Messi, Ronaldo, and Bellingham Shine in Final Group Stage Matches of 2026 World Cup

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded overnight with six thrilling matches that finalized the lineup for the knockout rounds. The tournament officially resumed later Sunday with the opening match between South Africa and Canada.

In a standout game, reigning world champions Argentina, fielding a rotated squad, defeated Jordan 3-1. Giovanni Lo Celso scored a stunning free kick in the 19th minute, followed by Lautaro Martinez’s first-ever World Cup goal from a penalty in the 30th minute. Although Musa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, the highlight came in the 80th minute when Lionel Messi scored his 19th World Cup goal with a free kick.

Another dramatic match saw Algeria and Austria draw 3-3 in a high-paced encounter. Austria initially led 1-0 and 2-1, but Algerian Riyad Mahrez scored twice, including his first World Cup goals, to bring Algeria ahead 3-2 and keep their hopes alive for advancing alongside Iran. In stoppage time, Austria’s Sasa Kalajdzic netted a late equalizer in the 96th minute, capping an exciting game.

Croatia lost 1-2 to Ghana in another group stage match, adding to the tournament’s unpredictability. These results set the stage for the knockout phase, promising more intense competition as the World Cup progresses.