England, Panama, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
England’s final Group L World Cup match at New York New Jersey Stadium.

England beat Panama 2-0 to win Group L and set up a round-of-32 tie with DR Congo in Atlanta. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring before Harry Kane headed in his 11th World Cup goal, breaking Gary Lineker’s England record.

England struggled for an hour against Panama’s low block before Bellingham changed the game from a corner and then created Kane’s goal. Tuchel’s side avoided a tougher Spain-side bracket, but defensive concerns and full-back injuries remain.

Uruguay, Spain, Fernando Muslera and Marcelo Bielsa.
In Uruguay’s final Group H World Cup match.

Uruguay were eliminated from the World Cup after a 1-0 defeat by Spain, with Fernando Muslera’s first-half mistake gifting Alex Baena the decisive goal. Spain advanced as group winners, while Uruguay finished with only two points.

Muslera asked to be substituted at half-time after the error, and Bielsa accepted responsibility for Uruguay’s failure. Federico Valverde was also taken off, Agustin Canobbio saw red, and Uruguay’s players left the pitch in tears.

Gotham FC, Kansas City Current, Esther Gonzalez and Jordynn Dudley.
In the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus, Ohio.

Gotham FC won the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup with a 2-0 victory over Kansas City Current, claiming the league season’s first trophy. Esther Gonzalez scored from the penalty spot before rookie Jordynn Dudley sealed the win late on.

The match was the first professional women’s game played in Ohio and drew 11,369 fans. Gotham’s pressing and defensive work frustrated Kansas City, while Dudley’s 79th-minute goal punished a mistake and ended the Current’s revenge bid.

France, Norway and Ousmane Dembele.
In France’s final Group I match.

Ousmane Dembele scored a stunning first-half hat-trick as France beat Norway 4-1 to secure top spot in Group I. Desire Doue added the fourth, while Norway rested Erling Haaland and most of their regular starters.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan led France with Didier Deschamps absent for his mother’s funeral. France now likely face Sweden, while Norway play Ivory Coast after a rotation call Stale Solbakken defended as necessary for player recovery.

United States, Türkiye, Christian Pulisic and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
After the final Group D World Cup match.

The United States lost 3-2 to eliminated Türkiye on the final kick of its last group match, but still finished top of Group D. Christian Pulisic returned from a calf injury and looked sharp off the bench.

Results elsewhere confirmed Bosnia-Herzegovina as the USMNT’s round-of-32 opponent in Santa Clara. Pochettino defended heavy rotation and yellow-card management, saying the group win mattered more than an unbeaten record.

Ecuador, Germany, Gonzalo Plata, Nilson Angulo and Leroy Sane.
Ecuador’s final Group E World Cup match at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Ecuador produced a major World Cup upset by beating Germany 2-1 to secure a last-32 place as one of the best third-placed teams. Germany had already won the group, but the defeat exposed familiar defensive worries.

Leroy Sane gave Germany an early lead, but Nilson Angulo quickly equalised before Gonzalo Plata struck the winner in the 77th minute. Ecuador’s comeback sparked huge celebrations, while Germany entered the knockouts with questions over their resilience.

Brazil, Scotland, Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha and Neymar.
Brazil’s final Group C World Cup match in Miami Gardens.

Brazil sealed top spot in Group C with a 3-0 win over Scotland, powered by two Vinicius Junior goals and a Matheus Cunha finish. Neymar also made his first Brazil appearance since 2023 as a late substitute.

Scotland errors gave Brazil early control, with Vinicius punishing defensive lapses before Cunha added the third after the break. The defeat leaves Scotland waiting on other results, while Brazil enter the knockouts with back-to-back clean sheets.

South Africa, South Korea, coach Hong Myung-bo and Son Heung-min.
South Korea’s final Group A World Cup match against South Africa.

South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 to climb from the bottom of Group A into second place and reach the knockout round for the first time. South Korea fell into third and must wait on other group results.

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo admitted his decision to leave Son Heung-min out of the starting line-up backfired. The gamble was intended to use Son against tired legs, but South Africa punished Korea and changed the group picture.

Brazil, Scotland and Vinicius Junior.
In the final Group C match.

Brazil beat Scotland 3-0 in Miami to finish top of Group C, with Vinicius Junior scoring twice and Matheus Cunha adding the third. Scotland ended third with three points and a damaging minus-three goal difference.

Brazil punished defensive mistakes early, as Rayan’s press created the opener before Bruno Guimaraes set up the second and third. Neymar also returned as a substitute, while Scotland now wait anxiously on other third-place results.

England and Ghana.
In World Cup Group L.

England were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana in Boston, slowing their push to lock up Group L. Carlos Queiroz’s side frustrated Thomas Tuchel’s attack with a disciplined low block and man-marking on key creators.

Ghana refused to press high, denying England the space they exploited against Croatia. Kane said Thomas Partey tracked him closely, while England struggled to create in tight areas and lacked an obvious Plan B against deep defending.