The group stage of the biggest FIFA World Cup in history is approaching its conclusion, but there are still many questions to be answered on Matchday 3.
The expanded World Cup format means 16 teams will be eliminated after Matchday 3, with four already confirmed: Haiti, Türkiye, Tunisia and Jordan.
But this relative lack of jeopardy does not mean there is nothing riding on these games. Both teams and individual players still have plenty to prove as they aim to build momentum and secure the strongest possible position heading into the knockout rounds.
With that in mind, here are five key questions that could be answered on MD3 of the World Cup.
Could All Three Co-Hosts Really Go Unbeaten in the Group Stage?
World Cups have traditionally been hosted by one country, and it’s not uncommon to see the host nation, buoyed by playing in front of their home fans, progress further than they normally would.
However, for all three North American co-host nations to go unbeaten in the group would be an fine achievement, especially given Canada’s relatively recent emergence on the global stage.
Jesse Marsch’s side face off against Switzerland, the highest-ranked side and the other unbeaten team in Group B, in their final group game. With qualification already secured, this contest will determine who tops the group.
The United States will come up against one of the most underwhelming teams of the tournament, Türkiye, in their final group-stage game. The performance of the USA has already captured the imagination of the nation and neutrals, and a third consecutive win could send World Cup fever into overdrive stateside.
Although they have not made as many headlines, Mexico are the only host nation yet to concede (only three other teams have kept back-to-back clean sheets). They too could make it three wins from three on MD3 against Czechia, who need a result to have any chance of making the last 32.
Can Tunisia Save Themselves From Embarrassment Against the Netherlands?
No one was expecting big things from Tunisia heading into the World Cup, yet their campaign has still proven deeply disappointing.
They have conceded nine goals in their two games, more than any other team. As well as that, the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi after MD1 means Tunisia have had more managers in North America (2) than they have scored goals (1).
Going into MD3, pride is what’ i’s at stake.
The Netherlands put in a fine performance against Sweden on MD2, while Tunisia may have even regressed in Hervé Renard’s first game, failing to register a shot on target against Japan. Avoiding another heavy defeat is essential if they are to avoid entering the conversation for worst World Cup side of all time.
Zaire produced the worst group performance in World Cup history in 1974 when they failed to score a point or goal and finished with a goal difference of -14.
The poorest World Cup campaign in the modern format (one group stage that progresses into a knockout phase) came from Saudi Arabia, who finished pointless, goalless, and with a -12 goal difference in 2002. If Tunisia were to lose by four goals on MD3, they’d equal that record.
Are Spain Truly Back to Their Best?
In the shock result of MD1, pre-tournament favourites, Spain, failed to defeat debutants Cape Verde.
Luis de la Fuente’s side had 74.3% of the ball but struggled to penetrate the Cape Verde backline, creating just two Opta-defined ‘big chances’ during the match. Truth be told, they looked a little blunt without having their young talisman Romelu Lukaku continuing to build his fitness, it’s now or never for Belgium.
But their opponents on MD3, New Zealand, must not be underestimated. They impressed against Iran on MD1 in a game they could have won, before taking the lead against Egypt last time out, though they eventually fell to defeat.
Given the level of Belgium’s performances, the All Whites will harbour hopes of pulling off a shock.
Who Will Triumph in Group I’s Haaland vs Mbappe Battle?
On an individual level, this World Cup has been about Erling Haaland pushed out of the limelight somewhat, but he will be looking to make a statement against France on MD3.
The Norwegian has been as prolific as ever in his first appearance on the world stage, netting a brace in each of his first two games at a World Cup. If he scores another double against France, he will become the first player to score two or more goals in each of his first three World Cup games since 1954.
Haaland is currently tied with Mbappé (both 4) as the tournament’s second-highest goalscorer behind Messi (5), but both men will be looking to usurp the Argentine in the scoring charts when they face off against each other.
Mbappé also scored a brace in France’s last game, meaning his record at the World Cup now stands at a staggering 16 goals in 16 games. His four goals in North America have also seen him usurp Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time top scorer.
With both teams already through, the stakes are lower in a competitive sense, but the biggest stars look to impress regardless of the occasion, especially when they come face-to-face.
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Five Questions to Be Answered on Matchday 3 of the 2026 World Cup Opta Analyst.
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