World Cup Passport: Group Stage, Round 3 Matches to Watch

By Brian Maurer

Photo courtesy of Cisco's Art/TopBin90

The World Cup Group Stage ends on Saturday with Round 3 action beginning today. Four teams have already clinched the top spot of their group (US, Mexico, Germany, and Argentina), and a few others are in the driver's seat to win their group as things stand.

There are some absolute top-tier matchups this round that will decide who wins the top of their group and the opportunity to have a slightly easier schedule going into the knockout phase.

Switzerland vs Canada - Today at 3 PM ET

Switzerland and Canada kick off the final round of action, and both are tied on four points, with goal differential giving the current tie-breaker to Canada. Both teams are coming off big wins that should make them feel like they have the momentum to get the result they need. Canada wins the group with a draw or better. The Swiss will need the win to top Group B.

Scotland vs Brazil - Today at 6 PM ET

Scotland's Tartan Army took over Boston and is now taking over Miami, but they will be facing stiff competition in Brazil. The Brazilians lead the group, but will likely feel they need the win as Morocco is facing Haiti. The Scottish and their fans have been on a dream ride for their first trip back to the World Cup since 1998 and will be fighting to at least earn a point to help guarantee a place in the knockout round.

Norway vs France - Friday, June 26 at 3 PM ET

This is one of the most anticipated matchups of the tournament so far. Both teams and their star strikers are in form. They are tied on points with six, but France is leading the goal differential battle, so Erling Haaland and Norway will need a win to top the "Group of Death". Kylian Mbappe is tied with Haaland with four goals and both strikers will be looking to lead their teams to victory, as well as push Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.

Uruguay vs Spain - Friday, June 26 at 8 PM ET

Spain welcomed star boy Lamine Yamal back into their starting lineup, and he didn't disappoint as he scored the opener, leading to Spain's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia. With the win, Spain is sitting top of the group where they expect. What has been unexpected is how flat Uruguay has been to start the World Cup as they only managed a point against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia. Uruguay could need a win to not only top the group but to hold off dropping to third, where they could end up failing to qualify for the knockout round, which would be a major early World Cupset.

Colombia vs Portugal - Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 PM ET

Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo answered some of the critics with a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, but the test against Colombia this Saturday will help show how serious about being a contender in this group. Colombia is at the top of the group after back-to-back wins and will just need to hold on for a draw to win Group K.