The group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded on Saturday with the final matches of Groups J, K, and L. Both Argentina and England secured their top spots with victories, while Colombia confirmed their lead with a draw against Portugal. In a historic moment, the Democratic Republic of the Congo achieved a milestone by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time ever.
Argentina showcased a flawless performance by defeating Jordan 3-1 at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, collecting nine points from a possible nine. With the top position in Group J already assured, coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rotate players, preserving Messi for the second half. Giovani Lo Celso initiated the scoring with a free kick, Lautaro Martínez netted a penalty in the 31st minute—his first goal of the tournament—and Messi came off the bench to score in the 80th minute, increasing his World Cup tally to 19 goals. The Albiceleste will face Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami.
Meanwhile, in the other game of Group J, Algeria and Austria delivered one of the day's most thrilling matches, ending in a 3-3 draw which benefited both teams. Austria advanced as the second team due to a superior goal difference and will face Spain in the round of 16, while Algeria will take on Switzerland.
Colombia retained the top spot in Group K with a goalless draw against Portugal at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Under the guidance of coach Néstor Lorenzo, Colombia dominated much of the game and made goalkeeper Diogo Costa the standout player. Finishing the group stage undefeated with seven points—two wins and a draw—Colombia will square off against Ghana on July 3 in Kansas City. Portugal advanced as the group's runner-up with five points.
The most surprising outcome came from Atlanta, where the Democratic Republic of the Congo overturned a 0-1 deficit to claim a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, marking their first-ever advancement to a World Cup knockout stage. Although Eldor Shomurodov initially put Uzbekistan ahead in the 10th minute, Yoane Wissa equalized with a penalty in the 68th minute. Fiston Mayele scored in the 78th, and Wissa sealed the comeback in the 90'+1. Known as "The Leopards," the Congolese team finished as the best third-place team in their group and will now face England on July 1 in Atlanta.
England wrapped up Group L as leaders after a 2-0 win over Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Goals by Jude Bellingham in the 61st minute and Harry Kane in the 66th helped secure their position. Despite the victory, coach Thomas Tuchel's team continues to struggle with fluid gameplay and must improve collectively if they aim to contend for the title.
Croatia secured the second spot in Group L by defeating Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia. Petar Sučić opened the scoring with a shot from outside the box, and Nikola Vlašić extended the lead with an assist from Luka Modrić before Derrick Luckassen's consolation goal. Ghana finished third with four points, awaiting confirmation of advancement among the best third-placed teams.
As the group stage of the 2026 World Cup—the first featuring 48 teams across 12 groups—concludes, the tournament enters its decisive phase: from here on, any loss means the end of the World Cup dream.
Key Highlights of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage
What was Argentina's performance in the group stage?
Argentina completed a perfect group stage by winning all their matches, securing nine points and leading Group J.
How did Colombia secure their top position in Group K?
Colombia confirmed their lead in Group K with a 0-0 draw against Portugal, finishing the group stage unbeaten with seven points.
Which teams advanced from Group L?
England and Croatia advanced from Group L, with England leading the group and Croatia taking the second spot.