Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
In the final Group G World Cup matches.

Belgium topped Group G after beating New Zealand 5-1, while Egypt advanced after a tense 1-1 draw with Iran. Iran thought they had a stoppage-time winner, but Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal was ruled out for offside.

Leandro Trossard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Saelemaekers powered Belgium clear, while Egypt survived late chaos in Seattle. Iran hit the crossbar after the VAR decision and now wait on third-place qualification.

Lionel Messi, Lionel Scaloni and Argentina.
Before Argentina’s final Group J match against Jordan.

Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina’s final group match against eliminated Jordan, with Lionel Scaloni confirming he will still get minutes. Argentina have already won Group J after two wins and Messi’s five goals at this tournament.

Scaloni said rotation rewards players who have trained hard but not featured, while keeping Messi active before the round of 32. Argentina face the Group H runners-up next, with Cape Verde viewed as a likely opponent.

The 2026 World Cup field.
Before the group stage has even finished.

The expanded 2026 World Cup has already produced 177 goals, setting a new tournament record before the knockout stage begins. The total reflects both the 48-team format and a high scoring rate of nearly three goals per game.

The Athletic noted that the tournament has already surpassed previous full-edition totals because 60 matches have been played. The scoring rate is also the highest seen since 1970, adding substance beyond simple expansion.

Japan, Sweden, Daizen Maeda and Anthony Elanga.
In the final Group F World Cup match.

Japan drew 1-1 with Sweden in Arlington, sending both teams into the knockout stage. Daizen Maeda gave Japan the lead before Anthony Elanga equalised, leaving Japan second in Group F and Sweden through as a third-placed side.

Japan will now face Brazil in Houston, while Sweden’s draw was enough to extend their campaign. Elanga later admitted he did not realise a point would be sufficient until after the final whistle.

Ivory Coast, Curacao, Nicolas Pepe and Yan Diomande.
Ivory Coast’s final Group E World Cup match in Philadelphia.

Ivory Coast reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after beating Curacao 2-0. Nicolas Pepe scored twice, while Ecuador’s upset win over Germany ended Curacao’s hopes of squeezing through as a best third-placed side.

Yan Diomande created the opener before Pepe finished calmly, then Ibrahim Sangare split the defence for the second goal. Ivory Coast finished second in Group E and will face the Group I runners-up, likely France or Norway.

Canada, Switzerland, Jesse Marsch, Alphonso Davies and Promise David.
Canada’s final Group B World Cup match in Vancouver.

Canada reached the men’s World Cup knockouts for the first time but lost 2-1 to Switzerland, missing the chance to top Group B. The result sends Canada to Los Angeles instead of a home knockout match in Vancouver.

Switzerland struck twice after half-time before Promise David pulled one back, while Canada failed to find the draw needed for first place. Marsch admitted he should have changed shape earlier and said Alphonso Davies will be ready next.

Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and head coach Javier Aguirre.
Mexico’s 3-0 World Cup win over Czechia at the Estadio Azteca.

Guillermo Ochoa came on in the 78th minute as Mexico beat Czechia 3-0, giving the 40-year-old minutes at his sixth World Cup. Mexico completed a perfect group stage and topped Group A with three wins.

Aguirre used the cameo as a tribute to Ochoa, who received a huge ovation and helped start the move for Mexico’s third goal. The veteran became Mexico’s oldest World Cup player and plans to retire internationally after the tournament.

FIFA, the European Football Clubs group and leading Premier League clubs.
Ahead of planning for the 2029 Club World Cup.

FIFA has agreed a joint venture with the European Football Clubs group that could lead to a 48-team Club World Cup in 2029. The plan may open more places for Premier League clubs and other major European sides.

European clubs want country caps eased after several champions missed the 32-team edition, while FIFA seeks stronger commercial value. The move follows prize-money success for Chelsea, although unresolved solidarity payments from the previous tournament remain a sticking point.

Mauricio Pochettino, United States players Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson.
Ahead of the United States’ final World Cup group match against Türkiye.

Mauricio Pochettino said the United States will not start four players on yellow cards against Türkiye, with top spot already secured and the round of 32 ahead. Christian Pulisic is available again, while Cristian Roldan remains a doubt.

The decision protects Adams, Balogun, Richards and Robinson from suspensions before yellow cards are wiped after the group stage. Pochettino wants a rotated side to stay aggressive, while managing injuries and preparing for a likely Bosnia-Herzegovina knockout test.

Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
After their final Group B match.

Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third in Group B on four points, putting them on the brink of the knockout stage. They are now widely projected to face the United States in the round of 32.

The result leaves Bosnia almost certain to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams after earlier games against Canada and Switzerland. Their route now likely sends them to San Francisco for a high-profile meeting with the USMNT.