The group stage of the 2026 World Cup concluded on Saturday. The last 32 teams were set, and it was late drama as Algeria and Austria’s draw resulted in Iran being knocked out of the tournament, while DR Congo’s win over Uzbekistan knocked South Korea out. We review all the action and get you ready for the last 32 at the tournament.
Argentina Dominates Their Group and Remains World Cup Favorites
To be the best, you have to beat the best, and with Lionel Messi playing this well, is anyone going to beat Argentina?
Three wins from three, one goal conceded in the last game against Jordan, it’s been an unblemished start for Argentina. Lionel Scaloni was able to rotate the XI on matchday 3 against a struggling Jordan side, and they immediately took a 2-0 lead. Then Messi came on as a substitute and added to his golden boot quest with another goal. Messi has scored in all of Argentina’s games this tournament, and they appear defensively organized, stifling both Algeria and Austria.
The aura around Argentina, the momentum, the energy, it’s perfect, and they have their ideal path to the final right now. Cape Verde, the surprise qualifiers who drew with Spain, are now standing in their way.
Austria and Algeria played out one of the most thrilling games of the tournament, trading late goals, as Iran was knocked out in the process. Both teams got wins over Jordan, and settlign for a draw 2-2 against each other ensured passage for both teams. Algeria have been a bit subpar at times this tournament, while Austria fits the definition of “good but not great”, regardless this was a survive and advance moment by textbook definition.
England Forced To Toil But Still Tops Group L
What to say about the Three Lions Tournament under Tomas Tuchel? The best word may be toil. After a great second half sparked a 4-2 win over Croatia, the final two games from England were quite the drag. Forced to settle for a draw against Ghana, who locked them down on Matchday 2 and showed the limits of a lack of attacking and midfield creativity. Tuchel made changes to the XI on matchday 3 against Panama, and though Panama eventually fell on the sword due to Jude Bellignham’s talents, the 2-0 win for England to top Group L was far from convincing.
Harry Kane remains the target man for England, but Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins could be useful as second strikers and aren’t getting minutes this tournament. Kane has been accused of dropping back too much, and England’s winger options haven’t offered enough. Defensively, it’s been a credible tournament, but against top competition England will likely need to become much more dynamic in attack.
Panama goes home at the World Cup knowing they played well but just didn’t have the elite talent needed to beat their competition. Ghana and Croatia will be thrilled to be in the last 32, Croatia will fancy their chances against Portugal as this is a side that can still score goals, and Dominik Livakovic is a great goalkeeper. Ghana entered the tournament in poor form, but the draw against England was enough to secure the last 32, a significant achievement.
Colombia Edges Ronaldo’s Portugal in Group K
Colombia will end up satisfied with their World Cup start. A pair of wins over Uzbekistan and DR Congo assured passage to the round of 32, then they were forced to settle for a compelling draw against Portugal to top the group on 7 points. Davinson Sanchez was the distance of a toe offsides and missed a late game winner that would have sparked celebrations from Bogota to Miami, but ultimately this is a team that has clearly met expectations. James Rodriguez in the #10 has looked vintage at times, the defence has conceded one goal in three games, with veterans like Sanchez playing like warriors, and Gustavo Puerta has been a revelation in the midfield.
Colombia has a clear path to the quarterfinals now, where they could face Argentina in a Copa America rematch.
Portugal under Roberto Martinez has arguably been poor, the veteran Ronaldo has been ineffective but has played the entire World Cup as the striker for his country. A great performance against Uzbekistan secured their only win in the group, 5-0. They were stifled by both DR Congo and Colombia in between, lacking the pace and urgency expected of a top World Cup contender. On paper, a great midfield has been reduced to passive play, and the backline has look disorganized at times. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa has been Portugal’s best player. Things must change against Croatia in the last 32 and beyond, but under Martinez it feels they are unlikely to do, Portugal are going to end their tournament playing this brand of football no matter the results.
DR Congo’s performance was underrated, a tough matchup with England awaits, but they have played great defensive football against Portugal and Colombia, getting one point from those two higher ranked opponents, before opening up against Uzbekistan and engineering a comeback victory. This has been a tournament where African teams have shined, and as one of the last qualifiers, DR Congo can be very proud of their tournament.
On debut Uzbekistan looked defensively overwhelmed at times, they have young players and should return to the World Cup, but it’s clear they lacked the quality and consistency to end up in the knockout phase. They finished the tournament without a win, but had positive play at times against Colombia.
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
