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10 tips for filling out your 2026 March Madness bracket

10 tips for filling out your 2026 March Madness bracket

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The 2026 field of 68 is official, which means that at some point between now and early Thursday afternoon, you’re probably going to be asked to fill out a bracket. It’s always a daunting task, and the fear of embarrassing yourself in front of friends, family or colleagues who you didn’t care for much to begin with can be unnerving

Thankfully, we’re here to help with 10 bracket tips you can ride to an admirable finish in your bracket challenge.

1. Believe in at least one power conference underachiever

One of the longest active March Madness streaks that isn’t discussed enough is that a “power six” conference team seeded 8th or worse has reached the Sweet 16 in every NCAA tournament since 2008. John Calipari and 10th-seeded Arkansas kept that streak alive with their run to the second weekend a year ago.

Teams that fit that description this year:

Clemson (8)
Georgia (8)
Villanova (8)
Ohio State (8)
TCU (9)
Iowa (9)
Central Florida (10)
Texas A&M (10)
Missouri (10)
SMU (11)
Texas (11)
NC State (11)

You may hate all these teams, but history says at least one of them is going to be one of the last 16 squads standing.

2. Don’t feel bad about picking a No. 1 seed to win it all

Even if you’re not going with the overall No. 1 seed, don’t let anybody shame you for picking a top seed to cut down the nets. Since seeding the field began, No. 1 seeds have won more national titles (27) than all other seeds combined (18).

A No. 1 seed has won seven of the last eight national titles, eight of the last 10, and ten of the last 13.

With this year’s top line seeming to be especially stellar, you’re probably on the right page if you’re picking between Duke, Michigan, Arizona and Florida to cut down the nets.

3. Believe in at least one “First Four” team

Even though the “First Four” — those four games typically played in Dayton on Tuesday and Wednesday featuring the lowest-seeded four teams in the field and the last four at-large teams to get in — has been fairly controversial and often mocked since its inception in 2011, a team coming out of Dayton has won at least one game in the tournament’s “main draw” in every year but two since the First Four became a thing. The only two times it hasn’t happened are 2019 and last year (I blame the controversial UNC at-large selection).

Overall, the First Four has produced a total of 22 victories in the “main draw” of the tournament, five Sweet 16 squads, and two Final Four teams.

Believe in Texas, NC State, Miami of Ohio or SMU to get the job done for you in at least one game in the tournament’s main draw.

4. Don’t pick a No. 5 seed to win it all

You probably weren’t anyway, but just in case you were thinking about it, don’t. Every seed line from 1-8 has produced at least one national champion besides the 5-seed line.

No. 5 seeds have made it to the title game four times, including three seasons ago with San Diego State, but have never been able to be the last team standing.

My most sincere apologies to Vanderbilt, St. John’s, Texas Tech and Wisconsin.

5. Pick at least one 12 seed to win in the first round

The 12/5 upset has a reputation for a reason.

In 34 of the last 40 years, at least one 12 seed has advanced out of the first round of the tournament. Over the last 17 years, 12 seeds actually own a highly respectable overall record of 29-39 against five seeds.

Even in last year’s chalkiest NCAA Tournament of all-time, we managed to get multiple 12/5 upsets with Colorado State taking out Memphis and McNeese State upsetting Clemson. UC San Diego also pushed Michigan to the brink.

The 5-seed line is stronger this season, but the 12-seeds are no slouch.

Akron is playing in the Big Dance for a third straight year and has been beaten just once since Jan. 3. McNeese State also has a strong recent pedigree and is coming off a dominant run in conference play. Northern Iowa comes from a conference in the Missouri Valley that has historically produced a lot of teams that have had success in these situations. And then High Point has the third highest-scoring offense in the entire country.

History says at least one of these teams is winning this week.

6. Don’t automatically move all four No. 2 seeds to the second weekend

In 25 of the last 28 years, at least one No. 2 seed has been knocked out of the tournament before the Sweet 16. Last year, as the other top 2-seeds were rolling to victories, it was St. John’s that slipped up and fell to Arkansas in the second round.

Straying from the chalk is always scary, especially before the second weekend and especially in a season where the top teams are as strong as this group appears to be, but you need to conquer that fear in at least one region.

7. Conference championships typically matter

In the history of the NCAA tournament, there have only been five national champions (who participated in a conference tournament) that didn’t first win either their league’s regular season or postseason title. Villanova in 1985, Kansas in 1988, Connecticut in 2014, Duke in 2015 and UConn in 2023 are the only exceptions.

This doesn’t bode well for Iowa State or Houston, who earned top two seeds despite seeing Arizona claim both the Big 12’s regular season and tournament titles.

8. Gonzaga and Kansas are (usually) early locks

Since 2008, there is just one team that has appeared in every single NCAA tournament without losing a single first round game: Gonzaga. Kansas also held that distinction before last season’s first round loss to Arkansas in a 7/10 matchup. The Zags also lost a crazy streak of their own, as their narrow second round loss to eventual national runner-up Houston snapped a streak of nine consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.

You don’t have to put them in the Final Four, you don’t even have to send them to a regional final, but the Zags and the Jayhawks typically take care of business on opening weekend.

9. Having one “crazy” Final Four pick usually isn’t so crazy

Sure it’s scary to take one team that could easily lose in the first round and advance it all the way to the Final Four, but it also might be the key to winning your bracket pool. Every single Final Four but two since 2012 has featured at least one team seeded No. 7 or worse. Four of the last five tournaments and five of the last seven have had at least one team seeded No. 8 or worse in the Final Four. Since 2011, a grand total of 13 teams seeded seventh or worse have crashed the season’s final weekend.

A year ago, yes, we had four No. 1 seeds squaring off in the national semifinals, but the year before that it was 11th-seeded NC State going crazy and making a run to the season’s last weekend.

The only two recent seasons in which a 7-seed or worse hasn’t made a Final Four were last year and 2019, and even then, you had a 5-seed crashing the party.

Again, it’s scary, especially in a year like this, but the key to standing out this month could be to take the three teams you like the most to the Final Four, and then maybe throw a dart in the region where you feel like the top seeds are the most vulnerable.

10. Be mindful of the Big Ten/West Coast drought

One of the longest-running debates in college basketball is when a team from the West Coast or the Big Ten will win its next national title. It has reached a fever pitch the last few seasons with the Big Ten consistently appearing to be one of the two best conference in the sport and a resurgent West Coast producing multiple national title contenders.

A team from the Big Ten team hasn’t won it all since Michigan State in 2000, and a West Coast squad hasn’t cut down the nets since Arizona stunned Kentucky in 1997.

Could Michigan, Arizona, Purdue, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Michigan State or Illinois change all this? Sure, but if you believe in 25+ year trends, it might be better to look somewhere else when you’re choosing who is going to be the last team standing.

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Deadspin | OpTic, Thieves advance to CDL Major 4 upper-bracket final Jul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France. OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal. Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match. In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0. The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a 5,000 prize pool. The winning team earns 0,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final. On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload. The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential. The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5. France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas. Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy. Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential. The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144. JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2. Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto. The Sunday schedule –Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas –Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas –Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner –Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points) 1. 0,000, 100 — TBD 2. ,000, 75 — TBD 3. ,000, 60 — TBD 4. ,000, 45 — TBD 5-6. ,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI 7-8. ,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics 9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge –Field Level Media #Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #finalJul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France.

OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal.

Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match.

In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0.

The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a $365,000 prize pool. The winning team earns $150,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final.

On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload.

The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential.

The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5.

France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas.

Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy.

Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential.

The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144.

JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2.


Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto.

The Sunday schedule

–Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas

–Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas

–Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner

–Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner

Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points)

1. $150,000, 100 — TBD

2. $90,000, 75 — TBD

3. $50,000, 60 — TBD

4. $30,000, 45 — TBD

5-6. $15,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI

7-8. $7,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics

9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #final">Deadspin | OpTic, Thieves advance to CDL Major 4 upper-bracket final Jul 19, 2019; Miami Beach, FL, USA; A general view of custom PlayStation controllers sold by a vender during the Call of Duty League Finals e-sports event at Miami Beach Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images OpTic Texas charged into the upper-bracket final of the Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major, cruising to a 3-0 win over G2 Minnesota on Saturday in Nanterre, France. OpTic move on to face Los Angeles Thieves, who eked out a 3-2 win over FaZe Vegas in the other upper-bracket semifinal. Meanwhile, the host Paris Gentle Mates stayed alive with a pair of victories in the lower bracket. First, the Gentle Mates overtook the Miami Heretics 3-2. Then Paris ousted G2 Minnesota 3-1 in a lower-bracket quarterfinal match. In the other lower-bracket quarterfinal, FaZe Vegas swept the Toronto KOI 3-0. The 12 Call of Duty League teams played five qualifying matches apiece to determine seeding for the fourth major of the season, which is being held through Sunday with a 5,000 prize pool. The winning team earns 0,000 and 100 CDL points. All matches are best-of-five until the best-of-seven grand final. On Saturday, Texas toppled Minnesota 250-186 on Scar Hardpoint, 6-2 on Gridlock Search and Destroy and 3-1 on Den Overload. The United States’ Mason “Mercules” Ramsey produced 75 kills and a plus-11 kill-death differential. Cesar “Skyz” Bueno of the U.S. paced G2 with 64 kills and a minus-1 K-D differential. The Thieves opened with a 250-202 win on Den Hardpoint and a 6-3 victory on Gridlock Search and Destroy, but FaZe equalized by taking Scar Overload 5-0 and Scar Hardpoint 250-141. On the decisive fifth map, Den Search and Destroy, Los Angeles prevailed 6-5. France’s Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez amassed 98 kills and a minus-7 K-D differential for the Thieves. The United States’ Jovan “04” Rodriguez totaled 119 kills and a plus-28 K-D differential for Vegas. Miami jumped to a 2-1 edge on Paris by sandwiching a 250-167 victory on Gridlock Hardpoint and a 4-1 win on Gridlock Overload around a 6-2 loss on Fringe Search and Destroy. The Gentle Mates took the final two maps, 250-227 on Scar Hardpoint and 6-0 on Hacienda Search and Destroy. Joseph “JoeDeceives” Romero of the U.S. carried Paris with 103 kills and a plus-22 K-D differential. David “RenKoR” Isern propelled the all-Spanish Heretics with 95 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential. The Gentle Mates got off to a hot start in their second match of the day, taking Colossus Hardpoint 250-188 and Fringe Search and Destroy 6-4. Minnesota extended the contest by winning 4-3 on Den Overload, but Paris wrapped up the series by claiming Den Hardpoint 250-144. JoeDeceives shined again, finishing with 106 kills and a plus-23 K-D differential. The United States’ Dylan “Envoy” Hannon wound up with 86 kills and a minus-21 K-D differential for G2. Vegas blitzed the KOI 250-208 on Gridlock Hardpoint, 6-2 on Fringe Search and Destroy and 8-2 on Scar Overload behind the United States’ Zachary “Drazah” Jordan (68 kills and a plus-17 K-D differential). Jamie “Insight” Craven of Great Britain and Nicholas “Kips” Lyons of the U.S. each had 55 kills for Toronto. The Sunday schedule –Upper-bracket final: Los Angeles Thieves vs. OpTic Texas –Lower-bracket semifinal: Paris Gentle Mates vs. FaZe Vegas –Lower-bracket final: Los Angeles/Texas winner vs. Paris/Vegas winner –Grand final: upper-bracket winner vs. lower-bracket winner Call of Duty League Stage 4 Major prize pool (Money winnings, CDL points) 1. 0,000, 100 — TBD 2. ,000, 75 — TBD 3. ,000, 60 — TBD 4. ,000, 45 — TBD 5-6. ,000, 30 — G2 Minnesota, Toronto KOI 7-8. ,500, 15 — Boston Breach, Miami Heretics 9-12. no money, no points — Carolina Royal Ravens, Cloud9 New York, Riyadh Falcons, Vancouver Surge –Field Level Media #Deadspin #OpTic #Thieves #advance #CDL #Major #upperbracket #final

Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group">World Cup 2026: How Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout round from Group J Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.What are the Group J standings?Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsArgentina20050+56Austria1013303Algeria10124-23Jordan00225-30What are the next Group J matches?Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.Argentina 2, Austria 0Algeria 2, Jordan 1Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.What are the scenarios in Group J?Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.What about tiebreakers in Group J?Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria. #World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group

2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group">World Cup 2026: How Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout round from Group J

Saturday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will complete group play in Group J.

Argentina has already clinched Group J, and will advance to the Round of 32 where they will play tournament darlings Cabo Verde. While Jordan has already been eliminated, both Austria and Algeria are in contention for spots in the knockout round.

Here are the remaining scenarios in Group J ahead of the final day of matches in group play.

What are the Group J standings?

Here are the current standings in Group J, ahead of matches set for Saturday, June 27.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

Argentina20050+56
Austria1013303
Algeria10124-23
Jordan00225-30

What are the next Group J matches?

Here are the times for Saturday’s final matches. All times listed are Eastern.

Argentina 2, Austria 0
Algeria 2, Jordan 1

Algeria vs. Austria, 10:00 p.m.
Jordan vs. Argentina, 10:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group J?

Here are the scenarios ahead of the final day of matches, set for June 27. These scenarios involve automatic qualification for the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. Teams can still advance as a third-place team, and for more on those standings we have you covered here. In addition, teams that are “eliminated” are guaranteed to finish fourth in their group.

Argentina has already won Group J, and they will play the second-place team from Group H in the Round of 32

Austria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win or draw against Algeria.

Algeria will clinch second in Group J, and a match against the winners of Group H, with a win against Austria.

Jordan has already been eliminated from the knockout rounds.

What about tiebreakers in Group J?

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

The only real tiebreaker to consider comes to us courtesy of the match between Algeria and Austria. As noted above, Austria clinches the second spot with a win or a draw, and that is due to the goal differential tiebreaker. If that match remains tied, both Austria and Algeria would finish with four points. But when you apply the goal differential, Austria would finish with a 0 goal differential, while Algeria would finish with a -2.

That would clinch second place in Group J for Austria.

#World #Cup #Argentina #clinched #spot #knockout #Group

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”Published on Jun 28, 2026 #Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup

Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup">Ronaldo plays on as Portugal’s Martinez defends marathon minutes at World Cup

Portugal coach Roberto ‌Martinez defended Cristiano Ronaldo after his skipper played another 90 minutes ​in the 0-0 World Cup Group K draw with Colombia, as his ⁠side finished in second place on Saturday, while the tournament’s biggest names took a breather.

Leading scorers like Argentina’s Lionel Messi did not start the final group game while Norway’s Erling Haaland was ‌rested, but Ronaldo has played every minute of every game so far.

The 41-year-old forward has faced criticism for his lack of contribution in Portugal ‌games, particularly his limited defensive work when the rest of the team tracks ‌back, ⁠but Martinez dismissed comparisons with other players’ game-time.

“Obviously we don’t compare ⁠players in our team with other players to make decisions. I think that would be quite childish and very unprofessional,” he told reporters.

“I can tell you that we monitor all the (player) information that we get ​live during the games.

“There are different ‌positions on the pitch that need different needs and we monitor that down to the detail.

“Cristiano is used to being in the right place at the right time. It’s more a question of mentally being strong and always being disciplined in ‌his position.

“There is no issue, physically or mentally, for Cristiano in today’s ​game to play the 90 minutes. Maybe the next game we need to make a change, but that’s like any other player.”

Also read | Lionel Messi shines off the bench as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Portugal ⁠reached the knockout stage in second place and face Croatia in the Round of 32 on Thursday, a match that carries special significance as it will be played one day ‌before the anniversary of the death of its forward Diogo Jota.

Jota was remembered prior to kickoff on Saturday when his image was beamed on the screens in the stadium just as the Portuguese national anthem finished and Martinez viewed the upcoming anniversary as an inspiration.

“Obviously, every day is difficult. When you are training, there are always moments that Diogo Jota comes back into our memories. So I wouldn’t say that the ‌anniversary needs to be especially difficult. I would say that it’s a little bit of a ​celebration,” Martinez said.

“We need to honour Diogo Jota. It’s a moment to cherish, that everything we started in this team started with him. We ⁠won the Nations League with him. He’s probably the sign and the light of the ⁠biggest stimulation that we have.

“We want to win the World Cup for him. The anniversary is just a moment that makes the game Diogo Jota’s ‌game.

“It’s not a difficult moment, the difficulty is every day when he’s not there physically … Probably moments like this, when you don’t win a game, the reference ​of having his desire, his belief, is always very clear in our presence.”

Published on Jun 28, 2026

#Ronaldo #plays #Portugals #Martinez #defends #marathon #minutes #World #Cup

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