DALLAS/MIAMI/NEW JERSEY/PHILADELPHIA/KANSAS CITY/ATLANTA, JUN 28 (IANS): The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded with high drama, historic milestones, and decisive performances across venues in the United States. From Lionel Messi’s record breaking brilliance that kept Argentina unbeaten, to England’s rise powered by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, and DR Congo’s first ever World Cup victory after 52 years, the matches delivered unforgettable moments. Colombia, Croatia, Austria, Algeria, and Ghana also secured progression, each carrying unique narratives into the knockout rounds. The stage is now set for the Round of 32, where legends, emerging stars, and debutant nations will continue their pursuit of glory.
Argentina finish group stage unbeaten
Argentina closed their group campaign in Dallas with a commanding 3 1 victory over Jordan, ensuring they progressed unbeaten. Coach Lionel Scaloni rotated heavily, leaving Lionel Messi on the bench for the first time in a World Cup starting XI since 2006. Yet, when introduced after an hour, the 39 year old striker once again stole the spotlight. His 80th minute free kick was his sixth goal of the tournament, extending his all time World Cup tally to 19 and marking a seventh successive game in which he scored — a feat unmatched in history.
Argentina had already asserted control early. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a stunning left footed strike into the top corner. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Marcos Senesi was fouled. Jordan responded after halftime through Al Taamari, who finished a well worked move to reduce the deficit. But Messi’s intervention restored Argentina’s cushion, curling a low free kick around the wall to seal the win. The match highlighted Argentina’s depth, with Scaloni’s rotated side still dominating possession and creating chances. Messi’s continued excellence underscored his enduring influence, ensuring Argentina entered the knockouts as firm contenders.
Colombia top Group K after Portugal stalemate
In Miami, Colombia and Portugal played out a tense goalless draw that confirmed Colombia as Group K leaders. Luis Diaz and Jhon Cordoba spearheaded Colombia’s early pressure, with James Rodriguez orchestrating attacks. Jhon Arias came close, denied only by Ruben Neves on the line. Portugal responded through Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix, but goalkeeper Camilo Vargas produced crucial saves to keep the score level.
The second half saw Colombia continue to carve openings. Santiago Arias set up Richard Rios, whose effort flew wide, while Gustavo Puerta’s long range strike narrowly missed. Davinson Sanchez thought he had clinched victory in stoppage time, heading home Juan Quintero’s cross, but the flag intervened. Despite the stalemate, Colombia celebrated topping the group, while Portugal settled for second and prepared to face Croatia in Toronto. This was Colombia’s first goalless draw in 25 World Cup matches, reflecting both resilience and missed opportunities. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, showed flashes of attacking threat but lacked cutting edge. Colombia’s consistency and defensive solidity ensured they advanced with confidence, while Portugal faced a challenging knockout tie.
Bellingham, Kane secure top spot for England
England sealed first place in Group L with a 2 0 victory over Panama in Philadelphia, driven by Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. Panama frustrated the Three Lions in the first half, with Jose Luis Rodriguez and Carlos Harvey testing Jordan Pickford. England’s attacking trio of Marcus Rashford, Elliot Anderson and Nico O’Reilly created chances but lacked finishing precision.
The breakthrough arrived after the hour mark when Bellingham instinctively diverted Bukayo Saka’s corner into the net. Minutes later, he turned provider, delivering a cross for Harry Kane to head home his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker’s record. England’s control grew as substitutes like Noni Madueke threatened, though Panama continued to push, with Jose Fajardo’s late strike ruled out for offside. Panama exited as the only goalless side of the tournament, while England advanced confidently. Kane’s record breaking feat and Bellingham’s emergence as a decisive force highlighted England’s blend of youth and experience. The result reinforced their credentials as serious contenders, with momentum building ahead of the knockout rounds.
Croatia eclipse Ghana with battling win to qualify in Group L
Croatia joined England from Group L after a battling 2 1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia. Petar Sucic opened the scoring with a thunderous 30 yard drive, becoming the second youngest Croatian to score at a World Cup. Ghana struggled initially, with Antoine Semenyo their main outlet, but improved after halftime. Derrick Luckassen equalised from a set piece, raising hopes of topping the group.
However, Nikola Vlasic punished poor marking at a Luka Modric corner to head the winner. Modric’s appearance marked his 201st match for Croatia and his 21st consecutive World Cup outing since 2006, underlining his longevity. Croatia’s determination to secure victory rather than settle for a draw reflected their competitive spirit, while Ghana progressed as one of the best third placed teams.
The match showcased Croatia’s resilience and tactical discipline, with Sucic and Vlasic stepping up at crucial moments. Ghana’s spirited fightback demonstrated their attacking potential, but defensive lapses proved costly. Croatia’s victory set up a knockout clash with Portugal, promising another high stakes encounter.
Austria and Algeria through to knockouts after six goal thriller
Kansas City witnessed one of the most thrilling encounters of the group stage as Austria and Algeria played out a dramatic 3 3 draw, sending both sides through. Austria struck first through Marko Arnautovic, but Algeria equalised via Rafik Belghali after Riyad Mahrez’s inventive play. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead with a precise finish, only for Mahrez to level again.
In stoppage time, Mahrez appeared to have won it for Algeria, but substitute Sasa Kalajdzic bundled home a dramatic equaliser to secure Austria’s progression as runners up. For Austria, it was their first advancement beyond the group stage since 1982, while Algeria celebrated reaching the knockouts for only the second time, their previous success coming in 2014. The match epitomised the unpredictability of tournament football, with momentum swinging until the final whistle. Austria’s resilience and Algeria’s attacking flair combined to produce a spectacle that will be remembered as one of the highlights of the group stage. Both teams carried forward belief and momentum into the knockouts.
DR Congo secure historic first ever WC win in 52 years to reach knockouts
Atlanta witnessed history as DR Congo claimed their first ever World Cup win, defeating Uzbekistan 3 1 to reach the knockouts. Competing for the first time since 1974, when they appeared as Zaire, Congo’s triumph ended a 52 year wait. Uzbekistan struck first through Eldor Shomurodov, who celebrated his upcoming birthday with a fine finish. Congo responded with determination, equalising through Yoane Wissa’s penalty before Fiston Mayele capitalised on a deflection to put them ahead. Wissa sealed the result with a superb late strike, completing his brace. The victory ensured Congo’s progression as one of the best third placed teams, setting up a clash with England in Atlanta. For a nation with deep footballing heritage but limited global exposure, the win represented a landmark achievement, celebrated passionately by players and fans alike.
Congo’s breakthrough was a testament to resilience and belief, overcoming early setbacks to script history. Their qualification added a fresh narrative to the tournament, with the team now aiming to extend their remarkable run against England.
