The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded with several historic milestones, most notably Africa achieving a record by advancing nine of its 10 teams to the Round of 32. Lionel Messi also became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches during Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan.
Argentina maintained a perfect group stage record by defeating Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J match. Despite resting Messi initially, goals from Giovani Lo Celso and a penalty by Lautaro Martinez gave Argentina a 2-0 lead. Jordan replied with a goal by Musa Al-Taamari, but Messi came off the bench to score a free-kick, sealing the win. This goal extended his record to seven successive World Cup games with a goal and brought his total World Cup tally to 19, cementing his status as Argentina’s top scorer in the tournament. Messi is the leading scorer at this World Cup with six goals and is the first player to reach the knockout stage in six consecutive tournaments (2006-2026).
Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32, while Jordan exited the competition after three defeats.
In Group K, Portugal and Colombia played to a goalless draw in Miami. Colombia secured first place with a draw, while Portugal finished second despite dominating possession but failing to score. Cristiano Ronaldo appeared in his 25th World Cup match, equalling Lothar Matthaus’s record for second-most appearances. Ronaldo also accumulated 11 offside calls across the last two World Cups, the highest of any player in that period.
England topped Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama, collecting seven points and extending an unbeaten run from the past two tournaments. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored, with Kane becoming England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker. Bellingham became the youngest England player since 1966 to both score and assist in a World Cup match. England will face DR Congo in the knockouts. Panama were eliminated without scoring or winning a match.
In Atlanta, DR Congo secured their first-ever World Cup victory by coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Group K. After Uzbekistan took the early lead through Eldor Shomurodov, DR Congo equalised via a penalty from Yoane Wissa and completed their comeback with a late brace. Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, were eliminated despite their initial advantage.
Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in Group L, with Petar Sucic opening the scoring and Nikola Vlasic netting a late winner. Ghana equalised through Derrick Luckassen but advanced as one of the best third-placed teams, alongside Croatia.
Algeria and Austria drew 3-3 in Group J, with multiple lead changes and late goals securing qualification for both teams. Riyad Mahrez scored twice for Algeria, who progressed as a top third-placed team, while Austria finished second. Iran was eliminated.
A record-breaking nine African teams-Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Algeria, DR Congo, and Cape Verde-advanced to the Round of 32, surpassing the previous record of two African qualifiers from 2014. Tunisia was the sole African team to miss out. Their progress included significant moments such as Algeria’s draw with Austria, DR Congo’s historic first win, and Cape Verde advancing without winning a match. Morocco notably drew with Brazil.
In contrast, only Japan and Australia from Asia made the knockout stage.
The Round of 32 lineup is as follows: Group A: Mexico, South Africa; Group B: Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Group C: Brazil, Morocco; Group D: USA, Australia, Paraguay; Group E: Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador; Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden; Group G: Belgium, Egypt; Group H: Spain, Cape Verde; Group I: France, Norway, Senegal; Group J: Argentina, Austria, Algeria; Group K: Colombia, Portugal, DR Congo; Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana.
The Round of 32 matches will take place from June 29 to July 4, with fixtures including South Africa versus Canada and Argentina facing Cape Verde.