World Cup Day 17 What to Watch – Ghana, Algeria and DR Congo fight for knockout places

The final day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage has arrived, with Groups J, K and L concluding on Saturday. Six matches will determine the last automatic qualifiers for the Round of 32, while several nations still harbour hopes of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams. England, Argentina and Portugal are among the heavyweights in action, but African attention will firmly be on Ghana, Algeria and DR Congo as they chase places in the knockout rounds.

Panama vs England

England enter their final Group L fixture against Panama aiming to secure top spot and maintain their impressive momentum. The Three Lions have collected four points from their opening two matches, including a hard-fought draw against Ghana that kept qualification firmly in their hands.

Panama, meanwhile, know that only a positive result will keep their hopes alive. The Central Americans have shown determination throughout the tournament and will look to frustrate one of Europe’s strongest teams.

For England, victory would guarantee a favourable route into the Round of 32 and reinforce their status as genuine title contenders.

Croatia vs Ghana

All eyes in Africa will be on Philadelphia as Ghana take on Croatia in a match loaded with significance. The Black Stars remain firmly in contention for qualification after their impressive performances in Group L and understand that a victory could secure automatic progression.

Croatia, finalists in 2018, possess vast tournament experience and cannot be underestimated despite an inconsistent campaign. Their midfield quality and tactical discipline will provide a stern examination for Otto Addo’s side.

For Ghana, reaching the Round of 32 would mark another memorable chapter in the nation’s World Cup history and strengthen hopes of a deep run in North America.

Algeria vs Austria

Group J reaches its climax in Kansas City as Algeria face Austria in one of the day’s most important encounters. The Desert Foxes have remained competitive throughout the tournament and know that three points could be enough to send them into the knockout rounds.

Austria have been disciplined and efficient, making this a genuine 50-50 contest. With Argentina also in action simultaneously, the final standings may not be decided until the closing minutes.

Algeria’s blend of technical quality and attacking pace gives them reason for optimism as they attempt to reach the knockout stage for only the second time in their history.

Jordan vs Argentina

Defending champions Argentina close out their group campaign against tournament debutants Jordan in Dallas. Lionel Scaloni’s side have once again displayed their winning mentality and will be eager to finish atop Group J with a perfect record.

Jordan have exceeded expectations during their maiden World Cup appearance and could still harbour hopes of progressing as a third-placed side. A result against Argentina would represent one of the greatest achievements in the country’s football history.

The world champions remain favourites, but pressure and qualification scenarios often produce surprises during the final round of group matches.

Colombia vs Portugal

One of the standout matches of Day 17 takes place in Miami, where Colombia and Portugal battle for supremacy in Group K. Portugal have shown flashes of brilliance but know that Colombia present arguably their toughest test of the group stage.

Colombia’s energetic attacking approach and technical quality have made them one of South America’s most entertaining teams. A victory could secure top spot and provide valuable momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.

With so much at stake, expect an intense encounter between two sides capable of making deep runs in the tournament.

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan

The final African representatives in action on Day 17 are DR Congo, who face World Cup newcomers Uzbekistan in Atlanta. The Leopards have battled hard throughout their campaign and may still have a pathway into the Round of 32 depending on results elsewhere.

Uzbekistan have impressed many observers during their first appearance at football’s biggest tournament, combining discipline with attacking ambition. Their meeting with DR Congo promises to be one of the day’s most unpredictable fixtures.

For the Congolese, qualification would mark a historic achievement and further underline the growing strength of African football on the global stage.

Matches to Watch

• Panama vs England (Group L)
• Croatia vs Ghana (Group L)
• Algeria vs Austria (Group J)
• Jordan vs Argentina (Group J)
• Colombia vs Portugal (Group K)
• DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Group K)

By the end of Day 17, the World Cup knockout bracket will finally be complete, with 32 nations advancing and dreams either fulfilled or shattered. Africa’s hopes will rest heavily on Ghana, Algeria and DR Congo as the continent seeks a strong representation in the next round.