The 72 group-stage matches, sorted by date.

The World Cup began with a clear message: Mexico are not here simply to host the event, they want to drive it. The 2-0 win over South Africa gave the home nation the ideal start, with three points, a crowd fully engaged and a sense of control that mattered almost as much as the scoreline.

Opening matches can crush a host with pressure. Mexico did the opposite. They handled the emotion, found their rhythm and avoided the classic trap of a nervous first night.

Later, South Korea delivered the first real turnaround story of the tournament by beating Czechia 2-1. That win matters because it was not just about collecting points. It showed a team that could absorb a blow, stay alive and then flip the match.

Group A immediately formed around two fast starters: Mexico and South Korea. For South Africa and Czechia, pressure rose after only one match. In a format where third place can still offer a route forward, nothing was finished, but a first defeat makes every next step heavier.

Mexico also sent an emotional signal to the rest of the tournament. A host nation winning its first match creates a national wave. This is not just football, it is atmosphere.

The breakout side of the day was South Korea. Not because they dominated from start to finish, but because they showed one of the key World Cup qualities: resistance. A team that can come back from a bad position becomes dangerous immediately.

Mexico were not a surprise, but their calm was a real signal. Winning the first match of a home World Cup is often harder than rankings suggest.

The next question was simple: would Group A split into two levels, with Mexico and South Korea ahead, or would the beaten sides reopen the race? Czechia and South Africa already needed a response.

Canada began their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was not a disaster, but it was not the dream start for a host nation either. A draw keeps a team breathing, yet it also leaves regrets when the tournament starts at home.

Canada did not collapse. Their issue was more subtle: they did not immediately impose a hierarchy. At a World Cup, a host nation often needs to create an impression as much as a result. Canada took a point, but not yet a wave.

The United States then gave a much more forceful answer to the pressure. Their 4-1 win over Paraguay was one of the first big statements of the tournament. The scoreline showed a team that did not play cautiously, embraced its status and moved quickly to the front of its group.

The day highlighted a contrast between host nations. Mexico had started cleanly, Canada paused, the United States accelerated. That contrast matters because first impressions carry weight in a short tournament.

In Group D, the United States gained a major advantage, not only in points but also in goal difference. Paraguay started with a heavy burden to carry.

The American strength of the day was not only the score. The manner mattered: they attacked the event instead of suffering through it. The United States showed they could turn home pressure into fuel.

Bosnia and Herzegovina also sent a quieter but important signal. Taking a point from Canada on Canadian soil is not a small thing. It can become a qualification result if they build on it.

Canada needed to convert that cautious start into a win quickly. The United States needed to prove their attacking burst was more than a successful opening night.

Switzerland were held 1-1 by Qatar. It was not a disaster, but it immediately removed some clarity from their tournament. Switzerland remain a solid side, used to major competitions, but they dropped two points in a group where details could matter.

Brazil then endured a frustrating opener against Morocco, a 1-1 draw that changed the temperature of Group C. For a major nation, an opening draw is not automatically worrying. But against an ambitious, disciplined Moroccan side used to big occasions, it felt like a warning.

Scotland did something simpler on the surface, but extremely valuable: a 1-0 win over Haiti. It was not spectacular, but it was effective. In a group with Brazil and Morocco, taking three points against the most manageable opponent is close to mandatory.

Group C became interesting immediately. Brazil remained the favourite, but Morocco refused the role of a decorative outsider. Scotland, thanks to their three points, gave themselves a real platform for the matches ahead.

For Switzerland, the draw with Qatar meant the second match already mattered more. That is often how tournaments become complicated: not through a collapse, but through a small delay that forces a team to chase.

Morocco were the strongest signal of the day. Holding Brazil is not just about taking a point. It changes how everyone reads the group.

Scotland showed a less spectacular but very useful quality: winning the match they could not afford to miss. That kind of quiet success can become the base of qualification.

Brazil needed to recover quickly and prevent a simple draw from becoming a debate. Morocco needed to confirm, because an upset without a follow-up stays a footnote. Scotland had earned the right to play with less fear.

Australia opened the day with a 2-0 win over Turkey. The result mattered in Group D because it placed the Australians in the right lane after the United States had started so loudly. In this kind of group, it is not only about beating teams considered weaker on paper. It is about not letting direct rivals move ahead.

Germany then crushed Curacao 7-1. The score was huge, almost ruthless. Of course, the expected gap in quality has to be considered, but major nations can also stumble against smaller opponents. Germany left no space for doubt and immediately built a major goal difference.

The Netherlands had a much more turbulent night against Japan, drawing 2-2. It was entertaining for neutrals, but uncomfortable for a favourite. Japan reminded everyone that they remain very hard to disrupt and can turn a prestige fixture into a real trap.

Germany took an immediate hold on Group E, not only through three points but through the scale of the win. In a 48-team tournament, goal difference can matter when sorting qualified teams and the best third-place sides.

In Group F, the Dutch draw opened a gap. Sweden and Japan could both read it as an invitation. A favourite dropping two points early often turns a group into nervous ground.

The strongest signal came from Germany. This was not just a win, it was a performance of power.

Japan also deserve a strong mention. Holding the Netherlands in an open match showed competitive maturity. That kind of result changes the confidence of a group.

Netherlands against Sweden was already becoming a major appointment. For the Dutch, it was about correcting the start. For Sweden, the opportunity could be huge. In Group E, everyone would now be measured against the standard set by Germany.

Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0, a modest but very valuable result in Group E. After Germany's huge win, they needed to respond without being hypnotised by the previous day's 7-1. Ivory Coast chose efficiency and positioned themselves as the first credible challenger.

Sweden then struck hard against Tunisia, winning 5-1. In a group where the Netherlands had already dropped two points against Japan, the score carried extra value. Sweden did not just win, they sent a message of confidence and built a goal difference that could become a real asset.

Spain were held 0-0 by Cape Verde. For a major nation, this kind of match is uncomfortable because it offers no flattering reading. Defensively, there was safety. Going forward, there was a block. Cape Verde resisted, closed space and turned their opener into a historic result.

Belgium were also slowed, drawing 1-1 with Egypt. Again, not a disaster, but an opener that felt incomplete.

Group H took an unexpected turn with Spain being held. When a favourite drops two points against an outsider, the whole group changes posture. Other teams begin to think something is possible.

In Group F, Sweden took advantage of the Dutch draw and stepped forward with authority. The score against Tunisia could matter greatly if the group tightens.

Cape Verde were the obvious breakout story. Holding Spain to 0-0 is more than one point. It is proof of discipline, courage and maturity.

Sweden sent the most spectacular signal. On a day when favourites slowed down, they chose full acceleration.

Spain needed to find goals quickly. Belgium needed to clarify their status. Sweden could already start looking higher, because they had a solid base in points and confidence.

Saudi Arabia held Uruguay to a 1-1 draw. It may look like a quiet result, but it carries weight. Uruguay are one of those nations that want to avoid calculations early in the group stage. Dropping two points at the start makes the calendar feel heavier immediately.

Iran and New Zealand then produced a very open 2-2. That kind of match is enjoyable for the tournament, less so for coaches. Both teams took a point, but neither fully reassured anyone about their ability to close a game.

France closed the day by beating Senegal 3-1. It was an important opener, because Senegal are strong enough to turn a first match into a trap. Les Bleus won with a clear margin, giving themselves immediate breathing room in Group I.

France achieved what major nations want from an opening match: win without creating a crisis, without chasing the game and without looking overwhelmed by the occasion. The 3-1 win over Senegal does not settle everything, but it builds a healthy base.

The result also matters because of what comes next. In a group with Norway, taking three points against Senegal is a real advantage. France could watch the other matches from a position of strength.

Group H remained uncertain, with Uruguay slowed and Spain already held by Cape Verde. That collection of draws made the group far more open than expected.

In Group G, the 2-2 between Iran and New Zealand also left room for others. Teams that do not win their first match remain alive, but they move quickly into pressure mode.

Saudi Arabia sent an interesting signal by taking a point from Uruguay. The result does not make them favourites, but it gives them real existence in the group.

France delivered the main signal among the bigger sides: serious opener, clear win, clean start.

Norway's match became central to reading Group I. If Norway answered strongly, France against Norway could already become a match for first place.

Norway beat Iraq 4-1 and immediately answered France's win. In Group I, the message was clear: France would not have a free road. Norway improved their goal difference and showed that their long-distance duel with Les Bleus would be serious.

Argentina beat Algeria 3-0. This was the kind of opening win major nations like: clear, clean and without unnecessary debate. Argentina did not need to write a novel, they simply confirmed their status.

Austria beat Jordan 3-1, an important result in Group J after Argentina's success. They avoided leaving Argentina alone at the top and positioned themselves as a credible qualification candidate.

Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo. It was one of the first real stumbles by a major nation in the tournament. For Portugal, the road became more complicated. For DR Congo, the result gave their campaign immediate weight.

England closed the day with a 4-2 win over Croatia. The result was strong, but the score also said something: England had attacking answers, yet they left defensive openings.

Norway made Group I far more interesting. After France's 3-1 win over Senegal, Norway's 4-1 against Iraq meant France against Norway could already carry major weight for first place. France beat the more dangerous opponent on paper, Norway boosted their goal difference.

Group K became one of the most intriguing after Portugal's draw. A favourite dropping two points early opens the door to Colombia and gives DR Congo a real chance to matter.

Group L began with an ambitious but not airtight England. Croatia lost, but scoring twice against England can still matter for confidence.

DR Congo were the breakout story of the day. Holding Portugal at a World Cup is not just an honourable result. It asks everyone to read the group differently.

Argentina sent the coldest and most reassuring signal: no noise, no doubt, three goals, three points.

Colombia needed to take advantage of Portugal's slow start. In Group L, Ghana and Panama had to show whether England would already move clear or whether the group could thicken.

Ghana beat Panama 1-0. It was not the loudest result of the early tournament, but it was a very useful win in Group L. After England's victory over Croatia, Ghana needed to avoid leaving England alone in a favourable position. They gave themselves a base.

Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and made perfect use of Portugal's draw with DR Congo. In Group K, this victory had strategic value. Colombia did not just win their first match, they took the initiative in a group where the favourite had slowed down.

In Group A, Czechia and South Africa drew 1-1. The result mostly suited Mexico and South Korea, who had both won their openers. For the two teams involved, the draw kept hope alive, but it did not create real momentum.

Switzerland finished strongly by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1. After the draw with Qatar, this was exactly the response they needed. Switzerland restored order to their tournament, with points, goals and a repaired goal difference.

Group K opened around Colombia. Portugal are not doomed, but they are already off a comfortable path. Colombia have a real chance to play for first place if they confirm.

In Group A, Czechia and South Africa remain alive, but with little room. When two teams already behind cancel each other out, they avoid the worst but make qualification harder.

Colombia were the strongest signal of the day. They saw the opening and moved into it. That is often what separates a dangerous side from a merely solid one.

Switzerland showed a very important tournament quality: correction. After an average start, they responded without shaking.

Mexico against South Korea became a major Group A fixture. The winner could almost lock down a place. In Group B, Canada needed to show whether their opening draw was just a delay or a real symptom.

Canada swept Qatar aside 6-0. After the opening draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, they needed a clear response. It was ruthless. Canada transformed their tournament in one night, moving from a cautious start to a statement that changed their goal difference and their mindset.

Mexico beat South Korea 1-0. The score was narrow, but the weight of the result was huge. Two matches, two wins: the host nation qualified and took control of Group A. This is the kind of win that builds a tournament, because it depends not on a festival but on cold control.

The United States then confirmed their excellent start with a 2-0 win over Australia. After the 4-1 against Paraguay, this second victory gave a fuller impression. The Americans can score heavily, but they can also win cleanly.

The host nations had an almost perfect day. Mexico are already qualified, the United States have six points, and Canada relaunched spectacularly. For the image of the tournament, that is huge.

In Group A, Mexico's win put South Korea under pressure for the next step while still leaving Czechia and South Africa hoping for a third-place route. In Group D, the United States took a strong option, while Australia still had work to do.

Canada sent the signal of the day through the size of the score. A 6-0 in a group stage is never neutral. It changes confidence, goal difference and outside perception.

Mexico showed another kind of strength: the ability to win tight. Teams that go deep in tournaments do not always win big. They often win matches decided by small margins.

The next focus moved to Groups C and D. Morocco had to confirm after drawing with Brazil, Brazil needed to recover against Haiti, and Paraguay had to avoid sinking after their heavy opening defeat.

The day had already begun with Morocco confirming against Scotland, Brazil recovering against Haiti and Paraguay moving back into the race against Turkey. What followed gave even more shape to the second round of group matches, with favourites forced to respond and outsiders refusing to simply survive.

The Netherlands delivered the most spectacular response. After their opening draw against Japan, they needed to correct course against a Sweden side that had just beaten Tunisia 5-1. The Dutch 5-1 win completely changes the reading of Group F. The Netherlands are no longer the team carrying doubt after dropping two points, they look again like a favourite capable of crushing a direct rival. Sweden, meanwhile, went from brilliant opening statement to heavy warning, with their goal difference now far less comfortable.

Germany had a much tighter night against Ivory Coast. Trailing at half-time after Franck Kessie scored, they had to win the match through character. Deniz Undav, introduced from the bench, changed the story with two goals, first to equalise and then to win it in stoppage time. The 2-1 does not have the brutality of the 7-1 against Curacao, but it may carry more sporting value. It shows a Germany side capable of winning when the match gets closed, when the opponent resists and when pressure rises.

Ecuador against Curacao offered a completely different kind of story. Ecuador needed to win, and ideally to win well, after losing to Ivory Coast. Instead, they hit a wall. Curacao held the 0-0 and earned their first ever World Cup point. Goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero of the night with a huge performance against an Ecuador team that shot repeatedly but never found the breakthrough. For Curacao, this was not an ordinary point. It was a founding moment.

During the night in Paris time, Japan beat Tunisia 2-0. The match carried historical weight because it marked the 1000th match in men's World Cup history. Japan did not let the occasion distract them. Daichi Kamada struck very early, then Ayase Ueda doubled the lead before half-time. Tunisia tried to react under new coach Herve Renard, but Japan kept their structure, discipline and control.

Group E has tilted toward Germany. With two wins from two matches, they are qualified for the knockout phase and can now manage the next step with a margin many favourites do not yet have. Ivory Coast still have three points, but their chance to make a major statement has passed. Ecuador are in a frankly uncomfortable position after a defeat and a goalless draw. Curacao remain far from favourites, but they have gained something precious: real existence in the group.

Group F has become one of the most interesting groups in the tournament. The Netherlands have climbed back up, Japan have confirmed their seriousness, Sweden have been brutally brought back to earth, and Tunisia are close to the exit. Japan against Sweden is now a huge final group match, probably decisive for direct qualification or for a place among the best third-placed teams.

Morocco, Brazil and Paraguay had already set the tone earlier in the day. Morocco now have a real qualification path. Brazil quieted the noise after their opening draw. Paraguay refused to disappear after the heavy defeat against the United States. The day therefore mixed three things: confirmation from favourites, resistance from smaller sides and returns from teams that already seemed in trouble.

France did not play and their group was not directly involved in this day. But the wider reading of the tournament still matters for Les Bleus. Germany have now secured qualification through one dominant match and one character win. The Netherlands erased their first hesitation with a statement. Brazil recovered cleanly. The major nations are not all following the same road, but those who respond quickly to setbacks are already gaining authority.

For France, the reminder is simple: a good start is not enough. The tournament is already showing that favourites who hesitate are immediately pressured. Those who correct quickly, like Germany, the Netherlands or Brazil, regain control. Les Bleus started cleanly against Senegal, but the next matches will need to confirm that impression.

Curacao are the emotional story of the day. After already scoring against Germany, they earned their first World Cup point against Ecuador. The 0-0 almost carries the value of a symbolic win because it proves Curacao are not here only to experience the level. They can resist, suffer, defend for long periods and leave a mark.

Japan are no longer a true surprise in world football, but they keep strengthening their status as a serious outsider. After the draw against the Netherlands, beating Tunisia with so much control confirms a mature, stable and tactically clear team. It is not spectacular in a chaotic way. It is solid, built and very dangerous.

Morocco also remain in the category of teams to take very seriously. Their draw against Brazil and win over Scotland give them a base many more famous teams would like to have. Paraguay, meanwhile, earned sporting survival. It is not yet a strong run, but it is a response.

The following day will put Group H and Group G at the centre. Spain against Saudi Arabia is already a pressure match for Spain after their opening draw against Cape Verde. If Spain do not win, their group will become genuinely dangerous.

Belgium against Iran will also matter greatly in Group G. Belgium began with a draw against Egypt, while Iran opened with a lively draw against New Zealand. A win would bring order to the group, while another draw would extend the uncertainty.

Uruguay against Cape Verde is another major appointment. Uruguay have already dropped two points against Saudi Arabia, while Cape Verde have earned the right to believe after their 0-0 against Spain. Finally, New Zealand against Egypt could carry major weight in the qualification race, especially if Group G remains tight.

The day began with a clear response from Spain. After the frustrating 0-0 against Cape Verde, La Roja had to show that their opening block was only an accident. They did it with a clean 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. Lamine Yamal scored early, Mikel Oyarzabal followed with a quick double, and a Saudi own goal closed the story early in the second half. Spain recovered verticality, aggression and, above all, control.

Belgium against Iran offered a different kind of tension. The 0-0 may look poor, but it was full of nerves, missed chances and consequences. Belgium dominated for long spells, yet they could not break Iran's wall. Alireza Beiranvand produced a huge goalkeeping performance for Iran, while Nathan Ngoy was sent off in the second half, forcing Belgium to finish with ten men. After two matches, Belgium still have no win and their tournament is starting to look like a fight against themselves.

Uruguay against Cape Verde then produced one of the great stories of the tournament. Uruguay led and seemed to regain authority, but Cape Verde again refused to fall into line. After their 0-0 against Spain, the small island nation earned a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, scoring their first goals in World Cup history. Kevin Pina and Helio Varela gave the match a historic dimension. Cape Verde are no longer just the brave team that defends well. They score, they come back, they stand up to major nations and they can genuinely believe in qualification.

The day ended, in Paris time, with Egypt waking up against New Zealand. Trailing after Finn Surman's header, Egypt came back to win 3-1. Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal and gave his country a major victory. The win carries sporting and symbolic weight: Egypt move top of Group G, Salah finally has his defining World Cup moment, and New Zealand, despite another brave start, are bottom of the group.

Group H remains very open, but its hierarchy has changed. Spain have moved top with four points and a much healthier goal difference. Still, they are not completely safe. Uruguay have only two points after two matches, Cape Verde also have two, and Saudi Arabia remain alive with one. The final matchday, Spain against Uruguay and Cape Verde against Saudi Arabia, will therefore carry real tension. No major scenario is fully closed yet.

Group G is even tighter in its logic. Egypt lead with four points, but Iran and Belgium both have two, and New Zealand still have one. Belgium needed to use the Iran match to put themselves in a comfortable position. They did the opposite: they condemned themselves to a high-pressure qualification match against New Zealand.

The 48-team format makes these two groups especially interesting. The top two will qualify, but the best third-placed teams can also advance. That changes the psychology of the final group games: a draw can sometimes be enough, but it can also lead to dangerous calculations. Cape Verde, Iran, Belgium, Uruguay and even Saudi Arabia will need to manage that mix of ambition and caution.

France did not play on Sunday, but the day still speaks directly to them. Spain showed what a major nation must do after a difficult first match: respond quickly, score early and kill the doubt. That is exactly the kind of reaction Les Bleus will need to keep in mind if a match becomes complicated later in the tournament.

Belgium, on the other hand, are becoming the example to avoid. Two draws, little efficiency, an attack struggling to convert and a red card adding more nerves: Belgium are not eliminated, but they have already lost control of their story. At a World Cup, there is a huge difference between being alive and being in control.

Uruguay are also under pressure. Two draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde are not a mathematical disaster, but they are worrying for a nation that wants to matter deeper in the tournament. Spain corrected their start. Uruguay are still searching for their real reference match.

Cape Verde are now the strongest story of the early tournament. After blocking Spain, they scored their first World Cup goals and held Uruguay. This is no longer an isolated accident. It is a trajectory. A team that strings together two results of that level in such a hard group earns the right to be taken very seriously.

Iran also confirmed they can make life difficult for everyone. Their 0-0 against Belgium does not carry the same emotional weight as Cape Verde's draw, but it has real competitive value. With two points from two matches and a goalkeeper full of confidence, Iran enter the final group game with good reasons to believe.

New Zealand remain brave, but they lost a match that could have changed their tournament. After leading Egypt, and after already taking a point against Iran, they had a huge opportunity. They remain alive, but they will now need a major result against Belgium.

The following day puts France at the centre. France against Iraq must confirm the strong start from Les Bleus after the win over Senegal. Iraq were beaten 4-1 by Norway and will already play with huge urgency. The danger for France would be to treat this match as a formality, even though a win could almost open the door to the knockout phase.

Norway against Senegal will be the other key match in Group I. Norway are ahead of France on goal difference after their 4-1 win over Iraq, and another victory could set up a direct France against Norway fight for first place. Senegal, beaten by Les Bleus, must react immediately to avoid being trapped.

Group J will also have a heavy day. Argentina against Austria can give the reigning world champions a major option on first place. Jordan against Algeria already looks like a survival match for two teams beaten in their opening games. June 22 can therefore move France closer to qualification and clarify two very important groups.

June 22 placed the biggest names at the centre of the tournament, but not all in the same way. France needed to confirm their opening win over Senegal, Norway wanted to prove their 4-1 against Iraq was not just a perfect start, Argentina were looking to lock down their group, and Algeria were already playing a form of survival.

France against Iraq was a very unusual match. Les Bleus won 3-0 in Philadelphia, but the evening was split by a long weather delay at half-time because of thunderstorms and lightning around the stadium. On the pitch, Kylian Mbappe quickly set the direction with a goal in the 14th minute. After the restart, he scored again, before Ousmane Dembele completed the scoring in the 66th minute.

Norway against Senegal was much more spectacular. Norway won 3-2, carried again by Erling Haaland, who scored twice. Marcus Pedersen also scored after taking advantage of a Senegal defensive mistake. Senegal reacted late, especially through Ismaila Sarr, but it was not enough. Norway join France on six points and also secure qualification.

In Group J, Argentina beat Austria 2-0 thanks to Lionel Messi. The match became historic because Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer. He had missed an early penalty, but he answered as the very greatest do: by deciding the match.

The final fixture, Jordan against Algeria, was a tense match. Jordan led first, but Algeria turned the game around to win 2-1. Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri completed the Algerian comeback. For Algeria, it was a first World Cup win since 2014 and a result that fully revives their tournament.

Group I is now split in two. France and Norway have six points, are qualified, and will play for first place in their final match. France beat the stronger opponent on paper in Senegal and then controlled Iraq. Norway have scored seven goals in two matches and carry a powerful attacking rhythm.

Senegal are in a very difficult position. Two defeats from two matches, but a goal difference that is not completely impossible to repair because of the two goals scored against Norway. Their match against Iraq becomes an absolute obligation. Iraq have no points and no margin, but they can still act as disruptors.

In Group J, Argentina are qualified and already have one hand on first place. Austria remain on three points, Algeria move back to three, and their direct meeting becomes almost a play-off for qualification. Jordan are eliminated.

France did exactly what they had to do. After the 3-1 against Senegal, they had to beat Iraq without opening a debate. The 3-0 is clean, qualification is secured, and Kylian Mbappe keeps adding historical weight to his tournament.

The most reassuring point is not only the score. It is the management. A weather interruption of almost two hours can break a team, pull it out of the match and create a strange context. Les Bleus resumed seriously, accelerated, then closed the game.

The next match against Norway will be far more revealing. France are qualified, but they must not treat it as a formality. Norway have Haaland, a clear attacking dynamic and a favourable goal difference.

Argentina continue to move forward with a special authority. They do not need to be spectacular across the whole pitch to be dangerous. They have Messi, a stable collective frame and the efficiency of defending champions.

France and Argentina now belong to the category of major nations already qualified. That changes the tone of their tournament. They can manage, protect some players if needed, but they must also avoid breaking their rhythm.

Norway do not have the historic status of a global giant, but they are currently playing with the authority of a major team. Two wins, seven goals, Haaland on fire and qualification secured before the final group game.

Norway are the major outsider of the day. They confirmed they did not come simply to accompany France in Group I, but to challenge them for first place.

Algeria revived themselves through character. After the opening defeat against Argentina, losing to Jordan would have almost closed the tournament. Instead, Algeria turned around a badly started match and gave themselves a final against Austria.

Senegal are in a paradoxical situation. Zero points means maximum danger. But their two goals against Norway show there is still life. The problem is that at a World Cup, life is not enough. You need points, quickly, and probably goals.

The following day will put Groups K and L at the centre. Portugal against Uzbekistan is already a pressure match for Portugal after their draw with DR Congo.

Colombia against DR Congo will be just as important. Colombia began with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and can take a huge step. DR Congo, after their point against Portugal, can turn a surprise into a real trajectory if they confirm.

In Group L, England against Ghana is a major fixture. England beat Croatia 4-2 and can almost lock down qualification. Ghana, winners against Panama, can also take a huge step. Panama against Croatia will be a survival match.