The Round of 32 Is Delivering
Updated June 23, 2026 · Matchday 2-3
The expanded 48-team World Cup means a longer group stage than ever before. With favorites flying high and underdogs biting back, the first knockout bracket is shaping up to be genuinely unpredictable. Eleven matches are in the books, one is live right now, and the picture is starting to crystallize.
The big story: Portugal sends a message
Portugal came into Matchday 2 needing a statement. They got one. A 5-0 demolition of Uzbekistan, the biggest scoreline of the tournament so far, was the kind of performance that makes other coaches nervous. Ronaldo and co. look ominous heading into the knockouts, and every other contender should be paying attention.
The dominant sides
Six teams sit on perfect six-point records through two matches: Mexico, USA, Germany, France, Argentina, and Norway. France’s 3-0 over Iraq and Argentina’s 2-0 over Austria were both composed, professional performances. Germany has quietly put together back-to-back wins in Group E. The USA leads Group D with maximum points on home soil, which has made for one of the more electric atmospheres in the tournament.
Norway deserve special mention. Their 3-2 thriller over Senegal was the most dramatic finish of the round, and combined with France’s win, Group I is effectively settled. Both sides are through and the final matchday will likely feature heavy rotation from both benches.
The Belgium problem
The true shock of Matchday 1 was Belgium being held 0-0 by Iran. Then they drew again. Two draws, two points, and Egypt sitting clear at the top of Group G with four. Belgium and Iran are now in a genuine fight for survival, and if Belgium don’t start scoring soon, one of the pre-tournament favorites goes home in the group stage. Nobody saw that coming.
Group H chaos
Spain won emphatically, 4-0 over Saudi Arabia, and look every bit the contenders they were billed as. Below them though, Group H is a mess. Uruguay, one of the South American powerhouses, were held to a 2-2 draw by Cape Verde. That leaves Uruguay and Cape Verde level on two points each, with Saudi Arabia just one point behind. Three teams can still realistically claim second place going into the final round.
Live right now
Panama vs. Croatia in Group L, currently 0-0. Both sides are sitting on one point and desperately need a result. Above them, England and Ghana are locked level on four points each after drawing with each other earlier today. The outcome of this game could shape whether the Group L finale becomes a straight shootout for the last spot.
Recent results
Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia · Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde · Egypt 3-1 New Zealand · France 3-0 Iraq · Argentina 2-0 Austria · Norway 3-2 Senegal · Algeria 2-1 Jordan · Portugal 5-0 Uzbekistan · England 0-0 Ghana
What’s coming up
Colombia vs. Congo DR kicks off tonight in Group K, with Colombia the clear favorites. Then Wednesday brings Switzerland vs. Canada, one of the tightest matchups on the board, and Brazil vs. Scotland, where Brazil will be expected to cruise. Thursday closes things out with Germany vs. Ecuador and Netherlands vs. Tunisia, where the Dutch are about as close to a sure thing as you get in football.
The broader picture
The group stage isn’t done yet, but the contours are becoming clear. France, Argentina, Portugal, Germany, and the USA look like the teams to beat. Brazil haven’t really been tested. Spain are purring. And somewhere in Group G, Belgium are having a very long team meeting.
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