FIFA World Cup 2026: Portugal, Argentina, England and DR Congo Advance to Knockout Stage
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Huston, USA
- Jun 28, 2026
- 162
Messi Scores Again as Argentina Cruise; Portugal Hold Colombia, England Top Group L
Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal (FPF) secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after battling Colombia to a goalless draw in their final Group K match at Miami Stadium on Sunday.
The tightly contested encounter ended 0-0, although Colombia thought they had grabbed a dramatic late winner in stoppage time when defender Davinson Sánchez headed the ball into the net. However, the effort was ruled out for offside after the referee's decision.
With the result, Colombia finished at the top of Group K, while Portugal advanced as runners-up. DR Congo ended third in the standings.
Diogo Costa Shines as Portugal Hold Colombia
Colombia dominated large spells of the game and created several early opportunities. Jhon Córdoba came close in the opening minute, but his header sailed over the crossbar. Later, Córdoba again threatened the Portuguese defence, only to be denied by goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Portugal responded with a series of counter-attacks. Bruno Fernandes nearly scored from a João Cancelo assist, but Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas produced a brilliant save. João Félix also missed a clear opportunity.
Diogo Costa emerged as Portugal's hero, making six outstanding saves to keep a clean sheet. Despite a total of 36 combined attempts from both sides, neither team managed to find the breakthrough. Costa was subsequently named Player of the Match.
Also Read: Neymar’s 2026 World Cup Dream Fades Away
Colombia will now face England in the Round of 32 on July 1, while Portugal are set to meet Croatia on July 3.
Lionel Messi Scores Sixth Goal as Argentina Beat Jordan
Meanwhile, reigning champions Argentina continued their impressive campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas.
Lionel Messi, introduced as a second-half substitute, scored in the 80th minute to register his sixth goal of the tournament. The victory ensured Argentina's progression to the knockout rounds.
Messi's growing influence once again underlined Argentina's status as one of the favourites to lift the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy.
DR Congo Create History, Reach Knockout Stage for First Time
DR Congo scripted history by advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase for the first time after defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta.
Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a superb lob over the goalkeeper.
However, DR Congo staged a remarkable comeback. Yoane Wissa equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute after Abdukodir Khusanov fouled him inside the box.
Fiston Mayele then gave DR Congo the lead in the 78th minute before Wissa completed his brace during stoppage time to secure a famous victory.
England and Croatia Also Progress
Former world champions England finished as Group L winners after defeating Panama 2-0.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, while captain Harry Kane doubled England's advantage five minutes later. Kane's 11th World Cup goal made him England's highest-ever scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
In another Group L encounter, 2018 finalists Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to seal qualification for the knockout stage. Ghana also progressed despite finishing third, while Panama exited the tournament after losing all three group matches.
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