A dramatic 3-3 draw between Austria and Algeria in Kansas City concluded the 2026 World Cup group stage, with both teams advancing to the knockout stage and eliminating Iran. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi scored his sixth World Cup goal in Argentina's 3-1 win over Jordan.
South Africa's Bafana Bafana, under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, qualify for the World Cup knockout stages for the first time, overcoming a near-disastrous qualification blunder and exceeding expectations with a team built from local league players.
South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, led by 74-year-old coach Hugo Broos, prepares to face Canada in the World Cup's last-32 phase, seeking to build on their historic group stage qualification.
Five teams have secured knockout stage spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three more to be decided based on points and goal difference; The Athletic's model predicts likely advancements
Belgium secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a dominant 5-1 victory over New Zealand in Vancouver. Goals from Trossard (2), De Bruyne, Lukaku, and Saelemaekers propelled Belgium to the top of Group G.
Cape Verde, the smallest nation by population to reach the World Cup knockout stages, drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia to secure a historic spot. Coach Bubista emphasized their achievement as an example for smaller countries, stating "nothing is impossible" and they will face Argentina with pride and determination.
England has secured a spot in the World Cup knockout stages before their final group game against Panama. With four points from two matches, they are guaranteed at least a third-place qualification spot. Uruguay's loss to Spain confirmed their advancement.
England confirms knockout stage place in World Cup with 4 points from 2 games, ahead of final group match against Panama; potential opponents in last 32 include DR Congo, Senegal, or Group J's third-placed team
Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to bench captain Lionel Messi for their final Group J match against Jordan to manage his workload. Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina's goals so far, will start on the bench but is expected to feature later in the game.
Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has joined Notts Outlaws for the T20 Blast 2026 season as a domestic player after obtaining British citizenship, allowing Nottinghamshire greater team selection flexibility and opening more opportunities for Amir in English domestic cricket.
South Africa secured a historic spot in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages with a 1-0 win over South Korea. Coach Hugo Broos, 74, became the oldest manager to win a World Cup match. Thapelo Maseko scored the decisive goal.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup's group stage concluded for Groups D, E, and F, with Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, and Australia securing spots in the knockout rounds. Several matches featured dramatic late goals and unexpected results.
Australia's Socceroos have officially qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage, with their next do-or-die match scheduled for Saturday, July 4, in Dallas. Their opponent will be the second-placed team from Group G, most likely Egypt or Belgium, while Paraguay's qualification status remains uncertain.
Ecuador's coach Sebastian Beccacece celebrated an emotional 2-1 victory against Germany, securing a spot in the World Cup knockout stages for the second time in history. Beccacece, who had faced pressure to resign, praised his team's fighting spirit after a turbulent campaign.
The Socceroos prepare for a crucial World Cup match against Paraguay, while rescuers race to save thousands trapped after a devastating earthquake in Venezuela. In Australia, Karl Stefanovic has left Nine following criticism over a podcast, and a new political party, Community Strong Australia, has launched.
The World Cup knockout stages are increasingly complex with head-to-head results and best third-ranked teams now determining advancement. Thursday's games saw Mexico secure top spot, South Africa stun South Korea, Switzerland win Group B, and Brazil and Morocco advance from Group C, setting up a tense finish to the group stages.
Morocco overcame a significant challenge from Haiti, coming from behind twice to secure a 4-2 victory in the FIFA World Cup. Substitutes Soufiane Rahimi and Gessime Yassine scored late goals, ensuring Morocco's progression to the round of 32 and ending Haiti's tournament hopes.
Canada lost 2-1 to Switzerland in Vancouver, forcing them to play South Africa in Los Angeles for the World Cup knockout stages. Coach Jesse Marsch admitted star player Alphonso Davies was used as a decoy and was not fit to play, despite earlier guarantees.
Australia's Socceroos face Paraguay in their final World Cup group stage match. A win or draw secures a knockout stage spot, while a loss still offers a chance due to new tournament rules. Paraguay is the lowest-ranked team in Group D but will be without star midfielder Miguel Almirón.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, becoming the first player to score in six World Cups and Portugal's all-time leading scorer in the tournament, in a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan. The win puts Portugal in a strong position for the knockout stages.
Lionel Messi leads the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race with five goals after Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria. Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland also scored braces, with France and Norway advancing. Jordan is eliminated after a 2-1 loss to Algeria.
Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing their place in the knockout stages. Haaland also became Norway's all-time leading World Cup scorer with four goals in two matches.
Kylian Mbappé scored twice in his 100th international appearance for France, reaching 16 World Cup goals and equaling Miroslav Klose's record. He now trails only Lionel Messi, who has 18 goals, in the all-time scoring charts.
Erling Haaland scored two goals, and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen added another as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey. The win secures Norway's spot in the last 32 of the World Cup, placing them level on points with France at the top of Group I.
