The 2026 World Cup group phase reached a thrilling conclusion on Saturday, with Lionel Messi extending his record breaking goal scoring streak and Harry Kane surpassing Gary Lineker’s long standing England mark as the final six fixtures confirmed the Round of 32 line up.
Defending champions Argentina completed a perfect Group J campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan, yet the night belonged to their captain, who continues to redefine the boundaries of World Cup achievement. Introduced from the bench in the second half, Messi curled a trademark low free kick around the wall to score his 19th World Cup goal, extending his lead as the tournament’s all time leading scorer .
The strike also marked the 40 year old’s seventh consecutive World Cup match with a goal, a feat never before achieved in the competition’s history . With six goals already in this tournament, speculation is mounting over whether Messi can challenge Just Fontaine’s seemingly untouchable record of 13 goals set in 1958 .
Giovani Lo Celso had opened the scoring with a free kick of his own before Lautaro Martinez doubled Argentina’s lead from the penalty spot. Musa Al Taamari pulled one back for Jordan, but Messi’s introduction provided the final flourish as Argentina set up a last 32 meeting with Cape Verde.
England Top Group L as Kane Reaches New Heights
In Miami, England overcame a sluggish start to beat Panama 2-0 and secure top spot in Group L. Thomas Tuchel’s side struggled to break down a resilient Panamanian defence until Jude Bellingham provided the breakthrough on 62 minutes, guiding a low volley home from Bukayo Saka’s corner .
Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, surging down the left before delivering an inch perfect cross for Kane to head home his 11th World Cup goal . The Bayern Munich striker moved clear of Gary Lineker to become England’s all time leading men’s goalscorer at World Cups, further cementing his status among the nation’s greatest footballers .
England will face DR Congo in Atlanta on July 1, while Panama exit the tournament having lost all six of their World Cup matches, becoming only the fourth nation to suffer that fate .
Congo Make History in Thrilling Comeback
DR Congo secured a historic first ever knockout stage appearance, coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in a pulsating encounter. The Leopards, appearing in only their second World Cup and first since 1974, looked in trouble when Eldor Shomurodov produced a moment of brilliance, chipping the goalkeeper from a tight angle to give Uzbekistan a first half lead .
Yoane Wissa restored parity from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele’s clever flick put Congo ahead. Wissa then added his second with a curling effort from the edge of the area, completing a remarkable turnaround that sets up a Round of 32 tie against England .
Croatia Secure Second Place as Modric Makes History
Croatia clinched second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana, ensuring their progression alongside England. Petar Sucic opened the scoring with a ferocious strike from range, the 28th goal from outside the box at this World Cup already the most since 1994 .
Ghana equalised through Derrick Luckassen’s volley on 73 minutes, but Nikola Vlasic headed home the winner ten minutes later to seal Croatia’s place. At 40 years and 291 days, captain Luka Modric became the oldest player to provide an assist at a World Cup since records began in 1966 . Ghana, however, still progressed as one of the best third placed finishers.
Six Goal Thriller in Kansas City
Algeria and Austria played out the game of the day, sharing six goals in a dramatic 3-3 draw that sent both nations through. Marko Arnautovic opened the scoring before Rafik Belghali equalised for Algeria. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria’s lead, only for Riyad Mahrez to level at the far post.
Mahrez appeared to have won it with a stunning second goal in the 93rd minute, but Austria substitute Sasa Kalajdzic headed home just 61 seconds after coming on to snatch a point and secure his side’s progression in the most dramatic fashion .
Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw in Miami, with Colombia taking top spot in Group K. Cristiano Ronaldo managed just 35 touches as questions over the veteran’s involvement resurfaced . Both sides had already secured their passage to the knockout rounds.
The Round of 32 now awaits, with Argentina potentially enjoying the most favourable route to the final while England face a tricky tie against history making DR Congo .
