Lionel Messi etched his name into World Cup history once again by becoming the first player to score in seven successive FIFA World Cup finals matches. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner came off the bench to seal Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan, completing a flawless Group J campaign for the defending champions.
Argentina's Dominance Secures Perfect Group Stage
With qualification already assured, head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup. Despite the rotation, Argentina's depth shone through. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a brilliantly curled free-kick, and Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded the world champions a spot-kick.
Jordan briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when substitute Mousa Altamari converted Ehsan Haddad's low cross, becoming the first player to score against Emiliano Martinez at the 2026 World Cup. However, Messi's introduction after the hour mark lifted the atmosphere, and he produced another memorable moment in the 80th minute. After being fouled 25 metres from goal, he calmly converted a precise low free-kick to register his seventh successive World Cup match with a goal, surpassing the previous record jointly held by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised both his rotated squad and the team's growing momentum. “The boys played a good match. We were able to give minutes to everyone, and that makes us happy. Lo Celso couldn’t be in the previous World Cup, Lautaro hadn’t been able to score. We’re happy for them. Now the good part is coming,” Scaloni said.
Austria and Algeria Advance After Six-Goal Thriller
Austria and Algeria booked their places in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after an exhilarating 3-3 draw, a result that also ended Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage. The match produced a dramatic finish as Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez appeared to have scored the winner in stoppage time before substitute Sasa Kalajdzic headed home a dramatic 96th-minute equaliser to seal qualification for both teams.
“To be honest, I have no words right now for what happened in the last 90 seconds,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced anything like it. We somehow got back into the game. Incredible.”
Austria finished second in Group J and will face Spain in the Round of 32, while Algeria advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland. Iran’s World Cup campaign ended following the result.
Historic Wissa Brace Keeps DR Congo's World Cup Dream Alive
Yoane Wissa scored twice as the Democratic Republic of Congo came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1, securing the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup victory and a place in the Round of 32. After trailing at halftime following Eldor Shomurodov’s early strike, DR Congo mounted a superb second-half comeback. Wissa levelled from the penalty spot before substitute Fiston Mayele put the Africans ahead. Wissa sealed the memorable win in stoppage time with his second goal.
“For someone who started the season slowly, Wissa did well. We trusted him,” coach Sebastien Desabre said. “We’ll start working straight away on the match against England and try to win it.” DR Congo will face England in the knockout stage.
Portugal and Colombia Settle for Thrilling Draw to Finish Atop Group K
Portugal and Colombia served up an entertaining goalless draw in their final FIFA World Cup Group K match, producing a high-intensity contest that secured Portugal top spot and confirmed Colombia’s place in the Round of 32. Despite the absence of goals, both teams created several scoring opportunities in a fast-paced encounter played in sweltering Miami conditions. Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa delivered an outstanding performance, while Colombia had a late goal ruled out for offside after a VAR review.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez admitted his side struggled to dictate the tempo. “We gave Colombia the match they wanted. This was a very open match, probably more so than we would have liked,” he said. Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo praised his team’s effort, saying, “Facing an opponent like that, with this style of football, our fans and this heat, it felt like we were in Barranquilla.”
Vlasic's Late Header Sends Croatia into World Cup Knockouts
Nikola Vlasic’s late header secured Croatia a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana, sending the 2022 World Cup third-place finishers into the Round of 32 as Group L runners-up. Petar Susic gave Croatia the lead before Ghana equalised through debutant Derrick Luckassen after a lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal. With seven minutes remaining, Luka Modric delivered a pinpoint corner that Vlasic powered home to clinch victory.
“We’re not going to be euphoric about this,” Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said. “Luka was truly fantastic. Just as he was throughout his career, he was like that tonight.” Croatia will now face Portugal in the knockout stage, while Ghana advanced as a third-placed qualifier and will meet Colombia.
Bellingham and Kane Fire England to Group L Summit and World Cup Knockouts
Jude Bellingham starred as England defeated Panama 2-0 to finish top of Group L and book a FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against DR Congo. After a frustrating first hour, Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute before turning provider five minutes later with a pinpoint cross for Harry Kane, whose header made him England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11 goals, surpassing Gary Lineker’s record.
“A solid performance against a side with fast, tricky players,” Kane said. “We controlled it well. Overall, it’s a good win and another proud record to reach. Let’s hope it’s not the last.” England finished the group unbeaten with seven points.
