# World Cup 2026 Roundup: Canada Makes History, England Rolls Past Panama as Knockout Stage Takes Shape
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The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is reaching its dramatic conclusion, and Sunday’s action delivered plenty of memorable moments โ from Canada’s historic last-gasp victory to England’s clinical display against Panama.
Here’s everything you need to know from Matchday 3 of the group stage.
## ๐ Canada First Into the Last 16
Canada became the first team to book their spot in the knockout rounds after a dramatic 1-0 win over South Africa. It looked destined for a frustrating draw until captain **Stephen Eustรกquio** popped up in the **92nd minute** to break the deadlock and send the Canadian fans into delirium.
The result means Canada tops their group and advances to the Round of 32, continuing their remarkable rise on the world stage. For South Africa, it’s heartbreak โ despite a valiant defensive performance, they couldn’t hold on and now face an anxious wait to see if they can advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
## ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ England Too Strong for Panama
**Harry Kane** and **Jude Bellingham** were on the scoresheet as England swept past Panama to secure their place in the knockout stage. The Three Lions will now face **DR Congo** in the last 32 โ a tie that on paper looks favorable, but Thomas Tuchel will be wary after DR Congo’s impressive comeback win over Uzbekistan.
However, concerns remain for Tuchel. The Guardian noted that England’s right-back position and wide areas looked vulnerable, and deeper opposition will look to exploit those gaps. Kane and Bellingham are firing, but England will need others to step up if they’re to make a deep run.
## ๐ Around the Groups
– **๐จ๐ด Colombia** took top spot in Group K after a hard-fought draw against Portugal in a battle of World Cup heavyweights.
– **๐ง๐ช Belgium** were rampant โ a five-star display sent New Zealand packing from the tournament.
– **๐ญ๐ท Croatia** snatched second place by beating Ghana, with both teams advancing to the knockout stage.
– **๐จ๐ฉ DR Congo** set up a last-32 meeting with England after a comeback win over Uzbekistan.
– **๐ช๐ธ Spain** โ Nico Williams hit out at a “completely unnecessary” tackle from Uruguay that left him injured.
## ๐ฐ Other Major Headlines
### South Korea Coach Resigns
South Korea’s head coach has resigned after the country’s president publicly condemned “incompetent people” following a disappointing group stage exit. It’s a chaotic end to a campaign that promised so much for the Asian side.
### Germany’s Identity Crisis
Jonathan Liew described Germany as “trapped between past and future” โ a team lost in identity malaise. After another underwhelming tournament performance, big questions remain about the direction of German football.
### US Soccer Offers Pochettino Extension
US Soccer has offered Mauricio Pochettino a contract renewal through to the **2030 World Cup**, signaling strong faith in the Argentine manager’s project with the USMNT.
### Brazil vs Japan โ Monday’s Blockbuster
Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil face Japan on Monday in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle. Rodrygo says “the Mister will have a plan” โ and Ancelotti always does.
## ๐ What’s Coming Up?
| Match | Stage | Key Storyline |
|—|—|—|
| Brazil vs Japan | Group Stage | Ancelotti’s tactical chess match |
| Morocco vs Netherlands | Last 32 | “Street football on world stage” |
| England vs DR Congo | Last 32 | Can the Three Lions handle African opposition? |
| Colombia vs TBD | Last 32 | Group winners looking dangerous |
## โ FAQ
### Who has qualified for the knockout stage so far?
Canada is officially through. Several other teams including England, Belgium, Colombia, and Croatia have also secured their spots. The final qualification picture will be confirmed as group matches conclude.
### When does the Round of 32 start?
The knockout stage kicks off immediately after all group matches are completed. Exact dates and match schedules will be confirmed by FIFA over the coming days.
### How does the 2026 World Cup format work?
With 48 teams, the group stage features 16 groups of 3 teams each. The top two from each group advance to a Round of 32, followed by Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final โ hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
### Where can I watch World Cup 2026 matches?
Matches are broadcast globally through official FIFA broadcast partners. Check your local listings for channels showing the tournament live.
## ๐ Final Thoughts
This World Cup is already delivering the drama and unpredictability we love about football. Canada’s fairytale, England’s steady march, Belgium’s resurgence โ every matchday brings new storylines.
Can anyone stop the heavyweights? Or will we see a surprise champion emerge from this expanded tournament? One thing’s for sure โ we’re in for a wild ride.
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