Only Paraguay have already played all three of their group matches - the other four countries still have a group game to play but are already assured of playing in the knockout round of this 48-team World Cup.
In this expanded tournament, the eight best third-placed teams qualify for the last 32.
England, Portugal, Ghana, Egypt and Paraguay are guaranteed to at least secure one of those spots, even in a worst-case scenario.
Each has four points, a tally that can no longer be surpassed by the third-placed teams in Group A (South Korea, with three points), Group C (Scotland, three points), Group H (Uruguay 2 pts/Cape Verde 3 pts), and Group I (Senegal, 3 pts), all of which have already concluded.
England are in action on Saturday evening against Panama as they look to top Group L.
World Cup 2026
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.
Match schedule and times | Group tables | England at the World Cup | Scotland at the World Cup | Team rosters at the World Cup | How to watch the World Cup | Predictions and odds | Which teams could be considered dark horses?