The group stage is entering a decisive stretch, with several contenders able to book knockout-round places today. Argentina and France can take major steps toward qualification, while Norway-Senegal and Jordan-Algeria carry significant implications for Group I and Group J advancement scenarios.

Upcoming matches

Argentina’s meeting with Austria is the headline fixture, with the winner moving into a commanding position in Group J. France and Norway also have opportunities to seize control of Group I, while Algeria faces a high-pressure match after its opening defeat.

Recent coverage

Germany have suffered a significant setback after defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the rest of the tournament with an ankle ligament injury, while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has highlighted the tactical impact of FIFA’s new mandatory hydration breaks ahead of the Austria match. Cape Verde’s surprise run remains one of the stories of the tournament after another impressive result left them in contention for the knockout rounds.

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