The action last time last Groups C & D in a fantastically precarious position, with all 8 teams in some form of limbo:
Will Groups E & F be as dramatic? The favourites France and England will hope not, but let's see.
Group E: Argentina vs France
A rematch of 2018's group clash, where Argentina claimed a 2-1 win that saw them win the group. A repeat of that would be much-needed. If this group runs along the lines of ranking, Argentina and Canada will be tied on goal difference, so every goal will be crucial in this group. A win here and France become the second team confirmed in the knockout stages, alongside the team that beat them in last year's final, Germany.
Milton Casco comes in for the suspended Leonardo Godoy, one of two Argentine changes, the other being Ignacio Scocco replacing Marco Ruben up front. Juan Bernat's injury, picked up against UAE, sees him out until the semi finals, as Leyvin Kurzawa comes into the side for France's only change.
Group E: Argentina vs France
A rematch of 2018's group clash, where Argentina claimed a 2-1 win that saw them win the group. A repeat of that would be much-needed. If this group runs along the lines of ranking, Argentina and Canada will be tied on goal difference, so every goal will be crucial in this group. A win here and France become the second team confirmed in the knockout stages, alongside the team that beat them in last year's final, Germany.
Milton Casco comes in for the suspended Leonardo Godoy, one of two Argentine changes, the other being Ignacio Scocco replacing Marco Ruben up front. Juan Bernat's injury, picked up against UAE, sees him out until the semi finals, as Leyvin Kurzawa comes into the side for France's only change.
France start on the front foot. In the 4th minute they work the ball forwards and Ángel Di María slips in Kylian Mbappé who scores! However, the flag is up, Mbappé was clearly offside.
In the 11th minute an Argentine corner is cleared. Javier Mascherano picks it up and plays a wonderful high pass to the corner-taker Juan Fernando Quintero. As France try and get their defence over to cover Quintero fires a cross in and Scocco is there to nod Argentina ahead! This one counts!
A shaken France nearly concede a quickfire second as Casco dances into the box and plays a great cross for Ignacio Piatti, but he heads over. At the other end Alexandr Golovin barely tests Franco Armani with a headed chance of his own. Both teams continue to create half-decent chances, but neither keeper is forced into anything other than a routine save.
In the 35th minute a high ball is headed by Piatti into space for Scocco to run. Thiago Silva is over quickly to cut out the gap, but Scocco smartly plays it back for Piatti to run onto, and he smashes it past Keylor Navas to double Argentina's lead!
Argentina are clearly pumped up, shown by the four yellows they pick up in the game's first half. Just before the break France get into a good position, but the move breaks down and Argentina need just two passes to play in Eduardo Salvio. He hits his shot well, but Navas produces an wonder save to keep the score down!
In the 11th minute an Argentine corner is cleared. Javier Mascherano picks it up and plays a wonderful high pass to the corner-taker Juan Fernando Quintero. As France try and get their defence over to cover Quintero fires a cross in and Scocco is there to nod Argentina ahead! This one counts!
A shaken France nearly concede a quickfire second as Casco dances into the box and plays a great cross for Ignacio Piatti, but he heads over. At the other end Alexandr Golovin barely tests Franco Armani with a headed chance of his own. Both teams continue to create half-decent chances, but neither keeper is forced into anything other than a routine save.
In the 35th minute a high ball is headed by Piatti into space for Scocco to run. Thiago Silva is over quickly to cut out the gap, but Scocco smartly plays it back for Piatti to run onto, and he smashes it past Keylor Navas to double Argentina's lead!
Argentina are clearly pumped up, shown by the four yellows they pick up in the game's first half. Just before the break France get into a good position, but the move breaks down and Argentina need just two passes to play in Eduardo Salvio. He hits his shot well, but Navas produces an wonder save to keep the score down!
Concerningly, France have also been edged in terms of possession. It has not been a good day so far for them. Neither team make any half time changes.
France needed a quick start, and they were gifted a great chance when Javier Pinola is caught on the ball by Mbappé. He's through one-on-one, but Armani denies him! That was the perfect chance, and it's gone to waste. Mbappé is soon shifted to the right, with Mauro Icardi coming on for Di María.
Armani is called into action in the 69th minute, and he is equal to Verratti's rising effort. There's more bad news for France as Kurzawa picks up a knock, forcing Idrissa Gueye to come in as a makeshift left back.
France rack up the shots, but they're from range and Argentina inch ever-closer to a brilliant victory. In the 84th minute Ander Herrera slides a neat pass through to Icardi, who puts it away... but again the flag is up! This one looked like a much, much closer decision - possible even a wrong one, which does nothing to lift the Gallic gloom.
And it proves to be France's last roll of the dice, as they can't carve anything out in the final minutes. Argentina claim a huge victory, a double over France!
France needed a quick start, and they were gifted a great chance when Javier Pinola is caught on the ball by Mbappé. He's through one-on-one, but Armani denies him! That was the perfect chance, and it's gone to waste. Mbappé is soon shifted to the right, with Mauro Icardi coming on for Di María.
Armani is called into action in the 69th minute, and he is equal to Verratti's rising effort. There's more bad news for France as Kurzawa picks up a knock, forcing Idrissa Gueye to come in as a makeshift left back.
France rack up the shots, but they're from range and Argentina inch ever-closer to a brilliant victory. In the 84th minute Ander Herrera slides a neat pass through to Icardi, who puts it away... but again the flag is up! This one looked like a much, much closer decision - possible even a wrong one, which does nothing to lift the Gallic gloom.
And it proves to be France's last roll of the dice, as they can't carve anything out in the final minutes. Argentina claim a huge victory, a double over France!
Final score: Argentina 2-0 France
Player of the match: Ignacio Piatti
Group E: Canada vs UAE
That result makes things tougher for both of these teams to qualify. UAE are already on the brink after their opening defeat to France, and a loss here would eliminate them.
Canada are forced into two changes, both very damaging. Michael Bradley is suspended, but worse is that star man Alejandro Pozuelo is injured for four matches - realistically the whole tournament. This necessitates a change to a 4-4-2, with Jonathan Osorio and Pablo Piatti coming in. UAE give the XI that lost to France another chance to prove their worth.
Player of the match: Ignacio Piatti
Group E: Canada vs UAE
That result makes things tougher for both of these teams to qualify. UAE are already on the brink after their opening defeat to France, and a loss here would eliminate them.
Canada are forced into two changes, both very damaging. Michael Bradley is suspended, but worse is that star man Alejandro Pozuelo is injured for four matches - realistically the whole tournament. This necessitates a change to a 4-4-2, with Jonathan Osorio and Pablo Piatti coming in. UAE give the XI that lost to France another chance to prove their worth.
It takes 20 minutes for the game's first shot. A long-range wide effort from Omar Abdulrahman. A minute later and Fernando Gaibor comes a bit closer with a free kick into the side netting. Canada look a bit uneasy in their new shape, and struggle to see much of the ball.
In the 38th minute an early cross from Lucas Galvao is inch perfect, finding Álvaro Negredo 8 yards out, but his header is tipped over by a brilliant reaction save by Maxime Crépeau. The Spaniard has another big chance right at the end of the first half, another close-range header, this time from a corner. Crépeau gets in the way of it, but the ball bounces towards goal, only to be cleared off the line by Ali Adnan! It looked like it might have gone over, but no goal is given. At the break it's level, but with UAE looking more likely.
In the 38th minute an early cross from Lucas Galvao is inch perfect, finding Álvaro Negredo 8 yards out, but his header is tipped over by a brilliant reaction save by Maxime Crépeau. The Spaniard has another big chance right at the end of the first half, another close-range header, this time from a corner. Crépeau gets in the way of it, but the ball bounces towards goal, only to be cleared off the line by Ali Adnan! It looked like it might have gone over, but no goal is given. At the break it's level, but with UAE looking more likely.
Canada start the second half with their first decent attack, ending with Jozy Altidore heading Osorio's cross over. UAE respond with another patient attack. Galvao is given tons of space. Instead of crossing he plays it to Keno who lays it off to Tozé, and his low shot beats Crépeau to give UAE a deserved lead!
Canada respond with a double change, Bojan and Yordy Reyna replacing Altidore and Osorio as they move to a 4-2-3-1. Keno whistles a shot wide as UAE show they are willing to keep pushing up. They go even closer a moment later when Fede Cartabia is found completely free at the far post, but he duffs his shot wide.
Set pieces are as good as Canada have got in terms of creating chances, and they get a free kick in a great position in the 72nd minute. Pablo Piatti curls it in, it's cleared but the referee points to the spot for a push by Galvao! Surprisingly, it's right back Laurent Ciman who places the ball on the spot. He runs up... and sends Majed Nasser the wrong way! Canada have found a way back level!
The game tightens up - it was never that open to begin with - and we get to the final few minutes still level. Tsukasa Shiotani heads a free kick over in the 90th minute, and the game finishes with both teams a little unhappy at the result.
Canada respond with a double change, Bojan and Yordy Reyna replacing Altidore and Osorio as they move to a 4-2-3-1. Keno whistles a shot wide as UAE show they are willing to keep pushing up. They go even closer a moment later when Fede Cartabia is found completely free at the far post, but he duffs his shot wide.
Set pieces are as good as Canada have got in terms of creating chances, and they get a free kick in a great position in the 72nd minute. Pablo Piatti curls it in, it's cleared but the referee points to the spot for a push by Galvao! Surprisingly, it's right back Laurent Ciman who places the ball on the spot. He runs up... and sends Majed Nasser the wrong way! Canada have found a way back level!
The game tightens up - it was never that open to begin with - and we get to the final few minutes still level. Tsukasa Shiotani heads a free kick over in the 90th minute, and the game finishes with both teams a little unhappy at the result.
Final score: Canada 1-1 UAE
Player of the match: Tozé
Player of the match: Tozé
Group F: Chile vs England
Both teams won their opener. England took ages, but eventually romped to a 5-0 win over poor Ivory Coast, whilst Chile claimed a narrow win over Ukraine. That sets up both teams very well here, and whoever wins will be virtually through.
Chile make no changes, whilst England are missing Andy Robertson after his red card, so Benjamin Mendy starts. There's no place in the starting XI for Bernardo Silva, despite his two goals from the bench last time.
Both teams won their opener. England took ages, but eventually romped to a 5-0 win over poor Ivory Coast, whilst Chile claimed a narrow win over Ukraine. That sets up both teams very well here, and whoever wins will be virtually through.
Chile make no changes, whilst England are missing Andy Robertson after his red card, so Benjamin Mendy starts. There's no place in the starting XI for Bernardo Silva, despite his two goals from the bench last time.
Mo Salah dribbles the length of the pitch in the 5th minute, teeing up Fabinho for a shot from the edge of the box that Alexis Martín Arias saves. From the corner Sergio Aguero heads at goal, and Arias produced a fine save to push it behind again.
Chile have a free kick in a dangerous position, but it's cleared to Sadio Mané who has acres of space to run into. He wrong-foots a couple of defenders to get through one-on-one, but again Arias saves the day with a good block. A minute later and another Chilean attack ends with England on the break, and again Arias saves from a tame Mané shot.
Bernardo Silva doesn't have long to wait to get back out for England, as Salah is forced off injured in the 13th minute. It doesn't knock them off their stride, and 6 minutes later Kevin De Bruyne plays it wide to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He brings it inside and fires it into the top corner to give England the lead!
Chile respond, and Luciano Aued plays in Matías Rodríguez, but his low shot is stopped by Alisson. Ngolo Kanté picks up a knock but plays on for now. England slow down their momentum, but they have a flurry of chances late in the half, with Aguero, Mané and Kanté all going close. However, it remains 1-0.
Chile have a free kick in a dangerous position, but it's cleared to Sadio Mané who has acres of space to run into. He wrong-foots a couple of defenders to get through one-on-one, but again Arias saves the day with a good block. A minute later and another Chilean attack ends with England on the break, and again Arias saves from a tame Mané shot.
Bernardo Silva doesn't have long to wait to get back out for England, as Salah is forced off injured in the 13th minute. It doesn't knock them off their stride, and 6 minutes later Kevin De Bruyne plays it wide to Trent Alexander-Arnold. He brings it inside and fires it into the top corner to give England the lead!
Chile respond, and Luciano Aued plays in Matías Rodríguez, but his low shot is stopped by Alisson. Ngolo Kanté picks up a knock but plays on for now. England slow down their momentum, but they have a flurry of chances late in the half, with Aguero, Mané and Kanté all going close. However, it remains 1-0.
Fernandinho comes on for Kanté at the break. Chile open up England with some smart passing down the left. Cristián Cuevas' cross is headed clear, but Edson Puch reacts quickly to nod it into the path of Nicolás Blandi. He should really score, but his shot is straight at Alisson and the chance is wasted. England get upfield, and Silva drives down the left. He finds fellow sub Fernandinho on the edge of the box, and his low drilled shot beats Arias to double the lead!
That might already be the game sealed, but England are keen to make certain. De Bruyne goes close with a free kick, but the chances dry up. Rodríguez fires wide from an awkward angle in the 67th minute, before Mané hits the post at the other end.
Chile seem reluctant to open themselves up, wary of conceding more, and England are happy to see the rest of the game out. The game has a final flourish in the 90th minute as De Bruyne whips in a free kick from deep, and Fernandinho heads it home to seal a 3-0 win.
That might already be the game sealed, but England are keen to make certain. De Bruyne goes close with a free kick, but the chances dry up. Rodríguez fires wide from an awkward angle in the 67th minute, before Mané hits the post at the other end.
Chile seem reluctant to open themselves up, wary of conceding more, and England are happy to see the rest of the game out. The game has a final flourish in the 90th minute as De Bruyne whips in a free kick from deep, and Fernandinho heads it home to seal a 3-0 win.
Final score: Chile 0-3 England
Player of the match: Kevin De Bruyne
Group F: Ukraine vs Ivory Coast
England's win means they will qualify if Ukraine fail to win in this game. If Ukraine lose, they will be eliminated. The good news for Ivory Coast is that they can't be eliminated, although a defeat would realistically see them out given their goal difference.
Ukraine's worst performers against Chile were their best players, so they keep faith and field the same XI. Ivory Coast change their full backs. Yves Ablakor is replaced by Marc Goua at RB, whilst on the other side Constant Djakpa's injury rules him out until the knockout stages, so Sékou Samaké starts.
Player of the match: Kevin De Bruyne
Group F: Ukraine vs Ivory Coast
England's win means they will qualify if Ukraine fail to win in this game. If Ukraine lose, they will be eliminated. The good news for Ivory Coast is that they can't be eliminated, although a defeat would realistically see them out given their goal difference.
Ukraine's worst performers against Chile were their best players, so they keep faith and field the same XI. Ivory Coast change their full backs. Yves Ablakor is replaced by Marc Goua at RB, whilst on the other side Constant Djakpa's injury rules him out until the knockout stages, so Sékou Samaké starts.
Junior Moraes and Marlos both go close with headers early on as Ukraine signal their intent. But Ivory Coast show their own ability with a wonderful passing move. Claude Singoné sprays a good pass out to Roland Lamah. He fires over a cross and Fonsinho rises high to head Ivory Coast into the lead!
Ukraine continue to create half-chances, and in the 24th minute they create a clear one as Taison slips it through to Moraes, but the striker slices his shot well wide. Ukraine are carved open 7 minutes later when a quick free kick from Sékou Samaké released his namesake Cissé, but he can't beat Andriy Pyatov with his shot.
In the 37th minute Ukraine push up. Dodo can't get a cross away from a good position on the right, but it doesn't matter as the referee adjudged him to be fouled by Lamah and gives the penalty! Marlos is the taker... blasts it down the middle and scores! It feels a cheap way to get level, but a goal's a goal. Ivory Coast defend deeply and at the break the teams are level.
Ukraine continue to create half-chances, and in the 24th minute they create a clear one as Taison slips it through to Moraes, but the striker slices his shot well wide. Ukraine are carved open 7 minutes later when a quick free kick from Sékou Samaké released his namesake Cissé, but he can't beat Andriy Pyatov with his shot.
In the 37th minute Ukraine push up. Dodo can't get a cross away from a good position on the right, but it doesn't matter as the referee adjudged him to be fouled by Lamah and gives the penalty! Marlos is the taker... blasts it down the middle and scores! It feels a cheap way to get level, but a goal's a goal. Ivory Coast defend deeply and at the break the teams are level.
Four minutes into the half Ukraine get a free kick high up on the right. Victor Kovalenko heads Marlos' cross at goal, but Abdoul Karim Cissé makes a good save. Moraes forces it towards goal, and Mykyta Burda slams it in! The perfect start for Ukraine.
With the lead secured, Ukraine can relax and try and play their natural game. And they quickly double the lead in spectacular fashion, as Maycon bends in a 30 yard free kick!
Cissé has to produce a fine save to deny Ismaily, and a further couple of saves deny Taison. Artem Gromov comes on for the underwhelming Moraes, and he immediately gets on the scoresheet when he heads in Marlos' corner!
That seems to completely end Ivory Coast's resistance, as Ukrainian shots start pouring in. But Cissé keeps making good saves, and he single-handedly keeps the scoreline somewhat respectable. By full time Ukraine have had 35 shots, 14 of which Cissé saved. But still, a morale-boosting win for Ukraine ahead of their crunch final game.
With the lead secured, Ukraine can relax and try and play their natural game. And they quickly double the lead in spectacular fashion, as Maycon bends in a 30 yard free kick!
Cissé has to produce a fine save to deny Ismaily, and a further couple of saves deny Taison. Artem Gromov comes on for the underwhelming Moraes, and he immediately gets on the scoresheet when he heads in Marlos' corner!
That seems to completely end Ivory Coast's resistance, as Ukrainian shots start pouring in. But Cissé keeps making good saves, and he single-handedly keeps the scoreline somewhat respectable. By full time Ukraine have had 35 shots, 14 of which Cissé saved. But still, a morale-boosting win for Ukraine ahead of their crunch final game.
Final score: Ukraine 4-1 Ivory Coast
Player of the match: Maycon
Player of the match: Maycon
Ukraine may have gone above Chile, but given they finish against England and Chile face Ivory Coast, the South Americans are strong favourites to go through. In Group E, Argentina and France are in decent positions, although it's still theoretically an open group.
Next time we finish off the second round of matches. We still only have Germany confirmed in the next round, can any of Brazil, Greece, Netherlands or Saudi Arabia join them?
Next time we finish off the second round of matches. We still only have Germany confirmed in the next round, can any of Brazil, Greece, Netherlands or Saudi Arabia join them?