England Top the Group as Messi Does it Again! World Cup Day 17 Wrap

The GOAT delivers again as the final 32 teams are confirmed!

28 June 2026·2 min read·by Taj Soupidis

Photo: Getty Images

England secured top spot in Group L with a professional 2-0 victory over Panama.

After a frustrating first hour, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock before turning provider for Harry Kane, whose second-half strike sealed the win and made him England's outright leading World Cup goalscorer. Thomas Tuchel's side finish top of the group and unbeaten so far, they will now face DR Congo in the Round of 32.

Croatia booked their place in the knockout stages with a hard-fought victory over Ghana.

Petar Sucic opened the scoring before Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana after a lengthy VAR review. Veteran Luka Modrić then delivered a pinpoint corner for Nikola Vlasic, who headed home the winner late in the match to send Croatia through as Group L runners-up.

Despite defeat, Ghana also progressed as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams and will face Colombia in the Round of 32.

Colombia and Portugal played out a goalless draw in Miami in a match where both sides had already secured qualification.

Colombia looked the more dangerous side throughout and thought they had found a winner, only for VAR to rule it out for a marginal offside. The point was enough for Colombia to finish top of Group K, while Portugal advanced as runners-up.

DR Congo completed a stunning second-half comeback to secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.

Uzbekistan led at the break through Eldor Shomurodov, but DR Congo responded emphatically after halftime. Yoane Wissa equalised from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele fired the Africans ahead. Wissa then added his second in stoppage time to seal a historic 3-1 victory.

The result sends DR Congo into the knockout stage, where they will meet England.

One of the matches of the tournament unfolded in Kansas City as Algeria and Austria produced a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Algeria twice looked set to claim all three points, including taking a 3-2 lead deep into stoppage time, only for Austria to equalise moments later in dramatic fashion. The draw proved enough for Austria to advance to the Round of 32, while Algeria also progressed as one of the best third-placed nations.

Iran, however, were eliminated following the dramatic conclusion.

Already assured of top spot in Group J, Argentina completed a perfect group stage with a 3-1 victory over Jordan.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score as the reigning world champions finished with three wins from three matches. Jordan's World Cup campaign ends with three defeats despite another spirited display.

Messi has now scored in 7 consecutive World Cup games!

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