Day 17 Results — June 27, 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage came to a breathtaking close on Saturday, June 27, with six simultaneous matches across Groups J, K, and L delivering drama that will be remembered for years — none more so than Austria's last-gasp 90+5′ equalizer against Algeria, a result that left both teams' Round of 32 fates hanging by a goal-difference thread.
Group J — Match Results
Argentina closed out a perfect group stage with another commanding win. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring on 19 minutes with a crisp strike, Lautaro Martínez converted a 31st-minute penalty, and — the moment everyone was waiting for — Lionel Messi curled home a magnificent free kick in the 78th minute to make it 3–1. Mousa Tamari had briefly halved the deficit for Jordan at 54 minutes, but Argentina were never truly threatened. The defending champions finish top of Group J with a perfect nine points from three games.
The simultaneous Austria–Algeria match produced the most dramatic finish of the entire group stage. Marko Arnautovic gave Austria the lead on 28 minutes, Rafik Belghali leveled for Algeria at 41, Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's advantage at 55 before Riyad Mahrez equalized again at 60. Then, in stunning stoppage-time fashion, Mahrez struck at 90+3′ to put Algeria 3–2 ahead — apparently sealing their progress. But Sasa Kalajdzic crashed home at 90+5′ to make it 3–3, sending both benches and tens of thousands of fans into absolute chaos.
Group K — Match Results
The Group K finale was defined by contrasting emotions. Colombia and Portugal played out a disciplined 0–0 draw — both sides clearly protecting the qualification they had already secured, with Cristiano Ronaldo barely featuring in a toothless attacking display. For neutrals it was disappointing; for both coaches, it was exactly the result they wanted.
Far more entertaining was DR Congo's victory over Uzbekistan. Yoane Wissa was the hero again, converting a penalty at 68 minutes and adding a third in stoppage time, with Fiston Mayele netting at 78 to complete a 3–1 win that caps a stunning tournament debut for the Leopards.
Group L — Match Results
England wrapped up a perfect group stage with a composed 2–0 win over Panama. Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock on 62 minutes with a trademark driving run and finish, before Harry Kane added a clinical second five minutes later. The Three Lions concede just one goal across their entire group campaign — an ominous sign for their Round of 32 opponents.
Croatia's survival drama against Ghana was compelling. Petar Sučić gave the Vatreni the lead on 31 minutes, Ghana equalizer Derrick Luckassen leveled at 73′, before Nikola Vlašić's 82nd-minute header settled nerves and secured Croatia's passage to the knockout rounds. Ghana and Panama are both eliminated.
What It Means — Group Stage Complete
With Day 17 complete, the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is over. All 48 teams have played their three games. The Round of 32 — 16 knockout matches — begins today, June 28, headlined by Canada vs South Africa at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (19:00 UTC / 3:00 PM ET).
| Group | 1st Place | 2nd Place | Key Story |
|---|---|---|---|
| J | Argentina (9 pts) | Austria / Algeria (TBD by GD) | 3–3 drama at 90+5′ |
| K | Colombia / DR Congo | Portugal | 0–0 tactical draw |
| L | England (9 pts) | Croatia | Three Lions top unbeaten |
Argentina and England both finished their groups with nine points and zero defeats — they arrive in the knockout rounds as among the form teams in the tournament. Messi's free kick against Jordan was his third goal of the tournament, keeping him in the Golden Boot race.
Today's Upcoming Matches — Round of 32 Opens
The knockout stage gets underway on June 28 with at least three matches scheduled across USA venues:
- 🇨🇦 Canada vs South Africa — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles | 19:00 UTC / 3:00 PM ET
- Further Round of 32 fixtures to be confirmed — check FIFA.com Match Centre for the full schedule
See the full Round of 32 bracket and confirmed matchups here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute, Lautaro Martínez converted a penalty at 31 minutes, and Lionel Messi curled home a free kick at 78 minutes. Mousa Tamari pulled one back for Jordan in the 54th minute. Final: Argentina 3–1 Jordan.
It was the most dramatic game of the group stage. Austria led 2–1, Riyad Mahrez equalized at 60′ and then scored again at 90+3′ to give Algeria a stunning lead. But Sasa Kalajdzic equalized for Austria at 90+5′ to end 3–3, with the final standings in Group J decided on goal difference.
Argentina topped Group J with a perfect 9 points. Austria and Algeria's fate was decided by goal difference after their 3–3 draw. From Group K, Colombia and Portugal advanced (their 0–0 draw confirmed qualification), while DR Congo's 3–1 win over Uzbekistan kept them in strong contention for a best-third-place slot. England topped Group L with nine points; Croatia advanced in second place after their 2–1 win over Ghana.