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World Cup 2026: five storylines to follow in MD3

The final matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stages is set to get underway. We look at some of the Ligue 1 McDonald's storylines to follow.
L. ENTWISTLE
Published on 06/24/2026 at 10:00
4-minute read
Dembélé and Mbappé celebrate in France's win over Iraq

The final matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stages is set to get underway. We look at some of the Ligue 1 McDonald's storylines to follow.

Can France take top spot? 

France will be without their manager, Didier Deschamps, when they face Norway in their final group game. He has returned to France following the death of his mother but will return for the knockout phase of the competition. 

There is plenty still riding on the game. Both nations are through and Erling Haaland sought to downplay the importance of the game, striking a pessimistic tone. But the winner will take top spot in Group I. A draw would see Les Bleus retain top spot on goal difference. 

France head into the game with their confidence high, having scored three goals in back-to-back games. And in the 3-0 win over Iraq, Ousmane Dembélé scored his first World Cup goal. The PSG forward and Ballon d'Or winner will look to build on that positive showing. 

Ecuador in last-chance saloon

Ecuador were billed as a dark horse coming into this tournament, largely due to their impressive defence. Willian Pacho is at the heart of that defence and whilst the South American nation have conceded just once in their two games, they are also yet to score.

Their draw against Curacao has now put them firmly on the back foot. They will have to win against Germany on the final matchday if they are to have any hope of going through. With the Ivory Coast firm favourites against Curacao in the other game, all three points would perhaps not be enough to secure second place, but would almost guarantee their progression as one of the best third-place finishers. 

Pacho will look to continue performing at the back, but Ecuador need goals if their World Cup is to continue.

Senegal 'still have a chance'

Earlier this year, Senegal came out on top against Morocco in the AFCON final, but they have struggled at this World Cup. Losses to France and Norway leave them in desperate need of a win against Iraq. Even that may not be enough for Pape Thiaw's side. A large victory, however, would massively bolster their chances. 

"It is too early to talk about a failure," said Thiaw. "We aren't dead, even if we are in a difficult position. It is the first time that Senegal have started a World Cup with two defeats, but we still have a chance."

The likes of Lamine Camara, Moussa Niakhaté, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Yehvann Diouf will all look to ensure their progression.

Belgium in the Danger zone

Belgium are in danger of being one of the first big-name exits from the World Cup. Rudi Garcia's side have taken just two points from their first two games as they prepare to face New Zealand. A point may be enough to secure their progression but there is no guarantee. 

A Belgian player has yet to score at this year's edition of the tournament. And against New Zealand, they must do without Nathan Ngoy, sent off in the 0-0 draw against Iran. However, Lille teammates Thomas Meunier and Matias Fernandez-Pardo will look to see the Red Devils over the line. Saint-Étienne's Ben Old, meanwhile, will look to have an impact for New Zealand, who can progress in the event of victory over Belgium.

Messi v the Jordanian Messi

Jordan cannot progress through the group stages of the tournament, however, their final game of the tournament, against Argentina, pits the Jordanian Messi, Moussa Al-Taamari, against the actual Messi. 

Former PSG forward Lionel Messi has set the tournament alight. In two games, he has netted five goals. Not only does he top the goalscoring standings at this year's edition, his brace against Austria means that he is the all-time leading goalscorer in the World Cup. Closely followed by former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappé, he will look to add to his tally in the final group game.

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