While France has already qualified for the round of 16, the second place is technically available to all three remaining teams.

Group E, will see an open battle amongst the three bottom teams, to be able to progress to the round of 16 with France. Nothing is certain in this group. In fact, although it is likely for France to go through topping the group, the first seat could be taken by Ecuador or Switzerland.

As to the second place, which seems much more feasible for the bottom three teams, the scenarios are more complex. Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador will fight for the second spot, which could be reached by either team. However, considering the favorable tie against Honduras, Switzerland is the more likely team to make it through. 

Group E facts:

  • France only need a draw to top the group

  • Ecuador will top the group if they beat France by 7 or more goals

  • Ecuador goes through with a tie, if Switzerand ties as well; but they will need a win to progress if Switzerland win

  • Switzerland will top the group if they beat Honduras by 9 or more goals, and France loses

  • Switzerland will take the second place if they win with a goal differential higher than Ecuador

  • Honduras will progress if they beat Switzerland, don't concede any goals, score at least 4, and Ecuador loses to France

Group E ahead of Matchday 3 (Graphic by Wikipedia)

Lineups for France vs Ecuador 

France's XI: Lloris, Sagna, Sakho, Koscielny, Digne, Schneiderlin, Matuidi, Pogba, Sissoko, Benzema, Griezman;

Ecuador's XI: Dominguez, Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, Ayovi, A. Valencia, Noboa, Minda, Montero, Arroyo, E. Valencia.

Lineups for Switzerand vs Honduras

Switzerland's XI: Benaglio, Lichsteiner, Djourou, Schaer, Rodriguez, Behrami, Inler, Shaqiri, Xhaka, Mehmedi, Drmic;

Honduras' XI: Vallad., Beckeless, Bernardez, Figueroa, J.C. Garcia, Claros, Palacios, O. Garcia, Espinoza, Bengtson, Costly.