egypt v Iran
- New Zealand v Belgium
(Both 04:00)
Postpublished at 12:49 BST 26 June
Right, we will know soon enough who Thomas Tuchel chooses as his first-choice replacement for Reece James, should the Chelsea full-back end up missing England's final group game against Panama.
Remember, England kick off in New Jersey at 22:00 BST on Saturday.
But we have six more World Cup matches to build up to before then, let's switch focus to the next round of group games...
get involved Get Involved - Bottom line Alexander-Arnold is not good enoughpublished at 12:44 BST 26 June
Click 'Get Involved' to have your say
All these TAA fans. Bottom line is he’s not good enough as a defender and whether they like it or not that’s a right-back's main job.
Luther, Derbyshire
Always think it hilarious that armchair critics are so clear about who should/shouldn't play or be in the squad. I dunno but maybe Tuchel has a bit more insight and knowledge than us?!
Steve, Houghton le Spring
All this Spence bashing needs to stop! He is a RB and a very good one at that, he must play tomorrow. Against Croatia he was good, do not forget! If someone else plays there against Panama, Tuchel will be admitting that he made a mistake in his squad selection!
Freddy
Postpublished at 12:40 BST 26 June
Luke Shaw did not even make Thomas Tuchel's provisional squad list of 55 players, which he eventually whittled down to 26 before the tournament.
Here are the defenders who made that provisional squad - those who failed to make it into the 26 are highlighted:
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Reece James, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, John Stones, Djed Spence, Nico O’Reilly, Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White, Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Fikayo Tomori, Kyle Walker, Jarell Quansah, Trevoh Chalobah*, Harry Maguire.
* = Chalobah was eventually called up as a replacement for the injured Tino Livramento
- Who do you think should have at least been included in Thomas Tuchel's provisional squad?
FIFA World Cup Scores and fixtures
All times are UK and subject to change. BBC is not responsible for any changes.
FIFA World Cup
Skip to table key
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | -4 | 1 |
|
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 10 | -8 | 1 |
|
Group C
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 8 | -6 | 0 |
|
Group D
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 3 |
|
Group E
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
|
Group F
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 7 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
|
Group G
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 1 |
|
Group H
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 1 |
|
Group I
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 9 |
| |
| 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 6 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | -11 | 0 |
|
Group J
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 0 |
|
Group K
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -7 | 0 |
|
Group L
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
|
3rd Place Ranking
| Team | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Form, Last 6 games, Oldest first |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | -1 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 4 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| |
| 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| |
| 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
|
Key
- Position 1, 2 : 16th Finals
- Position 3 : Possible 16th Finals
