Rome, 28 June (LaPresse) – The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to an end. Argentina beat Jordan 3–1: Lo Celso opened the scoring, Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot, then Al Tamari pulled one back, but in the closing stages Lionel Messi scored his seventh consecutive goal in the World Cup from a free-kick, setting a new all-time record. The Albiceleste top Group J and have qualified for the round of 16 against Cape Verde. In the same group, there was a spectacular 3–3 draw between Algeria and Austria: the Austrians finish second and face Spain, whilst Algeria, as one of the best third-placed teams, face Switzerland. In Group K, Colombia finish top after a 0–0 draw with Portugal, who go through in second place; Ghana and Croatia advance to the round of 16 respectively. The Democratic Republic of the Congo are also celebrating after beating Uzbekistan 3–1 to progress to the next round. Awaiting them is England, who, in Group L, beat Panama 2–0 thanks to goals from Bellingham and Kane to finish top of the group. Croatia beat Ghana 2–1; the Croatians finished second and the Africans qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
2026 World Cup: Jordan v Argentina 1–3, Colombia v Portugal 0–0. England top the group, Croatia second
Rome, 28 June (LaPresse) – The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has come to an end. Argentina beat Jordan 3–1: Lo Celso opened the scoring, Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot, then Al Tamari pulled one back, but in the closing stages Lionel Messi scored his seventh consecutive goal in the World Cup from a free-kick, setting a new all-time record. The Albiceleste top Group J and have qualified for the round of 16 against Cape Verde. In the same group, there was a spectacular 3–3 draw between Algeria and Austria: the Austrians finish second and face Spain, whilst Algeria, as one of the best third-placed teams, face Switzerland. In Group K, Colombia finish top after a 0–0 draw with Portugal, who go through in second place; Ghana and Croatia advance to the round of 16 respectively. The Democratic Republic of the Congo are also celebrating after beating Uzbekistan 3–1 to progress to the next round. Awaiting them is England, who, in Group L, beat Panama 2–0 thanks to goals from Bellingham and Kane to finish top of the group. Croatia beat Ghana 2–1; the Croatians finished second and the Africans qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.
