England, Croatia, Colombia and Argentina also advance as group stage concludes
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a sublime free-kick and set yet another world record as the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage concluded on Saturday, with Congo DR securing a historic comeback victory to reach the knockout rounds for the first time.
The Argentine captain, given just 30 minutes against the already-eliminated Jordan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, curled a low free-kick past goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila in the 80th minute to score his sixth goal of the tournament and his 19th in World Cup history, the highest tally ever recorded by any player in the men’s game. 
The goal also made Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, breaking a record he previously shared with France’s Just Fontaine, who achieved six consecutive scoring appearances at the 1958 tournament, and Brazil’s Jairzinho, who matched the feat in 1970.
Argentina’s other goals came entirely from set pieces. Giovani Lo Celso, filling in for the resting Messi, whipped a free-kick into the top corner before Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty after Marcos Senesi was struck in the head. Jordan pulled one back through Mousa Al Tamari, who slid in at the back post after 55 minutes, but Argentina won 3-1 to top Group J.
Argentina will next face Cabo Verde in Miami in the Round of 32.
Congo DR make history
The most significant result of the evening came in Atlanta, where Congo DR came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1, becoming the latest African nation to advance to the knockout stage and joining Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco and South Africa in the last 32.
Uzbekistan, making their World Cup debut, drew first blood with an early opener but Yoane Wissa led the Leopards back into the match, inspiring a second-half turnaround that ended in a 3-1 victory. Fiston Mayele was among the scorers as Congo DR sealed their place in history.
Kane overtakes Lineker
In East Rutherford, New Jersey, England defeated Panama 2-0 to win Group L after a five-minute burst of quality from Jude Bellingham transformed the contest at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The Real Madrid midfielder held off his defender from an England corner midway through the second half, stuck out his left boot and watched the ball creep into the net. Minutes later, Bellingham crossed for Harry Kane to head home his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at the tournament.
Croatia edge out Ghana
In Philadelphia, Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in a tense Group L clash. Petar Sucic, 22, gave Croatia the lead before Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana. Luka Modric then set up Nikola Vlasic for a late winner, with Modric becoming the oldest player to register an assist in World Cup history. Croatia finish second in the group while Ghana, despite the defeat, advance as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Colombia and Portugal share the spoils
In Miami, Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw in one of the most anticipated group stage fixtures. Colombia mustered an astonishing 24 attempts at goal but could not find a way through. The result means Colombia win Group K and will face Ghana in the Round of 32 in Kansas City, while Portugal travel to Toronto to meet Croatia.
Six-goal thriller in Kansas City
Austria and Algeria produced what many are calling the game of the tournament so far, sharing six goals in a 3-3 draw in Kansas City. Riyad Mahrez scored twice for Algeria, including a 93rd-minute strike he believed had won the match, but Austria had the final word when Sasa Kalajdzic headed home in the 96th minute to complete an extraordinary conclusion.
Algeria advance as one of the best third-placed sides and will face Switzerland in Vancouver, while Austria meet Spain in Los Angeles.
