The World Cup Watch #3: One Final Chance 

Matchday 3 has arrived, and comes the moment of truth for the group stage with all the excitement, uncertainty, and suspense that have made the World Cup an altogether unique spectacle in world sports. Some teams have already booked their passage to the next round, while for others, there's only one outcome: win or die trying. Across North America, goals will be scored, hopes dashed, and legends created as we see 48 teams turn into 32. It has been several weeks of waiting, and now, after three matches, the path to New Jersey is about to get a whole lot shorter, and the road to immortality becomes much more exciting. This is The World Cup Watch. 

Day 14: 24th June 

Switzerland vs Canada (BC Place, Vancouver, Canada)

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar (Lumen Field, Seattle, USA)

Scotland vs Brazil (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA)

Morocco vs Haiti (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA)

Czech Republic vs Mexico (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico)

South Africa vs South Korea (Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico)

Matchday 3 kicked off with two enticing Group B matches, with Switzerland and co-hosts, Canada, being the most exciting out of the two. With both Switzerland and Canada pretty much guaranteed a place in the Round of 32, the focus shifted to who would emerge as Group B winners. Locked on four points apiece after unbeaten starts to the tournament, both teams look to maintain it and head into the Round of 32 with greater momentum. 

After a tightly fought first half by both sides, neither side could find an opener to swing momentum to their side, despite coming close a couple of times. However, it only took Switzerland 42 seconds to open the scoring in the second half, when Johan Monzambi played a pinpoint low driven cross, expertly dummied by Breel Embolo, arriving on a silver platter for Ruben Vargas, leaving him to simply take a touch and thump it past Maxime Crépeau, giving the Swiss a much-desired lead. Canada's bid for top spot in Group B seemed to be dampened even more when Monzambi added a second for Switzerland, 11 minutes later, with a long ball from Luca Jaquez, reaching the feet of Embolo, who passed back to Monzambi, taking one touch to shoot, and beating Crépeau to double the Swiss lead. However, Canada kept on knocking on Switzerland's door, and with 14 minutes to go, they found a way back through a thumping first-time finish from Promise David, sticking a leg out from Nathan Saliba's cross, pulling one back for the hosts, making the rest of the game very interesting. Despite many late chances, Canada couldn't find the equaliser, so Switzerland won Group B with a hard-fought 2-1 win, but regardless, Canadian fans will still celebrate as, for the first time ever, Canada will play knockout stage football at the World Cup. Turns out the third time really is a charm. 

Picture Above: Switzerland players celebrating following one of their goals against Canada

While Canada and Switzerland fought for top spot in Group B in Vancouver, the battle for that much needed 3rd place occurred in Seattle between Bosnia & Herzegovina and Qatar. After promising opening match draws, both teams plummeted to embarrassing heavy defeats, entering Seattle knowing that only a win would keep their progression hopes alive. 

The first half started with a complete Bosnian dominance, and after nearly half an hour of countless chances, Bosnia found the goal they needed, when Ivan Bašić played a ball to a teenager, Kerim Alajbegović, who danced past the Qatari defence before scoring an absolute screamer from outside the penalty area to give his country the lead. It was only Alajbegović's second goal for his country, but it would be one of their most important World Cup goals ever. Five minutes later, the Bosnian fans celebrated again when veteran Edin Džeko's low-driven cross took a deflection off Sultan Al-Brake, deflecting into his own net, giving Bosnia a cushion and a place in the last 32 seemed inevitable now. Qatar managed to pull one back a few minutes from the end of the first half when captain Hassan Al-Haydos tapped the ball past Nikola Vasilj, giving the Arab side hope going into the second half. However, Bosnia made sure that Qatar wouldn't find that equaliser, and kept pressuring them, until in the 80th minute, when Ermin Mahmić scored from a corner, restoring Bosnia's cushion and most likely sealing a place in the last 32 for his country. Qatar simply couldn't find a reply, and they were subsequently eliminated, following another disappointing World Cup campaign. As for Bosnia, the wait goes on to see whether their efforts will be rewarded, but it looks so far so good for Sergej Barbarez's side. 

Picture Above: Bosnian midfielder, Kerim Alajbegović, celebrating after scoring against Qatar with Arjan Malić celebrating behind him. 

Following the end of Group B, the attention switched to Miami, where Scotland and Brazil face each other for the fifth time on the world's biggest stage. Scotland enters with a win and a defeat, while Brazil enters with a draw and a win, so the position is delicate in Group C, with Morocco also having four points; however, the goal is simple for both sides: win and avoid the risk of being eliminated. However, the big news for Brazil is that Neymar Jr is back in the squad and starts on the bench. 

It was a nightmare start for Scotland when Scott McKenna committed a silly defensive mistake, by taking a heavy touch, intercepted by Rayan, which played into the path of Vinicius Jr, rounding past Angus Gunn, leaving him to simply tap it into an empty Scotland net, showing how a lack of focus can leave your team in a very tricky situation. Scotland's nightmare start only got worse through another defensive error, when Jack Hendry, unaware of Vinicius Jr behind him, dispossessed the Scottish defender, leaving Vinicius Jr to simply slide the ball past Gunn, leaving Steve Clarke's side in real trouble. However, after VAR Review, the goal was disallowed as it was revealed that Vinicius' challenge caught Hendry's legs, resulting in a foul and a reprieve for Scotland. Following the hydration break right after the VAR Review, Scotland seemed to have woken up, not wasting time while starting to stretch Brazil. However, Brazil made sure that they would have a two-goal advantage when Bruno Guimares' cross went agonizingly out of reach for Gunn, leaving Vinicius to simply head the ball into the net. This time, it will count, and Brazil has a two-goal cushion going into the second half, putting Scotland in deep trouble. Despite Scotland starting the second half promising, Brazil turned the Samba beats up to full volume when Guimares made a darting run through the Scotland defence, passing it to Matheus Cunha, who finished it so simply, putting Scotland on the brink of elimination. Brazil had even more reason to smile, as for the first time since October 2023, Neymar Jr. stepped onto the field for Brazil, but the headlines will be all about Vinicius Jr. as Brazil dances into the Round of 32 while Scotland leaves Miami with an anxious wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. 

Picture Above: An emotional moment with Neymar Jr replacing Matheus Cunha for his first appearance for Brazil since 2023

Meanwhile in Atlanta, Morocco looked to cap off another impressive group campaign, having been almost assured of a place in the knockout rounds with their last win over Scotland. However, the job isn't done as they need maximum points to top the group against an already eliminated Haitian side, who are just playing for pride

With 10 minutes played, Haiti stunned the African champions when they took a surprise lead when Jean-Kévin Duverne ran inside the penalty area and squared it to Lenny Joseph, who cleverly back-heeled the ball past Yassine Bounou, scoring Haiti's first World Cup goal since 1974. Despite Haiti's opener being later ruled as an own goal by Bounou, it didn't seem to matter for the Caribbean side. However, Haiti's happiness didn't last long as, after countless Moroccan attacks, captain Achraf Hakimi managed to find the equaliser for the Atlas Lions, five minutes before half time, after Bilal El Khannouss' deflected shot was saved by Johny Placide, before Hakimi turned it in on the rebound. VAR later approved of the goal, and the Atlas Lions found a way back, looking to rain on Haiti's farewell. Haiti made sure that they would leave North America with something to smile about, with Wilson Isidor scoring an absolute screamer from miles out, restoring Haiti's advantage just before halftime. This time, it only took Morocco three minutes to get their second equaliser when Ismael Saibiri scored his third goal of the tournament with a sweet, low-driven strike, setting the stage for an exciting second half. For the first time of the evening, Morocco took the lead in the 78th minute when Sofiane Rahimi's shot took a few deflections before going in from a corner, giving the Atlas Lions a hard-fought lead, hoping to convert it to a win. With only a minute left of normal time, Morocco sealed the deal when Gessime Yassine scored his first international goal with a simple tap-in, later approved by VAR, as the Atlas Lions prowl into the knockout stages once again, looking to make history. Despite not getting the win, Haiti leaves with two goals, which should be something their fans can smile about. 

Picture Above: Moroccan players, Brahim Díaz and Redouane Halhal, celebrating after one of Morocco's goals against Haiti

Following Group C's thrilling conclusion, the focus switched to Group A's final two games with Czechia and co-hosts, Mexico, meeting in Mexico City. Mexico can make it easy on themselves as they've already secured top spot in Group A, but El Tri are still looking to achieve maximum points in their group for the first time in their history. Czechia, meanwhile, needed a victory and favourable results elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive and avoid an early flight home.

The Czech Republic nearly managed to make the perfect start, but Dennis Visinski wasted a wonderful chance in front of the goal when his shot went just off target, steering wide from the far post. Towards the latter period of the first half, Mexico began knocking at the doors of Czechia, but couldn't find an opener in the first half; but they did in the second half. Five minutes were all it took for Matteo Chávez to open his scoring account for Mexico, scoring his first goal in an international match following an excellent effort from Luis Romo, who worked hard and retained possession of the ball to help make a goal-scoring chance. The home side added another to their tally in the second half through Julián Quiñones, who took advantage of a defensive mistake by the opposition to score. In the 77th minute, everyone in the Estadio Azteca rose to their feet to applaud veteran, Guillermo Ochoa, making his 6th World Cup appearance and the final one of his career, bringing the curtain down on a historic career in front of his adored home crowd. Álvaro Fidalgo sealed the deal in stoppage time with a wonderful curling strike that found its way to the top corner of the net, wrapping up a convincing 3-0 victory with a superb curling strike into the top corner. The win sends Mexico into the knockout stages with maximum points and growing confidence, while Czechia's World Cup journey ends at the first hurdle. 

Picture Above: Mexican players, Obed Vargas and Álvaro Fidalgo, celebrating after one of Mexico's goals against Czechia 

Meanwhile, further in Guadalajara, South Africa and South Korea entered their final Group A encounter, with varying needs to grab that elusive second place in the group. South Korea needs only a point to confirm its automatic place in the Round of 32, while South Africa needed all three to overtake the Koreans and move up to second. 

Both sides started in a very frantic manner, but it was South Africa's Thapelo Maseko who was having the most influence on the game because he kept the Korean backline busy with his plays. South Korea started strongly in the second half because they knew that all they needed for qualification to the next round was to score a goal. After a goalless first half, Thapelo Maseko once again proved to be crucial when he scored a brilliant counterattack goal in the 63rd minute, putting the Africans in joy. The Koreans went in pursuit of an equalizer but could not succeed in doing so; hence, the Africans registered a famous 1-0 win, which was their most famous win in recent times. With this win, the Bafana Bafana qualified for the Round of 32 as the runners-up in Group A, making it their first time they would play knockout stage football at the World Cup. For the South Koreans, they can only hope that their total of three points is enough for them to reach the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Picture Above: South African players celebrating after scoring the winning goal against South Korea

Day 15: 25th June 

Ecuador vs Germany (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA)
Curaçao vs Côte d'Ivoire (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA)

Tunisia vs Netherlands (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA)

Japan vs Sweden (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, USA)

Turkey vs USA (SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, USA)

Paraguay vs Australia (Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, USA)

With Germany already assured a place in the Round of 32 as Group E winners, they look to keep the momentum going into the knockout stages against an Ecuador side, who know a win is the only option for them if they want to keep their hopes of making the knockout stages alive, while anything else would see them eliminated in the group stage yet again. 

It only took two minutes for Germany to find the opener in New Jersey, following a scruffy throw-in, and scrambled around on the edge of the Ecuador penalty box. Aleksandar Pavlović received the ball, passed it to Florian Wirtz, who then squared it to Leroy Sané, whose first-time finish curled into the bottom left corner, giving Germany the lead. However, it would only take Ecuador seven minutes to reply, following a dispossession of the ball from Felix Nmecha, captured by Pedro Vite, who's one touch found Nilson Angulo, who ran to the edge of the penalty area, before beautifully bending a shot past Manuel Neuer, scoring Ecuador's first World Cup goal of 2026, and with 10 minutes gone, it's game on. Following Angulo's equaliser, Germany remained firm, maintained possession, and created many more chances, looking to recapture the lead before half-time. Ecuador, too, was looking for an equaliser of its own, creating chances and attacking when it had the opportunity. Still, neither could find the goal to give them momentum going into the second half, leaving all to play for in the next 45 minutes. In the 77th minute, Ecuador stunned all in New Jersey when they took the lead from a corner, when Kevin Rodríguez flicked the ball into the path of Gonzalo Plata, tapping it into the back of Manuel Neuer's net, sending Ecuadorian fans into ecstasy as that goal may be enough to take them through to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. Germany attacked later on, but the Ecuadorians defended with their life, and with the full-time whistle, the emotions poured out for Ecuador, as they were now through to the knockout stages for the first time since 2006. 

Picture Above: Ecuadorian players celebrating following the full-time whistle after they secured a place in the knockout stages. 

While Germany faced Ecuador, Curaçao took on Côte d'Ivoire in Philadelphia, knowing that they were capable of racking up more points following an impressive defensive display against Ecuador, which earned them a first World Cup point. They need a famous win against a formidable Côte d'Ivoire side, whose bare minimum was a draw to qualify for the knockout stage, regardless of Ecuador's result against Germany. 

Curaçao almost got the perfect start inside two minutes when Tahith Chong drove towards the edge of the Côte d'Ivoire penalty area, before unleashing a shot at Yahia Fofana, a shot which
was easily parried and brought down. That turned out to be Curaçao's best chance of the first half, as only five minutes later, Côte d'Ivoire opened the scoring when Juriën Gaari's back pass to Joshua Brenet ricocheted off to Yan Diomandé, capitalising on the error by going deep inside the penalty area, before squaring to Nicolas Pépé, who simply finished to make it 1-0 to Côte d'Ivoire. The Elephants maintained possession and continued to make life hard for Curaçao, and looked to continue it into the second half, despite not finding a second goal before half-time. Curaçao applied the pressure at the start of the second half, but it was Côte d'Ivoire who got the goal when Ibrahim Sangaré played a beautiful through ball to Pépé, who thumped it past Eloy Room to give Côte d'Ivoire a cushion and a foot in the Round of 32. Curaçao simply couldn't find a reply, and Côte d'Ivoire moved on to the Round of 32 as runners-up of Group E, while Curaçao's inspirational journey comes to an end in the City of Brotherly Love as they bow out and must now make the long journey home. 

Picture Above: Côte d'Ivoire forward, Nicolas Pépé, dribbling the ball past Curaçao defender, Sherel Floranus

A little while later, an already eliminated Tunisia looked to end their tournament with something to smile about, facing a formidable Dutch side who knew that victory would guarantee top spot regardless of the result between Japan and Sweden, giving them the perfect opportunity to head into the knockout stages full of confidence.

It was another nightmare start for Tunisia as the Falcons of Carthage found themselves behind after only three minutes when Denzel Dumfries' cross took a deflection off Tunisia's captain, Ellyes Skhiri, going into his own net, giving the Dutch an early lead. Four minutes later, Tunisia's farewell match got even worse following a Dutch free kick. Tijjani Reijnders swung a cross in, with Virgil van Dijk setting up Brian Brobbey, who headed past Aymen Dahmen, making it 2-0 inside seven minutes, highlighting a very long evening ahead of Hervé Renard's men. The rest of the first half remained relatively calm, as the Dutch managed to keep the African side at bay, holding onto their two-goal lead. Tunisia took only eight minutes to pull one back in the second half when Hazem Mastouri followed a corner to reduce the deficit and breathe life into the contest. However, the Netherlands' two-goal cushion was restored when Jan Paul van Hecke headed home from a Reijnders' corner in what was his first goal for the Oranje, putting the Dutch in firm control of sealing pole position in the group. The Netherlands continued to dominate the closing stages, even striking the crossbar late on, before comfortably seeing out the win with a comfortable 3-1 victory to secure top spot in Group F, giving them full confidence heading into the knockout stages, where they'll face African champions, Morocco in the Round of 32, while Tunisia bowed out of the tournament with only pride to show for their efforts.

Picture Above: Netherlands defender, Jan Paul van Hecke, celebrating after scoring his first international goal against Tunisia 

With the Netherlands securing top spot in Group F, the race to join them in second between Japan and Sweden took place in Dallas, with both sides knowing that everything was still on the line. Japan had the ideal advantage with four points earned and with an undefeated record, whereas Sweden was just one point behind Japan, setting up one of Group F's most delicately poised encounters. 

After a goalless first half, it took 10 minutes for the breakthrough to occur for Japan, when a beautiful team goal was finished off in style by Daizen Maeda, slotting it past Jacob Widell Zetterström, putting Japan in a great position in the group, only behind the Dutch on goal difference. However, Japan's joy lasted only six minutes when Anthony Elanga curled a beautiful strike in the 62nd minute on the edge of Japan's penalty area, and as it stood, Sweden would qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Moments after Sweden drew the game level, they came within inches of taking the lead when a mix-up in the Japanese defence gifted Alexander Isak a clear sight of goal, only for goalkeeper Zion Suzuki to produce a superb save. The drama continued into the closing stages as Sweden pushed for a winner, with Isak again going agonisingly close from a corner, but Suzuki was once more equal to the effort, preserving a vital point, sending Japan through to the Round of 32, and they would face Brazil in Houston. However, Sweden would also celebrate as they were also guaranteed a place in the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. 

Picture Above: Sweden forward, Anthony Elanga, attempting to cross the ball into Japan's penalty area 

A while later, Turkey travelled to California, looking to end their disappointing campaign on a positive note after two losses against a confident United States side, who've already sealed their place in the last 32 as the group winners, but eager to grab maximum points in their group for the first time and keep the momentum going into the knockout stages. 

The United States wasted no time, and three minutes in, Austin Trusty headed the co-hosts into an early lead from a deep delivery, capping another lightning-fast start. This time, Turkey found a way to respond as roughly seven minutes later, the Crescent Stars scored their first goal through rising star, Arda Güler, whose composed finish restored parity before the break. After twenty minutes of chances from both sides, Turkey completed the turnaround on the half-hour mark when Orkun Kökçü bundled home after a scramble in the box, giving Turkey a surprise lead over the co-hosts, a lead which they would go on to take into the second half. Three minutes into the second half, the USA found a way back when Sebastian Behalter produced a stunning low half-volley from a corner, to make it 2-2. With time running out and the seven minutes of added time up, Turkey were presented with the last window of opportunity to grab a famous win. Güler's brilliant skill created one final opportunity, allowing Kaan Ayhan to slide the ball through the goalkeeper's legs and snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory, leaving the stadium in silence except for the fans in red and white, now in a state of rapture. Despite this being their final game at World Cup 2026, Turkey leaves with reason to smile, while the USA looks to reflect on a disappointing defeat despite already securing their place in the Round of 32, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Picture Above: Kaan Ayhan of Turkey tapping the ball into an open net, scoring the winner against USA

Elsewhere in Santa Clara, Paraguay faced Australia in a winner-takes-all encounter, with a place in the Round of 32 on the line. Both sides have defeated Turkey but lost the United States, meaning victory here for either side would see them remain or climb up to second place, while defeat would leave the loser anxiously waiting with hope of sneaking through as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.

The Socceroos got off to a better start as they created an early opportunity through Jackson Irvine, forcing Orlando Bloom into an early save. Jordan Bos was twice unlucky as he came close to scoring on both occasions. His first attempt came from a thunderbolt of a shot, which kept Orlando Gill on his toes, while his next attempt saw Bos go on a brilliant run, hitting the crossbar. Meanwhile, Paraguay still had its threats, and they were lethal at counterattacks as well. Julio Enciso kept Australia on tenterhooks by troubling them through his runs down the left flank, but his curving shot missed the target slightly. In the dying moments of the game, Paraguay was gifted an excellent opportunity to win the match, but substitute Maurício had his chance going begging it in front of an open goal, leaving the teams with shared points after a 0-0 draw. For Australia, one point was enough for them to secure second place in Group D and a place in the Round of 32, while Paraguay was left anxiously awaiting the outcome of the remaining groups to discover whether their World Cup journey would continue.

Picture Above: Australian players celebrating with their fans after qualifying for the Round of 32

Day 16: 26th June 

Norway vs France (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, USA)

Senegal vs Iraq (BMO Field, Toronto, Canada)

Cabo Verde vs Saudi Arabia (NRG Stadium, Houston, USA)

Uruguay vs Spain (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA)

New Zealand vs Belgium (BC Place, Vancouver, Canada)

Egypt vs Iran  (Lumen Field, Seattle, USA)

Day 16 kicked off with an exciting all-European affair between Norway and France, who both are contesting for the supremacy in Group I, with both sides already assured of a top-two spot and a place in the Round of 32. France would have to do it without Didier Deschamps, who flew back to France to attend his mother's funeral, meaning his assistant coach, Guy Stéphan, would take over Les Bleus, with many wondering, what can Stéphan conjure up for France? 

However, it was a dream start for Stephan's side because six minutes had gone by and France were already ahead when Kylian Mbappé played a beautiful ball through the Norwegian defence, finding reigning Ballon d'Or winner, Ousmané Dembélé, who ran towards the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot, beating Egil Selvik and giving the French an expected lead. France's evening became even better because 10 minutes later, Mbappé turned provider for Dembélé, combining again with the latter, scoring his second of the match with a beautiful curling effort from outside the box, scoring his third goal of this World Cup, and putting France in complete control. Norway wasted no time in finding an equaliser, as less than a minute after Dembélé's second, the Scandinavians caught the French switching off, and Thelo Aasgaard took the opportunity with a clever finish into the back of Mike Maignan's net, and suddenly it's game on in Boston by the time we got to the first hydration break. Despite Norway finding a way back into the game, France reestablish their two-goal advantage when Dembélé completed a first-half hat trick with another beautiful curling effort inside the penalty area, proving why he is the Ballon d'Or winner, and with the way he's playing, he just might win it back-to-back. Two minutes into the second half, Norway were presented with a golden opportunity to find a way back into the game when Theo Hernandez clipped Oscar Bobb in the penalty area, awarding Norway a penalty. Without Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, Jacob Strand Larsen stepped up for the Scandinavians but was denied by a good save from Maignan; still, it was France's game to lose. Right at the end, France grabbed a fourth with Bradley Barcola's cross meeting Desire Doué, who headed the ball past Selvik to cap another big victory for France, a perfect group stage, and lots of momentum going into the Round of 32. Norway, meanwhile, will face Côte d'Ivoire after finishing as the runners-up of Group I, looking to keep their World Cup journey going strong. 

Picture Above: France forward, Ousmané Dembélé, scoring one of his goals in his hat trick against Norway

With France and Norway already having secured the top two places in Group I, the spotlight in Toronto turned to the battle for third. Both Senegal and Iraq knew that victory would significantly strengthen their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams, while defeat would almost certainly bring their World Cup journey to an end.

It took Senegal only four minutes to take the lead against Iraq following a corner swung in by Lamine Camara, meeting the head of Abdoulaye Seck, heading it down, and taking a late final touch off Habib Diarra, leaving Iraq in a spot of trouble. Iraq's day only got bad to worse when Rebin Sulaka received a red card by VAR after denying Sadio Mané from a clear goalscoring opportunity, putting the Asian side in dire trouble. To add injury to insult, their starting keeper, Ahmed Basil, suffered a shoulder injury while defending from a free kick, forcing his withdrawal from the game. In the second half, things got worse for Graham Arnold's side when Senegal scored two in two minutes; the first coming from Ismaila Sarr with a simple tap-in, and the second coming from a ferocious long shot from Pape Gueye, surely sending Iraq home from North America. Senegal got a fourth in the 71st minute, with Gueye grabbing his second of the game with a strike hit with so much venom. Illiman Ndiaye joined the Senegalese party when he scored a rocket to make it 5-0, and with that, the Lions of Teranga now find themselves in a really good position to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams. As for Iraq, a long-awaited return to the World Cup ends in absolutely tragic fashion as they look to go again in 2030. 

Picture Above: Senegal midfielder, Pape Gueye, taking a shot against Iraq

Following Group I's conclusion, the focus switched to Guadalajara for a clash of heavyweights in Group H between Uruguay and Spain. La Roja enters knowing they can make it easy on themselves with even a draw enough to seal top spot in the group, while Uruguay knows that they have to win in order to avoid another group stage exit.

Throughout the first half, both sides managed to get some opportunities to score, with Lamine Yamal causing a threat to Spain, while Federico Valverde and Darwin Núñez created opportunities for Uruguay, but the key moment came when Marcos Llorente delivered an accurate cross, which was converted into a goal by Álex Baena, who turned away from the defender before scoring past Fernando Muslera, with the ball slipping past his hands and bundling into the net. Uruguay didn’t give up hope of coming back and managed to create some good chances in the second half with Darwin Núñez and Nicolás de la Cruz forcing Unai Simón into making saves, but Spain’s defense proved solid throughout. Ferran Torres hit the crossbar when Spain looked to score a second goal, but Uruguay’s dreams were destroyed when Agustín Canobbio was sent off by the referee in injury time, sealing Spain's narrow victory and a premature ending in Uruguay's World Cup yet again, as two points isn't enough for them to qualify for the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, and once again, La Celeste fall at the first hurdle.

Picture Above: Spain forward, Lamine Yamal, trying to dribble the ball past Uruguay defender, Juan Manuel Sanabria

The final Group H fixture took place in Houston, where Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia both knew that qualification was still within reach. Cabo Verde needed only a point to complete a remarkable passage into the Round of 32 in their debut campaign, while Saudi Arabia required victory and favourable results elsewhere to keep their World Cup dream alive and qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time since 1994. 

The island nation looked the more adventurous throughout, with Jamiro Monteiro failing to make the most of a promising opening before Kevin Pina fired narrowly wide and Nino da Costa was brilliantly denied by Mohammed Al-Owais. Throughout a relatively quiet second half, Cabo Verde piled on the pressure in the closing stages, with Garry Rodrigues seeing a goal-bound effort blocked before da Costa missed the target by the finest of margins in stoppage time. Although the breakthrough never arrived, the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations as Cabo Verde's historic World Cup adventure continued into the knockout stages, with their reward being an encounter with world champions, Argentina, in Miami, while Saudi Arabia's campaign came to an end.

Picture Above: Cabo Verde forward, Dailon Livramento, celebrates with his teammates after the match

Shortly after, Group G's final round of matches took place with New Zealand and Belgium taking to the stage in Vancouver, with a win for either side significantly boosting their hopes in qualifying for the knockout stages. For Belgium, their only option is a win, and with it, they could go top of Group G, if Egypt failed to win against Iran, while New Zealand looks to make the impossible possible, and look to cause a major upset which would see Belgium eliminated in the group stage yet again.

From the opening whistle, we witnessed a more ruthless and dominant Belgian side, with Kevin De Bruyne playing conductor in midfield, pulling the strings, and providing Leandro Trossard, who punished a defensive lapse to break the deadlock. New Zealand defended admirably throughout the game, with their goalie, Max Crocombe, making several key saves. Nonetheless, the Belgian striker added another goal early in the second half, and then De Bruyne added another goal to put the game out of reach for New Zealand. In the end, the All Whites did not give up and got what they deserved through a consolation goal by Elijah Just, after Thibaut Courtois failed to clear the ball away. Despite a consolation, Belgium had the last laugh by sending on one of their substitutes, Romelu Lukaku, who netted another goal just a minute later, before Alexis Saelemaekers sealed the win with a goal at the end. With a commanding 5-1, Belgium heads into the Round of 32 as group winners and loads of momentum, while New Zealand leaves North America with nothing but pride despite a heavy defeat. 

Picture Above: Belgian forward, Leandro Trossard, celebrating with passion after scoring against New Zealand

While New Zealand and Belgium met in Vancouver, the Arabi sides, Egypt and Iran, met in Seattle. The Pharaohs knew that avoiding defeat would almost certainly be enough to secure a place in the Round of 32, while Iran needed a victory to leapfrog their opponents and keep their World Cup dream alive in what promised to be a tense and finely balanced encounter.

The Pharaohs got the ideal start with Mahmoud Saber, who reacted quickest from a rebound of Mohamed Salah's shot, thus netting through the goalkeeper's legs to score the first goal for his side. Iran had a golden chance to equalise when they were awarded a penalty just five minutes later; however, Mostafa Shobeir denied Mehdi Taremi from the spot, and Egypt's lead remained untouched. It didn't take long for Iran to respond, as just four minutes later, Ramin Rezaeian calmly tapped the ball past Shobeir to level the game, and with barely fifteen minutes gone, we could have a very exciting game on our hands. Throughout the rest of the game, both teams kept creating their opportunities, with Salah controlling the offense for Egypt and Iran showing their defensive discipline and threatening counterattack. After half-time, the game became even more intense, but crucial defending stopped either side from scoring until the end, when Iran made one more save in time added on. Following a scramble in the Egyptian penalty area, Iran looked to have stolen the game at the death, when Shojae Khalilzadeh shot the ball past Shobeir when the ball fell in his path, sending Iran into jubilation. The celebrations were cut short later after a VAR Review, revealing that goalscorer Khalilzadeh was in an offside position; therefore, the goal was disallowed, and Egypt maintained second place, seeing out the rest of the game and qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time since 1934, where they'll face Australia in Dallas. As for Iran, they've finished third, but they'd have to wait to see if their three points are enough for them to make the last 32. 

Picture Above: Iran's Shoja Khalilzadeh scores a goal past Egypt's Mostafa Shoubir that was later disallowed

Day 17: 27th June 

Panama vs England  (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, USA)

Croatia vs Ghana (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA)

Colombia vs Portugal (Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, USA)

DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, USA)

Algeria vs Austria (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA)

Jordan vs Argentina (AT&T Stadium, Dallas, USA)

To kick off the final day of group stage football at World Cup 2026, already-qualified England take on already eliminated Panama at MetLife Stadium, with a win for the Three Lions almost guaranteeing them top spot in Group L, but it also depends on how Ghana's match with Croatia goes. Panama, meanwhile, looks to leave North America with reason to smile after already being eliminated with losses to Ghana and Croatia 

In what was a seamless first half, Panama almost had the perfect start when Tomás Rodríguez received a long ball from kick-off, only to shoot straight at Jordan Pickford. Arguably, England's best chance came in the seventh minute when Marcus Rashford dribbled around the Panama penalty area, beating several Panama defenders before taking a crack on the edge of the penalty area. Panama's best chance came in the 25th minute when Rodríguez played a genius through ball to José Luis Rodríguez, whose shot could only be parried by Pickford, keeping the Central American side at bay, summing up a pretty even yet lackluster first half. England made sure that history wouldn't repeat itself, and they found the opener in the 62nd minute following a corner swung in by Bukayo Saka and tapped home by Jude Bellingham, returning to the top of their group. Five minutes later, Harry Kane made it 2-0 to the Three Lions when Bellingham played a beautiful cross for the captain to head home a trademark Harry Kane header, scoring his 11th World Cup goal, a new England World Cup record, while giving England some breathing space. In stoppage time, Panama thought they got their first goal of the campaign when José Fajardo slotted the ball past Pickford in a 1-v-1 chance; however, the linesman's flag was already up, and Panama's moment was drenched in an instant. With that, England sealed a comfortable 2-0 win and top spot in Group L, while Panama would leave North America with nothing but their pride intact. 

Picture Above: England midfielder Jude Bellingham, turning to celebrate after scoring his nation's first goal against Panama

Over in Philadelphia, Ghana took on Croatia, with the latter looking to qualify directly for the last 32 and not depend on others for qualification. Ghana enters the meeting with the points advantage, knowing that a draw may be enough to seal second place in Group L, with anything less, in other words, a win for Croatia, would see Vatreni overtake the Black Stars and qualify directly as group runners-up at least. 

From the start, Croatia dominated possession and came close to scoring in the 16th minute, when Nikola Vlašić hit the post following a long shot. Croatia's breakthrough eventually came just after the half-hour mark when Petar Sučić scored a beautiful long-range shot, burying the shot right in the bottom left corner, leaving Benjamin Asare helpless. As things stood, Croatia would overtake England for the lead in Group L, giving the Croats a 1-0 lead going into the half-time interval. In the second half, Ghana started to threaten themselves, but couldn't find an equaliser. With time running out, Ghana needed to find a response, and they did in the 73rd minute when Ernest Nuamah, just moments after coming on, swung in a free kick, with Derrick Luckassen tapping the ball past Dominik Livaković. There was a bit of speculation on whether Kwasi Sibo, who was in an offside position, was involved in the play. After four minutes of VAR Review, the goal was given after Sibo had no direct involvement in the goal, and with just over 15 minutes left, it was game on again in Philadelphia. However, any chance of a famous Ghana victory was slightly dampened because ten minutes after Luckassen's equaliser, Vlašić headed home from a Luka Modrić corner, giving Croatia the lead for the second time of the evening, and as it stood, second place in the group. Croatia managed to see off Ghana and secure second place. It wasn't all bad news for Ghana, which, despite dropping to third, would still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, with their opponent yet to be decided later on. With Ghana's qualification confirmed, Scotland's elimination from the tournament was also confirmed, continuing their group stage woes. 

Picture Above: Croatia midfielder, Petar Sučić, scoring a beautiful long-range shot against Ghana 

Following the end of Group L, the focus switched to Group K for the final two matches, with the one catching almost everyone's eyes between Colombia and Portugal, setting the tone for a very exciting clash for top spot in Group K. Colombia entered Miami with the lead in Group K, with at least a draw enough to secure first in the group, with Portugal looking to rain on the Colombian's fiesta, with a win in their minds. 
Colombia started the game brightly, creating the most chances and coming closer between the two sides, and were almost up and running within the first minute when Luis Díaz received a long ball and took a shot, which took a deflection and fell into the path of Jhon Córdoba, who couldn't react quickly enough and saw the ball travel over the bar. Colombia came close again when Córdoba had a run on goal, with his shot being saved by Diogo Costa, with Díaz unable to make it count on the follow-up. Portugal started to come alive towards the end of the first half, with Bruno Fernandes coming closest for them, when he received the ball from Pedro Neto, taking a touch before shooting it at goal, forcing Camilo Vargas into an excellent save. Both teams had chances, but neither could capitalise, and it was all to play for in the second half. Portugal started the second half brightly. 

In stoppage time, following a Colombian corner, Juan Quintero floated the ball into a sea of players, with Davison Sanchez rising highest to head it past Costa, sparking celebration amongst the fans in yellow, only for the linesman to raise his flag and deny any celebrations. However, Colombia didn't seem to care that much because they've qualified top in Group K, and will now face Ghana in Kansas City. As for Portugal, they'd have to settle for second and an encounter against old foes, Croatia, in Toronto.  

Picture Above: Colombia defender, Davison Sanchez, heading the ball into the Portugal net, only for the goal to be ruled offside 

While Colombia and Portugal took to the stage in Miami, DR Congo looked to write history for themselves, looking to qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in their history. Standing in their way is an already eliminated Uzbekistan, who are just playing for pride. 

Despite the tournament being one to forget for Uzbekistan so far, it was a dream start for Fabio Cannavaro's men when the White Wolves took the lead right before the 10-minute mark, when Eldor Shomurodov extraordinarily chipped the ball over Lionel Mpasi, following an enticing long ball from Akmal Mozgovoy, giving the tournament debutants a surprise lead. DR Congo thought they'd equalise when Nathanaël Mbuku scored a fantastic finish from an almost impossible angle; however, one VAR check later, the Uzbek's lead was restored after it was revealed that Mbuku committed a foul on Sherzod Nasrullaev in the build-up, cancelling the goal, capping a frustrating first half for DR Congo, while Uzbekistan were 45 minutes away from history. However, history being written wouldn't be in favour of the tournament debutants. 20 minutes into the second half, Kusenov's clumsy clip on Yoane Wissa handed DR Congo a lifeline; Wissa stepped up for the Congolese and calmly converted the resulting penalty to level the score and swing the momentum back in the Africans' favour. With time running out and the teams still level one apiece, either team needed a moment of inspiration to surely steal the win. Congo was deemed the lucky ones when Meschack Elia's blocked shot fell into the path of Fiston Mayele, causing him to cleverly flick the ball past Abduvohid Nematov to put the Leopards in front, putting them on track for their first-ever World Cup win. Into stoppage time, with less than half a minute, player Wissa sealed the victory, dancing on the edge of the penalty area before slotting home a composed finish. At the final whistle, DR Congo celebrated a famous inaugural win at the World Cup, a win that secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages, 52 years since they made their debut. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan leaves North America with nothing but their heads held high and a smile after an experience of a lifetime. 

Picture Above: A group of Congolese joy after their first World Cup win, qualifying for the knockout stages for the first time in their history. 

The final round of matches of the group stage saw Group J's leaders and reigning World Champions, Argentina, face tournament debutants and already-eliminated Jordan. Lionel Messi has been breaking records in both games he played in, but Lionel Scaloni has decided to bench him ahead of their final group game, while Jordan looks to leave North America with something to go with their pride. 

Six minutes gone and Messi's replacement, Giovanni Lo Celso, thought he opened the scoring with a one-on-one finish, only for it to be revealed that he was offside when Julián Alvarez played him the ball, but it showed that something was coming for Argentina. Later on, Lo Celso was fouled on the edge of the penalty area, awarding Argentina a free kick in a dangerous position. With Messi on the bench, Lo Celso assumed his duties as the free-kick taker, curling a beautiful ball into the top left corner, giving Argentina the lead with 19 minutes gone. Jordan's farewell match got worse as 10 minutes later, the Albiceleste were awarded a penalty after Marco Senesi was kicked in the face by Nizar Al-Rashdan, attempting to clear a ball away to safety. Lautaro Martínez stepped up and converted from 12 yards out with an emphatic finish into the bottom left corner, giving Argentina a cushion. Throughout the first half, Jordan rarely had possession and chances to convert, but 10 minutes into the second half, they made their first chance count when Ihsan Haddad played a delicious ball to Musa Al-Taamari, whose first-touch finish placed the ball into the back of the net, giving Jordan hope while conceding Argentina's first goal of the tournament. On the hour mark, the Argentinian supporters found their voice again when Lionel Messi came on, and twenty minutes later, he found the back of the net with a clever, low-driven free kick, fooling  Yazeed Abulaila, securing the three points for Argentina, and momentum going into the last 32, with maximum points achieved, as they will face Cabo Verde in Miami on Friday night. With that goal, Lionel Messi becomes the first player in World Cup history to score in 7 consecutive matches, while scoring his sixth of this World Cup, breaking another record, proving why he is the greatest of all time. Jordan, despite finishing with zero points, leaves with pride and promise for the future, following an improved second-half performance, indicating the future is bright for Jordanian football. 

Picture Above: Lionel Messi celebrating after scoring against Jordan 

While Jordan and Argentina faced off in Dallas, there was much more at stake in Kansas City between Austria and Algeria. The winner here would go on to face Spain in Inglewood, while the loser would see themselves facing an early exit. Austria needs at least one point to secure second place, because a loss would see them eliminated from the competition, while Algeria also needs to avoid defeat to qualify as one of the best-third placed teams at the very least. 

Following a calm opening to the match with the teams carefully maintaining possession, not many major chances were created, and as things stood, both Austria and Algeria were going through. In the 27th minute, David Alaba played an enticing long ball to Marko Arnautović, whose first touch rolled the ball past Oussama Benbot, making it 1-0 to the Europeans, putting them second and Algeria on the brink of elimination. Following Austria's opener, Algeria began knocking on the door, coming closest in the 39th minute when Farès Chaïbi hit the post with a long shot. Algeria eventually found their equaliser on the stroke of half-time with a brilliant individual effort from Rafik Belghali, rifling the ball into the top corner, giving Algeria momentum going into the second half. However, 10 minutes into the second half, Austria put Algeria on the edge again when Marcel Sabitzer unleashed a powerful howitzer strike, beating Benbot and restoring Austria's lead. This time, Austria's lead lasted only five minutes, because on the hour mark, when Houssem Aouar drove deep into the penalty area before cutting back to Riyad Mahrez, the captain's powerful first-time finish brought the game level once again. With time running out and into stoppage time, it looked as though the points would be shared and both teams would progress; however, Algeria had other plans. With a minute and a half left to play, Auour played provider to Mahrez yet again, providing for the captain who slotted the ball past Alexander Schlager, putting a dagger into Austrian hearts and stealing the three points for the African side; or so they thought. With one more minute to play, Ralf Ragnick took a huge gamble, bringing on Saša Kalajdžić in hopes of a late equaliser, and what a decision it was. Thirty seconds after coming on, a cross was sent across the box and snapped back by Michael Gregoritsch, leaving Kalajdžić to drive a low header home, rescuing Austria at the last, bringing a thrilling conclusion to a game which had everything and more. With that, Das Team has secured their place in the Round of 32 as group runners-up, and stroking his nation into Inglewood to play La Roja. Algeria would also celebrate, having qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, and would face Switzerland in Vancouver, looking to make the last 16 for the first time since 2014. 

Picture Above: Austrian forward, Saša Kalajdžić, celebrating with teammates following his last-minute equaliser 

So that wraps up a captivating group stage at World Cup 2026. Two and a half weeks ago, forty-eight nations arrived in North America with the same goal of lifting football's greatest ever prize. Three rounds of drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments later, those forty-eight teams have dissolved to thirty-two. Records have been broken, heroes have emerged, giants have stumbled, and underdogs have earned their place amongst the best the world has to offer. In the knockout stages, there are no second chances. We've lost some big names, and yet, the game continues, and the Last 32 is where the real drama begins.