Matches
World Cup group stage: Best team, moments, matches and players
BBC reporters pick their standout team, player, match and moment from the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighting France's dominance and Lionel Messi's brilliance.
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Teams
South Africa aim to exorcise 2010 World Cup ghosts
South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, 16 years after hosting the tournament. The 2010 campaign ended in group-stage elimination, and domestic football stagnated afterward. Now, under coach Hugo Broos, the team aims to start a new era.
Matches
World Cup Last 32: Key Matchups and Storylines to Follow
The World Cup knockout stage begins with 16 ties featuring big names, dark horses, and intriguing subplots. From England's path to the final to clashes like Brazil vs Japan and Netherlands vs Morocco, here's why each match matters.
Matches
England's World Cup Knockout Path: From DR Congo to Potential Final
England, having won their group, face DR Congo in the last 32. A potential last-16 match against co-hosts Mexico awaits, with Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast, or Norway as possible quarter-final opponents. The Three Lions aim for their third major final of the decade.
Matches
Austria and Algeria Draw 3-3, Both Advance to World Cup Knockout Stage
Austria scored a dramatic late equaliser against Algeria in a 3-3 draw, securing both teams' progression to the World Cup knockout stages and eliminating Iran from Group J.
Matches
Colombia and Portugal play out goalless draw in Miami
Colombia and Portugal played a 0-0 draw in their final Group K match, with Colombia topping the group and Portugal advancing as runners-up. Both teams had numerous chances but failed to score.
Matches
England vs DR Congo last-32 tie live on BBC
England's World Cup last-32 match against DR Congo will be broadcast live on BBC One and iPlayer. The BBC will also show Spain vs Austria, Portugal vs Croatia, Germany vs Paraguay, and other knockout games. All 16 matches are covered across BBC platforms.
Matches
Algeria and Austria advance to last 32 after dramatic 3-3 draw
Algeria and Austria both scored injury-time goals in a 3-3 draw, securing qualification from Group J into the last 32 of the FIFA World Cup.
News
Clarke's 31-day Scotland timeline: from new deal to sudden exit
Steve Clarke signed a new four-year deal on May 28, but resigned just 31 days later after Scotland's World Cup exit. The timeline covers pre-tournament optimism, warm-up wins, and the abrupt resignation following defeat to Brazil and Croatia's result sealing Scotland's fate.
Matches
Messi scores off bench as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and become the first player in World Cup history to find the net in seven consecutive matches, as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J game.
Matches
England fans celebrate 2-0 World Cup win over Panama
England fans in New York and at home celebrated a 2-0 victory over Panama, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The win secured England's top spot in Group L and advanced them to the round of 32.
Matches
Messi scores again, sets record with goal in seventh consecutive
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, helping Argentina defeat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas. He became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games.
Players
Jude Bellingham scores second 2026 World Cup goal for England
Jude Bellingham scored his second goal of the 2026 World Cup, again proving crucial for England when the team needed it.
Teams
DR Congo: England's World Cup Opponents Unpacked
DR Congo face England in the World Cup round of 32, their first knockout appearance since 1974. Under coach Sebastien Desabre, they have transformed into a defensively solid, counter-attacking side, led by captain Chancel Mbemba and striker Yoane Wissa.
Players
Harry Kane becomes England's all-time top scorer at World Cup
Harry Kane has become England's all-time top scorer at the World Cup with 11 goals, breaking Gary Lineker's previous record.
Players
Jude Bellingham scores goal and assist in third World Cup match
Jude Bellingham recorded a goal and an assist in his third World Cup game, bringing his total to three goal contributions in three matches.
Players
Lo Celso scores free-kick on World Cup debut
Giovani Lo Celso scored a fantastic free-kick on his World Cup debut to give Argentina the lead against Jordan.
Matches
Colombia, Portugal draw 0-0, both advance to World Cup last 32
Colombia and Portugal played to a gripping 0-0 draw, with both teams securing qualification to the World Cup knockout stage.
Players
Spain's Williams criticises tackle that injured him
Spain winger Nico Williams has criticised Uruguay's Nicolas de la Cruz for a 'completely unnecessary' tackle that injured him, calling it one of the worst days of his life. Williams is expected to miss at least Spain's World Cup last-32 fixture.
Opinion
Rooney criticizes VAR after Sanchez goal disallowed
Wayne Rooney expressed frustration after Davinson Sanchez's goal for Colombia against Portugal was ruled out for offside by a toe. The former England captain questioned the use of VAR.