World Cup 2026: State of play for Rangers stars as group-stage deciders await

World Cup 2026 has featured plenty of Rangers stars already, and plenty is on the line with the final group-stage games inbound.

While Derek McInnes will want the best for his players heading into next season, selfishly he may also want them to return as soon as possible.

The Gers' pre-season is set to take place on Thursday, but those at the World Cup are still a ways away from joining up at Auchenhowie.

FIFA do have a mandated 21-day holiday in place to allow the international stars a much-needed break after a long season.

For Rangers, there are three notable nations to keep tabs on heading into the final group matches.

Lawrence Shankland, Findlay Curtis , John Souttar and Liam Kelly are with Scotland, Nicolas Raskin is with Belgium, and Thelo Aasgaard is away with Norway.

Which Rangers stars could exit in the final group match?

Most interest will of course be on Scotland, with four Gers players in Steve Clarke's squad.

The Tartan Army are currently on three points and could confirm their place in the round of 32 with a win against Brazil on Wednesday, 24 June.

That game against Brazil kicks off at 11pm BST.

Additionally, one point could secure their place as the best third-place team.

If Scotland do lose, it will be an anxious wait for Shankland, Curtis, Souttar and Kelly until Saturday, 27 June as they await the outcome of the third-place rankings.

Elsewhere, in what could be a surprise exit, Belgium could find themselves out of the World Cup.

Raskin's nation are on the verge of disappointment after drawing their opening two World Cup matches.

Defeat in the final game against New Zealand, who could move into second with a win depending on the result of Egypt versus Iran, would send them home.

One point could also be enough to finish second if Egypt win their game.

It will be quite a nervy atmosphere if the Red Devils produce a similar display as shown in their first two fixtures.

Raskin and Belgium play in the early hours of Saturday, 27 June, with a 4am BST kick-off.

Why Thelo Aasgaard may finally get Norway chance

While Norway have confirmed their place in the round of 32, Aasgaard has had a quiet World Cup.

The Rangers midfielder has yet to make an appearance, but as they prepare for France, his chance could finally arrive.

With little jeopardy of their World Cup future on the line, other than the potential to top the group, Stale Solbakken could hand minutes to those fringe players.

However, much will likely depend on the state of the game against the 2018 World Cup winners.

Rangers fans can catch that game on Friday, 26 June, as it kicks off at 8pm BST.