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.
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.
Source: FIFA.com
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