FIFA World Cup 2026 – Algeria, Austria qualify after insane thriller, England, Argentina, Croatia win, Portugal draw vs Columbia

 

The final day of the group stage brought six decisive matches that completed the Round of 32 lineup. England, Argentina, Colombia and Croatia secured important results, while DR Congo made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time. 

England 2–0 Panama

England sealed top spot in Group L with a professional victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium. After dominating possession throughout the first half, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 62nd minute when Jude Bellingham surged into the penalty area and calmly finished past the goalkeeper. Five minutes later Bellingham turned provider, slipping a precise pass to Harry Kane, who fired home from close range to double England's advantage. Panama worked hard but rarely threatened England's defence, while Jordan Pickford produced a crucial save when called upon. The victory ensured England finished first in the group and set up a Round-of-32 clash with DR Congo. 

Croatia 2–1 Ghana

In Philadelphia, Croatia claimed a vital 2–1 victory over Ghana to secure second place in Group L. The Croatians controlled large periods of the contest and took the lead through a well-worked attacking move before Ghana responded to keep qualification hopes alive. Croatia restored their advantage with a decisive second-half strike and then defended resolutely during a tense finale. Although defeated, Ghana accumulated enough points and goal-difference advantages to progress among the best third-placed teams, while Scotland's elimination was confirmed. 

Colombia 0–0 Portugal

Colombia and Portugal played out a hard-fought goalless draw in Miami. Chances were limited as both teams produced disciplined defensive displays. Colombia enjoyed slightly more attacking momentum, while Portugal relied on counter-attacks and the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo. Neither side could find the breakthrough, but the point was enough for Colombia to finish top of Group K, with Portugal advancing as runners-up. The result set up a Round-of-32 meeting between Portugal and Croatia. 

DR Congo 3–1 Uzbekistan

One of the stories of the tournament unfolded in Atlanta as DR Congo came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3–1 and reach the knockout rounds for the first time in their history. Uzbekistan struck first through Eldor Shomurodov and held a deserved halftime lead. The match turned in the second half when Yoane Wissa converted a penalty in the 68th minute to level the scores. Fiston Mayele then put the Congolese ahead in the 78th minute with a composed finish after sustained pressure. Deep into stoppage time, Wissa raced clear to score his second goal of the night and seal a famous victory. DR Congo's triumph earned them a showdown with England in the Round of 32. 

Argentina 3–1 Jordan

Already assured of qualification, Argentina completed an excellent group campaign with a 3–1 victory over Jordan. Lionel Messi coming as a substitute in this match in the 2nd half once again stole the headlines with a skilfully taken freekick , extending his remarkable scoring streak at World Cups. Lautaro Martínez was also among the goals with a penalty after a freekick bringing the first goal  as the reigning champions displayed their attacking quality. Jordan competed bravely and managed a consolation goal, but Argentina's superior class proved decisive. The victory ensured Argentina finished comfortably atop Group J and moved into the knockout stage with considerable momentum, where they will face tournament debutants Cape Verde. 

Austria 3–3 Algeria: Mahrez Stars as Six-Goal Thriller Sends Both Teams Through

Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium witnessed one of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage as Austria and Algeria played out a breathtaking 3-3 draw that ultimately sent both nations into the Round of 32 while eliminating Iran. What had been billed as a potentially cautious encounter exploded into a memorable spectacle filled with twists, comebacks and late drama. 

Austria struck first in the 28th minute. Veteran striker Marko Arnautović finished off a well-worked move to give Ralf Rangnick's side a 1-0 lead and put them on course for qualification. Algeria responded with increasing urgency and were rewarded just before halftime when Rafik Belghali unleashed a superb strike in the 45th minute to level the scores at 1-1, sending the Algerian supporters into raptures. 

The second half began at a frantic pace. Austria regained the lead in the 54th minute when Marcel Sabitzer arrived onto a Konrad Laimer pass and hammered a powerful finish into the net, restoring Austria's advantage at 2-1. However, Algeria's captain Riyad Mahrez again demonstrated his class six minutes later. A sweeping Algerian attack ended with the ball being squared across the penalty area, allowing Mahrez to calmly tap home for 2-2. 

As the match entered stoppage time, both teams appeared set to progress with the draw. Then came an extraordinary finale. In the 94th minute Mahrez struck again, converting from close range to make it 3-2 to Algeria. The goal sparked wild celebrations as it seemed to secure Algeria's passage while leaving Austria in danger and potentially opening the door for Iran. 

Yet there was one final twist. Barely a minute later, Austria launched a desperate attack and substitute Saša Kalajdžić, who had only recently entered the match, rose to head home a dramatic equaliser in the 95th minute. The Austrian bench erupted as the goal restored a 3-3 scoreline and guaranteed Austria's qualification alongside Algeria. 

The final whistle confirmed a remarkable result. Mahrez finished with two goals and was Algeria's outstanding performer, while Arnautović, Sabitzer and Kalajdžić all found the net for Austria. The draw ensured Austria advanced as Group J runners-up and set up a Round-of-32 clash with Spain, while Algeria progressed as one of the best third-placed teams and earned a meeting with Switzerland. 

Day 17 Summary

The final day of group-stage action confirmed the last knockout qualifiers. England topped Group L, Croatia finished second, DR Congo celebrated a historic qualification, Colombia won Group K ahead of Portugal, Argentina maintained their unbeaten march, and both Austria and Algeria progressed from a dramatic draw. The Round of 32 was thus fully set, with several intriguing ties awaiting as the tournament moved into its knockout phase.