The United States and Germany will aim to complete perfect World Cup group stage campaigns on Thursday, while the Netherlands and Japan are also set to secure places in the last 32.
The United States have already secured top spot in Group D with a match to spare after victories over Paraguay and Australia. They will face eliminated Turkey in Los Angeles as they look to maintain their strong form.
Pochettino may rest key players amid suspension risk
US coach Mauricio Pochettino may rest several key players, with Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams and Folarin Balogun at risk of suspension if they receive another yellow card.
Forward Christian Pulisic has recovered from a calf injury that has restricted him to 45 minutes at the tournament and called on the United States to continue their attacking approach.
"Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win," said Pulisic.
"We don't necessarily need a win, but it is a World Cup game, and we all want to give our best and do well."
USA eye long World Cup run after strong start
The United States have not reached the World Cup quarter-finals since 2002, but their impressive opening performances have increased hopes of a lengthy run on home soil.
Australia and Paraguay will meet in Santa Clara in a contest for second place. A draw would favour Australia because of their superior goal difference, while Paraguay could also qualify with the result.
Germany are guaranteed qualification as Group E winners after victories over Curacao and Ivory Coast, ending disappointing first-round exits from the previous two World Cups.
"It is very important that we remain modest," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.
"We have won two matches, one was clear, one was very close. We want to win again tomorrow and we'll see who we play on Monday in the last 32."
The four-time world champions will face Ecuador, who require a victory to remain in the competition.
Ivory Coast are in position to finish second in the group and are expected to beat debutants Curacao, who remain in contention after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw.
Group F remains open, with the Netherlands, Japan and Sweden still capable of finishing top.
In Kansas City, the Netherlands will face Tunisia, who have suffered consecutive four-goal defeats and dismissed their coach after their opening match.
Herve Renard took charge after Sabri Lamouchi's departure following a 5-1 defeat by Sweden, but Tunisia's fortunes did not improve as Japan defeated them 4-0 and ended their hopes.
Japan and the Netherlands are level on four points before Japan's match against Sweden in Arlington. Sweden, after an impressive start to the tournament, suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat against the Dutch.
Brazil secured first place in Group C on Wednesday after Vinicius Junior scored twice in a 3-0 victory over Scotland in Miami, where Neymar made his first international appearance since October 2023.
Carlo Ancelotti's team will face the Group F runners-up, while Morocco, who came from behind twice to beat Haiti 4-2, will meet the winners after missing out on top spot to Brazil on goal difference.
Scotland face an anxious wait to discover whether they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Co-hosts Mexico reached the last 32 after a 3-0 victory over the Czech Republic at a lively Estadio Azteca, completing a perfect Group A record.
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum has also used the World Cup to improve relations with Spain, whose King Felipe VI was due to visit Mexico City before travelling to Guadalajara for Spain's group stage match against Uruguay.
The biggest surprise of the day came from South Africa, who qualified for the first time in their history after a shock 1-0 victory over South Korea secured second place in Group A.
The result led to late-night celebrations in South Africa, with supporters singing and sounding vuvuzelas from 5:00 am after the match ended.
Switzerland advanced as Group B winners ahead of Canada after a 2-1 victory over the co-hosts in Vancouver. Bosnia-Herzegovina also progressed after defeating Qatar 3-1 and taking one of the third-place qualification spots.







