The knockout phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially got underway on Sunday as the Round of 32 began with Canada taking on South Africa in Los Angeles, following a dramatic conclusion to the group stage that produced historic milestones, late drama and heartbreaking eliminations.
Defending champions Argentina rounded off their group campaign with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Jordan despite resting several key players. Captain Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half to score a stunning free-kick, becoming the first player in football history to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
Striker Lautaro Martínez also ended his World Cup goal drought, converting a penalty to register his maiden goal at the global tournament.
Portugal narrowly escaped defeat after being held to a goalless draw by Colombia. The South Americans dominated proceedings and thought they had secured victory, only for their late winner to be ruled out for a controversial offside, allowing the Portuguese to scrape through with a point.
Cristiano Ronaldo endured another frustrating outing, with unsuccessful attempts at a spectacular bicycle kick and a long-range free-kick failing to trouble the Colombian defence.
Algeria and Austria produced arguably the most thrilling encounter of the group stage, settling for a pulsating 3-3 draw. Algeria appeared to have snatched victory with a goal deep into stoppage time in the 93rd minute, but Austria responded three minutes later to rescue a draw. The result ensured both nations advanced to the Round of 32.
DR Congo completed one of the most remarkable comebacks of the tournament, scoring three goals in the final 30 minutes to overturn a deficit and defeat Uzbekistan 3-1, securing an unlikely place in the knockout rounds.
England booked their passage with a composed 2-0 victory over Panama as Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham found the net in the second half.
Croatia also progressed after Nikola Vlašić struck a decisive winner in the 83rd minute to edge Ghana 1-0.
Despite defeat, Uzbekistan and Jordan earned praise for scoring two of the finest goals of the day.
The final round of group matches also claimed several high-profile casualties. Scotland crashed out of the competition, while Iran suffered one of the cruellest exits after Austria’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Algeria lifted the Austrians above the Iranians on goal difference.
Uruguay’s disappointing campaign ended in further embarrassment after the country’s football association reportedly cancelled the team’s private charter flight home following their failure to win a single group match. The players are now expected to return home on commercial flights.
The Round of 32 will continue with multiple fixtures each day before concluding on Friday, July 3, as the race for football’s biggest prize intensifies.
