World Cup: Messi sends Argentina to top, England to face DR Congo, Iran out

Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, advancing Argentina to the next round. England also secured a spot in the knockout phase with a 2-0 win over Panama. Iran was eliminated from the tournament after losing their final group game.

In Group L, England defeated Panama 2-0, securing first place and a spot against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the last 32. Jude Bellingham scored the opening goal before providing an assist for Harry Kane’s second goal. The result marked England’s third consecutive win in the tournament.

Croatia secured second place in Group L with a 2-1 victory over Ghana, while Colombia topped Group K after holding Portugal to a 0-0 draw. DR Congo advanced to the knockout phase after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, their first-ever World Cup victory.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored his 19th career World Cup goal in a 3-1 win over Jordan. The match marked Argentina’s third consecutive win in Group J and secured their spot in the next round. Cape Verde became the smallest country to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition, while Austria and Algeria drew 3-3.

The results confirmed Iran’s elimination from the tournament after they lost their final group game. England will face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday, while Croatia will meet Portugal in Toronto on Thursday.

Source: Al Jazeera