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World Cup 2026 Roundup: England Tops Group L, Messi Scores, and Late Drama Eliminates Iran
The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage is wrapping up with absolute fireworks across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With 48 teams whittled down to the final 32 for the knockout rounds, today’s action delivered everything — last-minute goals, a legend off the bench, and one of the most heartbreaking eliminations of the tournament.
Here’s what you need to know after a wild Sunday of World Cup football.
🇪🇳 England 2-0 Panama — Bellingham Rescues the Three Lions
England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 win over Panama at the New York New Jersey Stadium, but it was far from comfortable.
Panama stifled England for over an hour with a compact defensive block, limiting chances for Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford. Enter Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid star broke the deadlock with a trademark drive into the box, then created the second just minutes later to kill the game off.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were far from convincing, but the result means they finish top of the group. They’ll face DR Congo in the round of 32 after the African side came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
“We will step up,” Tuchel said after the match. “We know we need to improve, but the knockout stage is a different competition.”
| England Group L | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| England | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
| Croatia | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 5 |
| Ghana | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -1 | 4 |
| Panama | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -5 | 0 |
🇦🇷 Argentina 3-1 Jordan — Messi Magic from the Bench
In Dallas, Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a stunning free kick as Argentina eased past Jordan 3-1 to top Group J.
The defending champions had already qualified, but Messi’s introduction in the second half drew the biggest roar of the night. His curling free kick from 20 yards left the Jordanian keeper rooted to the spot, sending the Argentine fans in the crowd into a frenzy.
Argentina joins France, Brazil, and Spain as the top seeds heading into the knockout bracket.
🇩🇿🇦🇹 Algeria 3-3 Austria — Drama in Group J as Iran Heartbreak
This was the game of the day.
Algeria and Austria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw that ultimately sent both through to the round of 32 — and broke Iranian hearts in the process.
Iran needed Austria to win (or a specific set of results) to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. But with the scores level in stoppage time, Iran’s World Cup dream ended. Austria’s Sasa Kalajdzic scored a crucial equalizer — and the news filtered through that Iran and South Korea had both missed out on the last 32.
Separately, Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland manager after their elimination, marking the end of a remarkable era for the Tartan Army.
🇨🇦 Canada’s Moment Approaches
Later today, Canada takes on South Africa with Alphonso Davies returning to the lineup after injury. A win would see the co-hosts advance to the knockout stage for just the second time in their history, continuing their incredible rise on the world stage.
⚔️ Round of 32 Key Matchups Set
| Match | Venue |
| England vs DR Congo | Atlanta |
| Argentina vs TBD | Houston |
| France vs TBD | Los Angeles |
| Brazil vs TBD | Mexico City |
| Colombia vs TBD | Miami |
FAQ
Q: When does the round of 32 start?
A: The knockout stage begins on Tuesday, June 30, with matches spread across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Q: Did Lionel Messi score in the World Cup?
A: Yes — Messi scored a beautiful free kick coming off the bench in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan.
Q: Who got eliminated from the World Cup today?
A: Iran, South Korea, New Zealand, Panama, and Scotland were all eliminated on the final day of the group stage.
Q: Who is England’s next opponent?
A: England will face DR Congo in the round of 32 in Atlanta after the Congolese beat Uzbekistan 3-1.
📺 Where to Watch
If you’re in the US, catch all World Cup 2026 action live on Fox, FS1, and streaming via FuboTV. Check your local listings for match times.
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