With defending champions Argentina already confirmed as group winners, Austria advanced as runners-up, setting up a meeting with Spain at Los Angeles Stadium on Thursday (2/7). Algeria, meanwhile, progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will face Switzerland in Vancouver on the same day.

Argentina and DR Congo also won their matches, while Colombia and Portugal played to a goalless draw in the final group stage matches. 

World Cup Round of 32. Image: X/Major League Soccer

The legendary Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup in Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas.  He lashed home an 80th-minute free-kick to net for the seventh successive World Cup game, setting a new record. Next up for Argentina is a Round of 32 clash with Cabo Verde in Miami on Friday.

In Miami, 36 efforts could not find the net in the match between Colombia and Portugal. Both teams earned a point, which ensured Colombia, who defeated Uzbekistan and Congo DR in their first two matches, topped the section, while Portugal advanced as runners-up. 

Second place ensures Portugal will take on Croatia in Toronto on Thursday. Colombia, meanwhile, have a Kansas City showdown with Ghana to look forward to a day later.

DR Congo through to the Round of 32. Photo: X/World Cup 2026

And DR Congo completed a sensational comeback to secure progression to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history, as goals from Yoane Wissa (2) and Fiston Mayele delivered a 3-1 win over eliminated Uzbekistan. This means they progress as one of the best third-place finishers and will face England in the Round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday.

After the match, DR Congo forward and Player of the Match Wissa said he was just one piece of a puzzle. “Today was very tough; the weight on our shoulders was hard to bear. There are things we need to fix.”

‘We did it’ 

“But the most important thing is this historic Round of 32. We’re going to savour this moment because it’s been tough. All the guys – the substitutes, those who’ve worn the jersey before, and those who’ll wear it tomorrow. 

“We should be proud. Thank you to all the Congolese people; it’s for moments like these that we do what we do. We did it!”

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger