World Cup Day 17: Group Stage Complete as England and Colombia Claim Top Spots

The final day of World Cup 2026 group-stage action delivered drama across six matches. England beat Panama 2-0 to top Group L, Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 to finish second, and Colombia held Portugal 0-0 to win Group K. DR Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1, Argentina saw off Jordan 3-1 with Messi making history, and Algeria and Austria played a thrilling 3-3 draw. The group stage is now complete, with the Round of 32 set to begin.Panama vs England: Harry Kane became England's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer as the Three Lions overcame a sluggish start to beat Panama 2-0 and finish top of Group L. After a frustrating first hour in which Panama threatened on the counter-attack, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock on 62 minutes with a clever finish from Bukayo Saka's corner. Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, delivering an inch-perfect cross for Kane to head home his 11th World Cup goal, surpassing Gary Lineker's record. England's victory set up a last-32 meeting with DR Congo in Atlanta, though concerns remain after emergency right-back Jarell Quansah was forced off injured.Croatia vs Ghana: Croatia secured their place in the knockout stages as Group L runners-up with a 2-1 win over Ghana in Philadelphia. The match started slowly with neither side attempting a shot in the opening 15 minutes, but Petar Sucic broke the deadlock after 31 minutes with a stunning long-range drive into the bottom corner. Ghana improved after the break and equalised through Derrick Luckassen's header from Ernest Nuamah's delivery, confirmed after a lengthy VAR check for offside. However, Nikola Vlasic headed home Luka Modric's corner with seven minutes remaining to send Croatia through, while Ghana also qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. The result confirmed Scotland's elimination from the tournament.Colombia vs Portugal: Colombia topped Group K after a captivating 0-0 draw with Portugal in Miami, a result that sent both sides through but decided the group order. Jhon Cordoba nearly scored inside the first minute and was denied by a brilliant Diogo Costa save, while Colombia keeper Camilo Vargas made a stunning stop from Bruno Fernandes. Cristiano Ronaldo, fresh from two goals against Uzbekistan, was a peripheral figure throughout. Colombia pushed forward in waves in the second half, and Davinson Sanchez thought he had won it late, only for VAR to rule his goal out for offside by a toe. Rafael Leao poked wide at the death for Portugal, but a draw suited Colombia, who topped the group and set up a last-32 tie with Ghana.DR Congo vs Uzbekistan: DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, coming from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and set up a last-32 clash with England. Eldor Shomurodov capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to dink Uzbekistan ahead, and the Asian side looked the stronger team for much of the first half. Nathanael Mbuku pulled DR Congo level before the break with a fierce finish inside the near post. After halftime, Yoane Wissa converted a penalty after being clumsily tripped by Abdukodir Khusanov, Fiston Mayele prodded home a second from close range, and Wissa arrowed a stoppage-time strike into the far corner to complete a historic comeback victory.Jordan vs Argentina: Lionel Messi made more World Cup history as Argentina maintained their perfect group record with a 3-1 win over Jordan. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a free-kick before Emiliano Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Musa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, who exited without a point but earned credit for their debut campaign. Messi came off the bench to score a trademark free-kick, his sixth goal of the tournament and his 19th overall at World Cups, becoming the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Argentina finished with maximum points from Group J and will face Cape Verde in the last 32.Algeria vs Austria: Algeria and Austria played out a breathtaking 3-3 draw in Kansas City, a result that sent both teams through but eliminated Iran. Marko Arnautovic gave Austria the lead before Sofiane Belghali levelled, and Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's advantage with a sweeping first-time finish. Riyad Mahrez equalised from the penalty spot early in the second half, and both sides seemed content to settle for a draw that would see them progress. But in stoppage time, Mahrez was sent through and slotted home what looked like the winner, only for Sasa Kalajdzic to head a dramatic equaliser in the fifth minute of added time. Austria finished second in Group J and will face Spain, while Algeria will play Switzerland.Upcoming Matches for June 28 (all times ET):3:00 PM ET — South Africa vs Canada (SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles)