Soccer Picks

Already eliminated, Turkey close out their World Cup against a USA side that has won Group D and secured first place. A dead rubber in which the hosts are likely to rotate heavily.

Senegal and Iraq, both on the cusp of elimination, wrap up their Group I campaign on June 26. The Lions of Teranga, heavy favourites, want to bow out on a high in what could be Sadio Mane's last World Cup.

Paraguay and Australia meet on June 26 in Vancouver for second place in Group D. The South Americans, missing the suspended Almiron, must win, while a draw is enough for the Socceroos.

Norway and France, both already qualified, meet on June 26 for first place in Group I. A clash between two firing attacks led by Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe, each on four goals.

Sweden must beat Japan on June 25 to keep their World Cup hopes alive, while a near-qualified Japan side could afford to rotate. With Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyökeres leading Sweden’s attack against Japan’s quick counter, Group F’s final round promises drama.

South Korea need only a draw to reach the knockout rounds when they meet South Africa on June 25, while Bafana Bafana must win to keep their World Cup hopes alive. One side can manage the game, the other has to throw everything forward in a Group A finale with the stakes flipped at each end.

The Netherlands close their group campaign against an already-eliminated Tunisia on June 25, with top spot in Group F and a friendlier knockout path on the line. Ronald Koeman’s side are heavy favourites against a Tunisia team playing only for pride under new coach Hervé Renard.

Mexico have already booked their spot in the knockout rounds, but Czech Republic arrive in Mexico City needing a win to keep their World Cup alive. One side can afford to rotate, the other cannot afford to sit back, setting up a Group A finale with very different stakes at each end.

Ivory Coast must beat World Cup debutants Curacao on June 25 to secure their place in the knockout rounds, while the smallest nation ever to reach the tournament chases the result that would complete a remarkable story. It is a clash of overwhelming favourite and fearless underdog to close out Group E.

Germany have already won Group E and could rest key players when they face Ecuador on June 25, while La Tri must win to have any chance of reaching the knockout rounds. A rotated favourite against a desperate, defensively stubborn underdog sets up an intriguing Group E finale.