While both of these European powerhouses have technically done enough to book their tickets to the brand-new Round of 32 knockout stage, this match is far from a dead rubber. Finishing first in Group I guarantees a theoretically smoother path through the bracket and allows the group winner to avoid standard heavyweights early on.

France enters as the heavy favourite, boasting a star-studded roster defined by electrifying attacking depth and terrifying transition speed. However, Norway's highly disciplined defensive shape and clinical efficiency on the counter-attack make them a dangerous underdog. Expect a strategic chess match: France will dominate possession and look to break down the lines, while Norway will absorb the pressure and exploit any spaces left open in the French backline.

When: Friday, June 26 at 21:00 CEST
Where: Boston Stadium (Gillette Stadium), Foxborough, Massachusetts
What's at Stake: Deciding the ultimate king of Group I before the knockouts.

This is a classic stylistic clash between two titans of world football. Spain comes into the fixture looking to dictate the tempo using their signature possession-heavy midfield web. Their goal will be to tire out the South Americans with quick, short passing sequences and suffocating high-pressing whenever they lose the ball.

Uruguay, on the other hand, relies on its iconic garra charrúa — a blend of fierce competitive grit, relentless physical intensity, and lightning-fast transitions. They don't need much of the ball to cause absolute chaos, leaning heavily on a lethal mix of veteran savvy and youthful midfield engines. This match promises incredible intensity, tactical foul management, and an electric atmosphere in Mexico.

When: Saturday, June 27 at 02:00 CEST (Late Friday night for European viewers)
Where: Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico
What's at Stake: High-stakes drama to secure a top-seed finish in Group H.

The margins for error officially drop to zero on Sunday as the knockout phase begins. Co-hosts Canada managed to survive a gruelling Group B campaign, and they now get the distinct advantage of playing in front of a heavily partisan North American crowd in Los Angeles. The pressure on the Canadians is immense; the home fans expect a deep tournament run, but knockout football is notoriously unforgiving.

They face a resilient, disciplined, and dangerously athletic South African squad that has already proven it can upset traditional football hierarchies. South Africa thrives when playing the role of the spoiler, utilizing highly organized low blocks and breathtaking speed on the wings to punish over-extended teams. If Canada's backline loses focus for even a second, South Africa has the tools to break hearts. Expect 90 — or potentially 120 — minutes of high-drama, end-to-end desperation.

When: Sunday, June 28 at 21:00 CEST
Where: Los Angeles Stadium (SoFi Stadium), Inglewood, California
What's at Stake: Pure survival. Win and advance to the Round of 16, or go home.