Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina continued their winning streak. In another match, England beat Panama 2-0 on Saturday to finish top of Group L.
With that result, England will face DR Congo — the African nation making its first knockout-stage appearance — in the round of 32. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored to give England a hard-fought win at New York New Jersey Stadium, securing the top spot in Group L and a date with Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, DR Congo advanced after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in Atlanta — their first World Cup victory in history. Colombia topped Group K after a 0-0 draw with Portugal in Miami, leaving Portugal to face Croatia in the round of 32 and a potential showdown with European champions Spain in the round of 16.
Coach Thomas Tuchel: 'We will raise the level'
England had to work hard against a well-organized Panama side. They seemed headed for a repeat of the 0-0 draw with Ghana until Bellingham opened the scoring in the 62nd minute and set up Kane for a goal five minutes later.
Coach Thomas Tuchel said: “That is what we expected: a tough game against a physically strong opponent. They are a difficult team to break down, and we were the only ones creating chances and scoring two goals. The bigger the games, the stronger we become.”
Croatia beat Ghana, Scotland eliminated
Croatia claimed second place in Group L with a 2-1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia. Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scored for Croatia, leaving Ghana in third. The victory ended Scotland's hopes of reaching the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, prompting coach Steve Clarke to resign immediately.
Croatia will face Portugal in Toronto on Thursday.
Messi comes off the bench, Argentina top group
Messi scored his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup as Argentina, fielding a lineup of mostly reserves, beat Jordan 3-1. Messi, who netted his 19th career World Cup goal, came off the bench and scored in Arlington, Texas.
Argentina, the defending champions, finished Group J with three wins and will face Cape Verde — the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout stage. In the final group match, Austria and Algeria drew 3-3, sending both through. The result also confirmed Iran's elimination, a day after they held Egypt to a draw.
Austria equalized in the sixth minute of stoppage time through Sasa Kalajdzic to advance as Group J runners-up, setting up a meeting with Spain, while Algeria reached the round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams and will face Switzerland.
