Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. The Argentine's latest feat extended his lead in the Golden Boot race on a drama-filled Saturday that also saw England secure top spot and Canada snatch a stoppage-time winner.
England laboured to a 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scoring in the second half. The win secured top spot in the group, but came at a cost: Jarell Quansah became the latest victim of England's right-back curse, sustaining an injury that gives Thomas Tuchel a headache ahead of Wednesday's last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta. Kane's goal also saw him break a record, though details were not specified in reports.
“Lionel Messi becomes first to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as England and Canada progress.”
Co-hosts Canada left it late against South Africa, as Stephen Eustaquio lashed home from the edge of the box in the second minute of stoppage time at the Los Angeles Stadium to seal a 1-0 win and a place in the round of 16. Jesse Marsch's side will now face Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston next weekend. The defeat sent South Africa packing from the tournament.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia and will now face Croatia. Scotland's World Cup dream finally ended in the early hours of Sunday morning, joining Iran, South Korea and Uruguay among the third-placed teams eliminated. Manager Steve Clarke, who was given a new four-year contract last month, has already announced his resignation.
With the group stage concluded, attention turns to the knockout rounds. England will take on DR Congo, Canada await their opponents, and Messi continues to rewrite the record books.