ARLINGTON, Texas — If Texas is the buckle of the Bible Belt, the state was introduced to the Church of Messi this week. Lionel Messi came off the bench and scored his sixth goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on a spectacular free kick against Jordan in front of 70,649 on Saturday night. Argentina won 3-1 as Giovanni Los Celso and Lautaro Martinez also scored, and the reigning champs will face Cabo Verde in the round of 32 in Miami on July 3.

Argentina were already group leaders, and were ahead of the majority of the match against Jordan, but Messi secured the final group game with a showstopper.

For myself, who has never had the opportunity to witness Messi’s Argentina in person, it felt like stepping into a religious experience even bigger than a church. Not alongside spectators, but among a congregation of the most faithful, filled with total adoration and devotion for their national team and personal demigod Messi.

If there’s gloating, it’s because it’s earned among the pews of worship. It’s something that has gone beyond the “Iglesia Maradoniana,” the actual registered Church of (Diego) Maradona, founded in 1998, with several self-proclaimed believers across the globe. But Argentina’s present-day saint will draw thousands. It does not matter if he plays 90 minutes, 15, or stoppage-time slop; in this phase of Messi’s career, each second counts for those who are not yet ready to face the reality of age in sport.

That is what thousands at AT&T Stadium all understood on Saturday night. 

It’s part of what makes this tournament so special. Messi’s six goals in this competition lead the World Cup Golden Boot race. He scored a hat trick in the opening group match against Algeria, a feat that served as an impressive example of individual brilliance, but also as a reminder that no matter who is chasing him, Messi is him. 

Even in a long lineage of saviors, Gabriel Batistuta, 1978 World Cup hero Mario Kempes, or Maradona, Messi is the present. The one who has delivered for the elders who longed to be saved, and a new generation of young devotees who do not yet know the mystery of faith that requires one to believe and be tested with the unknown, that glory will return again. 

The 2026 World Cup has even given supporters iconography and relics to sport or admire at games. It’s not just flags in the stands, it’s banners with images of Messi’s face, winning the 2022 World Cup, kissing the trophy, or just staring back at you — daring you to doubt his ability.

“The goal of Leo, [I’m happy],” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said after the match. “Now the good part is coming.”

There’s a very likely scenario that it will. Winners of the 2022 World Cup, Argentina, are considered among the favorites in 2026 and are already looking ahead to the knockout rounds where a favorable path awaits. This year’s competition even has its own relics and ceremony, with Messi’s special Adidas cleats, “El ultimo tango” (the last tango), which were blessed by a priest at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in Argentina. Messi dons the armband and leads the team onto the field for warmups — even on a matchday when he doesn’t start. 

Argentina clinched a spot in the knockout rounds last week with a definitive 2-0 win against Austria, where Messi scored two goals and boosted his Golden Boot tally to five in the tournament — oh, he also became the highest goal scorer in men’s World Cup history, and added a six goal for his current campaign.

Even with this game against Jordan, where there was nothing on the line in terms of standings, they entered aware that their next opponent will be Cinderellas Cabo Verde.

“Obviously, our plan is always to win every match. We are Argentina, and this group comes together, whether it’s for official competitions or for friendlies; we enjoy being together, we enjoy competing, training, the day‑to‑day. And we enjoy seeing the fans as well, being able to give them this kind of joy. Thank God we’ve already been able to give them several, and we’ll try to keep staying in this same wavelength as the people,” Messi said after receiving his second man of the match honors against Austria.

“The people are excited, too, but I’ll say it again, step by step. This is long, it’s difficult, and we have to prepare ourselves the way we prepare for every match, no matter who the opponent is or what the situation is,” he said.

They now know that their next opponent is coming in with absolutely nothing to lose, playing with house money amid an amazing run where they took a point from Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. 

 A team from a tiny island that is chasing big dreams, the Blue Sharks have captured World Cup neutrals with their stingy defense and brave play. Their goalkeeper, Vozinha, produced a seven-save game in a 0-0 draw against Spain to open the tournament. He has been vocal about his own admiration for Argentina’s greatest player.

“He’s the greatest footballer of all time. Every team panics when they have to face him,” Vozinha said about Messi.  “Sharing the pitch with Messi is a dream, and I’ll proudly tell my kids I played against him one day.”

A 40-year-old goalkeeper will achieve his dream of facing the world’s best. The 39-year-old Messi, still a phenomenon, is playing at his sixth tournament. The constant comparisons of religious worship for Messi, by Argentinians and beyond, still operate the same way decades into his career.

The crowds will still yearn for another touch on the ball, a pass, a goal, in this World Cup. Fans of the game watch the match, almost waiting to see what he can do because it is practically expected. The knockout rounds will be where strange things can happen, but for Argentina, they have their own human miracle in Messi, making the extraordinary constantly look ordinary. And with that, global glory remains a possibility.

Algeria and Austria played out one of the most dramatic matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, battling to a pulsating 3-3 draw that sent both nations into the Round of 32 while condemning Iran to one of the cruelest eliminations in World Cup history.

The dramatic finale saw Austria’s towering striker Sasa Kalajdzic score deep into stoppage time to rescue a crucial point, ensuring both teams finished on four points in Group J. The result was enough to send Algeria through automatically as runners-up while Austria advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

For Iran, watching from afar after completing their campaign with three points, it was devastating. Carlos Queiroz’s side needed either Algeria or Austria to win. Instead, the draw proved the only outcome that eliminated them.

A contest that had everything

With qualification permutations changing almost every minute, the encounter quickly developed into an end-to-end spectacle.

Austria repeatedly looked on course for qualification before Algeria fought back. Then Algeria appeared set to snatch victory through a dramatic Riyad Mahrez strike in stoppage time, only for Kalajdzic to produce one final twist with virtually the last kick of the match.

The 3-3 draw perfectly reflected a contest filled with momentum swings, attacking football and relentless drama.

Mahrez thought he had become Iran’s unlikely hero

As the game entered stoppage time, Riyad Mahrez looked to have written one of the stories of the tournament.

His late goal gave Algeria a 3-2 advantage and, more importantly, appeared destined to eliminate Austria while handing Iran an unexpected passage into the knockout rounds.

Thousands of kilometres away, Iranian supporters suddenly had reason to celebrate.

Kalajdzic delivers Austria’s miracle

With virtually no time remaining, Austria launched one final attack.

Sasa Kalajdzic rose highest inside the penalty area to convert a dramatic equaliser, making it 3-3 and completely changing the World Cup picture.

The goal secured Austria the point they desperately needed and simultaneously ended Iran’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in their history.

The Austrian bench erupted in celebration, while Algeria’s players also celebrated qualification despite surrendering victory in the dying seconds.

Iran’s World Cup ends in cruel fashion

Few eliminations in recent World Cup history have been as painful as Iran’s.

Only 24 hours earlier, Iran believed they had secured qualification after Shoja Khalilzadeh scored a stoppage-time winner against Egypt.

That goal, however, was ruled out following a VAR review for a marginal offside.

The 1-1 draw left Iran on three points and dependent on results elsewhere.

Croatia’s draw against Ghana and DR Congo’s comeback victory over Uzbekistan already pushed Iran to the edge. All they required afterwards was a winner between Algeria and Austria.

Knockout picture confirmed

The thrilling draw confirmed Algeria’s place in the Round of 32 with four points, while Austria also advanced after finishing with the same tally and a superior third-place ranking.

For Iran, the tournament ended in heartbreak despite collecting three points, falling victim to VAR, goal difference, and one of the most dramatic stoppage-time goals of the tournament.

A match that seemed destined to produce one qualifier ultimately delivered two, leaving Algeria and Austria celebrating one of the World Cup’s most unforgettable nights while Iran were left wondering how close they had come to making history.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score yet again as Argentina made it three wins from three at the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan.

Messi made it six goals in three games at this tournament, extending his own all-time World Cup record to 19 goals, with a low free-kick 10 minutes from time that ensured Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record.

Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had put the World Cup holders in control with first-half strikes, but Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, who at least exited the competition having scored in all three games of their debut World Cup.

With Argentina already confirmed as group winners Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his side, dropping Messi to the bench as only Emi Martinez and Lautaro Martinez kept their places.

But unsurprisingly there was no let up from the World Cup holders.

Just a few minutes in, Lo Celso slid the ball in but was denied by the offside flag.

Nicolas Otamendi then headed over from Lo Celso’s corner before the opening goal came in the 19th minute.

Lo Celso was brought down on the edge of the box by Mohannad Abutaha but got up to curl in a fine free-kick, the first Argentina player other than Messi to score at this World Cup.

Martinez then saw his shot come back off the crossbar and as Marco Senesi went for the rebound he was fouled by Nizar Alrashdan. A penalty was awarded by a VAR check and Martinez duly converted.

Argentina had the ball in the net again three minutes into the second half as Lo Celso poked in from Martinez’s cut-back, but the Inter Milan forward was offside as he ran on to Leandro Paredes’ through-ball.

Jordan then pulled one back, with a delicious low cross from Ehsan Haddad gobbled up by half-time substitute Al-Tamari.

That was the cue for Messi to come off the bench as part of a triple change, and the Inter Miami man had an early chance with a free-kick from range, but he was unable to keep his shot down.

It was a valuable sighter though, and a few moments later Messi himself was fouled on the edge of the box to create another opportunity and this time he took it, slotting a low shot through a gap in the Jordan defence.

The goal means Messi has now scored in a record seven consecutive World Cup matches, and also puts him two clear of the rest of the field in the running for the Golden Boot, one of the few trophies he is yet to win.

PA

Things are getting serious!

That’s it, the group stage of the 2026 World Cup has delivered its verdict with the final matches in Group J!

We finally know the full bracket for the round of 32 of this World Cup, which actually kicks off tonight with the host nation.

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Check out below the full schedule for this first round of knockout matches, as well as the tournament bracket, where you can see the possible path for Les Bleus!

The round of 32 schedule

Sunday, June 28

Monday, June 29

Tuesday, June 30

Wednesday, July 1

• 6 p.m.: England – Congo (in Atlanta)

Thursday, July 2

• 2 a.m.: United States – Bosnia and Herzegovina (in Santa Clara)

Friday, July 3

Saturday, July 4

Harry Kane added another milestone to his glittering international career by becoming England’s highest-ever scorer in FIFA World Cup history during the 2-0 victory over Panama in their final Group L fixture.

The striker’s towering header in the 68th minute was his 11th World Cup goal, moving him past Gary Lineker’s long-standing record of 10. Kane had drawn level with the legendary forward during England’s opening win over Croatia before writing his own chapter in the history books against Panama. He has also pipped Ronaldo who has 10 World Cup goals to his name as he takes England to the Round of 32 in style.

The goal also took Kane’s tally to 18 strikes across major international tournaments for England, further cementing his legacy as one of the country’s greatest forwards.

Kane continues to deliver on the biggest stage

Few players have been as reliable for England in major tournaments as Kane. Whether through clinical finishing inside the box or decisive leadership in crucial moments, the captain has consistently delivered when the stakes have been highest.

England finding rhythm at the right time

Beyond Kane’s record, England’s overall performances suggest they are steadily building into genuine contenders.

After beginning with a convincing 4-2 win over Croatia and being frustrated in a goalless draw against Ghana, they responded with a mature display against Panama. Jude Bellingham’s opener broke the deadlock before Kane sealed the victory as England comfortably controlled proceedings in the second half.

Thomas Tuchel’s side has looked increasingly balanced, blending experienced leaders with an exciting young core. Their midfield has dictated possession effectively, while the defensive structure has remained organised despite occasional lapses.

Finishing top of Group L gives England a favourable Round of 32 path and, more importantly, valuable momentum. With Kane leading the line, Bellingham continuing to influence games and several attacking options finding form, England appear well-positioned to challenge deep into the tournament as their pursuit of a second World Cup title gathers pace.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup was always expected to be remembered for its unprecedented scale. Expanded to 48 teams and spread across three host nations, it promised to redefine football’s biggest tournament.

Instead, as the group stage nears its conclusion, conversations have increasingly drifted away from the football itself.

Travel fatigue, cross-border logistics, visa complications, scheduling concerns and the challenges of staging a tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada have all emerged as recurring talking points.

Now, Iran captain Mehdi Taremi has added another chapter to that growing list of concerns.

“A disaster World Cup”

Following Iran’s 1-1 draw against Egypt that left the Asian side waiting anxiously to discover whether they would progress as one of the best third-placed teams, Taremi launched a scathing attack on FIFA and president Gianni Infantino.

“It is a disaster World Cup; a disaster,” the striker said.

His criticism was not directed at footballing matters but at the logistical hurdles Iran believes it has faced throughout the competition.

According to Taremi, promises made by FIFA after Iran’s opening match never materialised, while the squad spent much of the tournament battling travel schedules rather than preparing for opponents.

A tournament built on movement

Unlike previous editions hosted within one nation, the 2026 World Cup requires teams to constantly navigate one of the world’s largest sporting footprints.

For Iran, those challenges became even more complicated.

Originally planning to establish their base camp in Tucson, Arizona, the team instead relocated to Tijuana in Mexico following heightened political tensions between Iran and the United States.

That decision meant every group-stage fixture required cross-border travel into the United States before immediately returning to Mexico after matches.

Missing staff, missing recovery

Travel was only part of the problem.

Several members of Iran’s logistical and recovery staff reportedly failed to obtain U.S. visas, leaving the squad without key personnel responsible for player welfare throughout the tournament.

“We don’t have our logistic people here,” Taremi said.

“We love Mexico and the people in Tijuana, but as professional players in a professional competition, it isn’t right.”

Modern international tournaments increasingly rely on extensive backroom teams handling everything from recovery sessions to nutrition and tactical analysis.

Operating without those resources, Iran believe, affected their ability to compete on equal terms.

Coach joins the criticism

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei echoed his captain’s frustration, accusing tournament co-host the United States of placing unnecessary obstacles in front of his team.

According to Ghalenoei, Iran were denied the opportunity to arrive in the U.S. well before the tournament began, limiting both physical preparation and acclimatisation.

“The host country treated us very unfairly,” he said.

He urged FIFA to ensure future World Cup hosts prevent similar situations, arguing no team should face logistical disadvantages before a ball has even been kicked.

Another debate for FIFA

Iran’s complaints arrive at a time when FIFA is already facing questions about the operational complexity of the expanded World Cup.

The introduction of 48 teams has increased the number of matches, expanded travel requirements and stretched organisational resources across multiple countries and time zones.

While supporters have praised the atmosphere and competitive balance, coaches and players have repeatedly highlighted concerns over recovery periods, long-distance travel and scheduling.

Iran’s experience has become the latest example cited by critics who believe football risks becoming secondary to logistical planning.

Football heartbreak follows logistical frustration

  Iran’s campaign ended with even more disappointment. Shoja Khalilzadeh thought he had scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Egypt that would have secured automatic qualification.

VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Instead of celebrating progression, Iran were left waiting on results elsewhere while reflecting on what they considered an uphill battle throughout the tournament.

“We have to fight against everything here,” Taremi remarked.

Whether or not Iran ultimately reaches the knockout rounds, the episode has added fresh scrutiny to an already evolving debate.

The expanded World Cup has delivered more nations, more matches and more stories than ever before.

But alongside the football, it has also exposed the enormous logistical challenge of staging a tournament across three countries—raising questions FIFA may have to answer long after the final whistle of the 2026 World Cup.

Eight teams that end up in third place will play the round of 32 of the World Cup

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Jun 27, 2026

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Who is DR Congo’s head coach?

This is Frenchman Sebastien Desabre’s 11th coaching role in Africa.

The 49-year-old has qualified DR Congo for successive Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the semi-finals in 2023, as well as the World Cup. He had previous success with Uganda.

How did DR Congo get to the last 32?

They earned the first World Cup point in their history by holding strongly-fancied Portugal to a 1-1 draw but then lost 1-0 to Colombia. That left DR Congo needing to beat Uzbekistan, which they duly did 3-1 to progress to the last 32 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Where can I watch DR Congo?

Their last-32 tie against England will be live on BBC One on Wednesday 1 July, with build-up from 16:00 BST.

The match will also be covered live on BBC Radio 5 Live, the BBC Sport website and app.

Give me a fact to impress my friends

Superfan Michel Kuka Mboladinga, who went viral at the Africa Cup of Nations for his eye-catching patriotism during games, has been included in DR Congo’s official World Cup delegation at the request of the players.

Since 2013, Mboladinga has worn colourful suits and silently imitated a statue of revered revolutionary leader Patrice Lumumba, with one arm raised, for entire matches.

Now give me some proper detail

The Congolese proverb little by little, grow the bananas emphasises the virtues of patience and steady progress. But during the national football team’s 52-year gap between World Cups – the joint-fourth longest of any nation – patience has been exhausted and progress stalled. Until now.

There has been a determination to change the country’s World Cup narrative after a 1974 debut that left them ripe for ridicule. Zaire, as DR Congo was then known, lost all three games – including 9-0 against Yugoslavia.

Then came the infamous moment when right-back Mwepu Ilunga charged out of a defensive wall to boot the ball away as Brazil lined up a free-kick.

Bemused onlookers were unaware it was an act of political protest. The players had learned their expected wages and bonuses wouldn’t be paid – and Zaire President Mobutu then threatened them with exile if they lost by more than three goals against Brazil.

By kicking the ball away, Ilunga had hoped to waste time and get sent off. He was only booked and Zaire lost 3-0; they were allowed home but President Mobutu cut their funding.

Ever since, the 1968 and 1974 African champions have been kept on the game’s periphery by a combination of conflict, corruption, poor football governance and a lack of facilities.

Current head coach Desabre has brought in fresh talent from the vast Congolese diaspora – all but six of the World Cup squad were born in Europe – and the nation is now seeing the fruits of his endlessly patient nurturing.

How have DR Congo done at previous World Cups?

The central African nation has only played in the World Cup once before – in 1974, when the country was named Zaire. They lost all three group games without scoring, including 9-0 against Yugoslavia.

DR Congo created history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a place in the Round of 32 for the first time in the country’s history.

The Leopards showed remarkable character to overturn a first-half deficit and become the eighth African nation to reach the knockout stages of the tournament, setting up a mouth-watering clash against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan had taken the lead after capitalising on a defensive mix-up involving Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Eldor Shomurodov reacted quickest to the loose ball and delicately lifted his effort over the goalkeeper to put the Asian side ahead.

Uzbekistan dominated much of the opening half and looked the more dangerous side going forward. However, DR Congo remained a threat and even had a goal disallowed in controversial circumstances before Nathanael Mbuku forced a save with a powerful effort.

With their World Cup dream hanging in the balance, DR Congo returned after the break with renewed determination and intensity.

Their equaliser came when Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa was brought down inside the penalty area by Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov. Wissa calmly converted the resulting penalty to bring the African side level.

The momentum had shifted, and DR Congo soon took the lead. Fiston Mayele reacted quickest after Meschack Elia’s deflected effort fell kindly to him, with the striker finishing from close range to complete the turnaround.

Wissa then sealed a famous victory in stoppage time with a superb finish from the edge of the penalty area, sending DR Congo’s supporters into wild celebrations.

The victory ensured DR Congo finished third in Group K with four points, enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

Their qualification means that eight African nations have now reached the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Algeria will make it nine if they avoid defeat vs Austria:

South Africa

Cape Verde

Ivory Coast

Morocco

Senegal

Ghana

Egypt

DR Congo

DR Congo will now face England in Atlanta in what promises to be one of the most fascinating ties of the Round of 32, as the Leopards look to continue their historic World Cup journey.