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Photo of Ghana versus Croatia courtesy of FIFA
•England roar once more, Colombia-Portugal ends in a thrilling stalemate while Algeria and Austria experience a rollercoaster ride
The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ finished with a flourish as Lionel Messi extended his goalscoring record, Harry Kane made England history and Congo DR secured a thrilling comeback victory over Uzbekistan to reach the knockout stage for the first time.
The action began in Group L, with Kane heading home his 11th World Cup goal to overtake Gary Lineker as England's leading goalscorer in the global showpiece as the Three Lions defeated Panama in a performance inspired by Jude Bellingham's brilliance.
Elsewhere in the group, Croatia were given an almighty scare by Ghana, but scored a late winner through Nikola Vlasic to leapfrog the Black Stars into second place. Despite the loss, Ghana are in the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Colombia's clash with Portugal in Miami was one of the most-anticipated of the group stage and it lived up to the billing, even though it ended in a goalless draw. Congo DR then secured a landmark victory by downing Uzbekistan to reach the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers.
Messi, though, saved the best for last when he scored his 19th World Cup goal — further extending the record he set at this tournament — when he fired in a free-kick in Argentina's victory over Jordan. Group J's other fixture, between Algeria and Austria, was a real rollercoaster ride which ended in a widely entertaining 3-3 draw.
Group L New York New Jersey Stadium
After suffering a frustrating draw with Ghana, there was some pressure on England to not only win their group but put in a convincing performance ahead of the knockout rounds. The Three Lions achieved both thanks to a five-minute burst of brilliance from Jude Bellingham in rainy conditions in New York New Jersey.
Midway through the second half, the Real Madrid midfielder held off his defender following an England corner, stuck out his left boot and watched the ball bounce into the net. Then just minutes later, Bellingham was at it again as he crossed for Harry Kane to head home and make England history in the process.
Group L Philadelphia Stadium
After losing their opening match to England, Croatia ended the group stage on a high note, showing their timeless resilience to snatch second place from Ghana, who knew they had qualified prior to kick-off.
Croatia took the lead through the 22-year-old Petar Sucic, who once again showed why he is one of the bright young stars of the World Cup. Derrick Luckassen gave Ghana hope but Luka Modric set up Nikola Vlasic's late winner to become the oldest player to register an assist in the World Cup.
Group K Atlanta Stadium
Yoane Wissa was the hero as Congo DR came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan to become the latest African team to reach the knockout stage, joining Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco and South Africa.
It was a disappointing end to the campaign for debutants Uzbekistan, who scored once again but lost all of their matches. They put the pressure on Congo DR with an early opener, but Wissa willed his team to glory and the Round of 32.
Group K Miami Stadium
A heavyweight clash in which neither team could land the knockout blow. Colombia threw everything they had at Portugal, with an astonishing 24 attempts at goal, but were ultimately unable to find the target. Despite the lack of goals, it was a thoroughly entertaining fixture which will have left the fans happy.
After their maiden goalless draw in the World Cup, Colombia win the group and will now play Ghana in the Round of 32 in Kansas City. Portugal, meanwhile, will travel to Toronto for a meeting with Croatia.
Group J Kansas City Stadium
Arguably the game of the tournament so far, in which both teams scored deep into stoppage time in a six-goal thriller for the ages. Riyad Mahrez thought he had secured victory for Algeria when he netted in the 93rd minute, which was his second goal of the game.
But Austria had the final word in the 96th minute when Sasa Kalajdzic headed home to complete the chaos in Kansas City. They now face Spain in Los Angeles in the Round of 32 while Algeria will meet Switzerland in Vancouver as one of the best third-placed sides.
Group J Dallas Stadium
Lionel Messi was given just half an hour to make his mark against Jordan. That was all he needed as he scored a sublime free-kick to further extend his lead in the adidas Golden Boot race with six and net a record 19th goal of the World Cup.
The decision by Lionel Scaloni's decision to rotate his squad paid off as Argentina cruised past the already-eliminated Jordan to top the group in fine fashion. Incredibly, all their goals came from set plays — first an exquisite free-kick from Giovani Lo Celso, then a penalty from Lautaro Martinez followed by Messi's set-piece.
Jordan, for their part, ended the tournament on a positive note by scoring against the defending champions through Mousa Altamari's sliding effort from close range. (FIFA)
