The fixtures for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been confirmed, with several exciting matches set to take place as teams battle for places in the last 16.

A record nine African nations have reached the knockout stage, with South Africa, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Senegal, DR Congo, Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt and Ghana all progressing to the knockout rounds.

The action begins on Sunday, June 28, with South Africa facing Canada. The North Americans are considered favourites to progress, but South Africa will hope to cause an upset.

On Monday, five-time champions Brazil take on Japan, while Germany face Paraguay. Another intriguing tie will see the Netherlands battle Morocco, who have continued their impressive run on the world stage.

Tuesday’s fixtures include Ivory Coast against Norway, while France face Sweden in what is expected to be a difficult test for the Scandinavian side. Mexico and Ecuador will also fight for a place in the next round.

The United States face Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, while Belgium take on African giants Senegal in one of the most anticipated matches of the round. England will also face DR Congo after the African side reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

Thursday’s fixtures will see Algeria face Switzerland, while Croatia take on Portugal. Former world champions Spain will battle Austria for a place in the last 16.

The final Round of 32 matches will be played on Friday, July 3. Defending champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will face World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Egypt will meet Australia, while Ghana take on Colombia in another crucial encounter.

Round of 32 Fixtures

Sunday, June 28

•South Africa vs Canada

Monday, June 29

•Brazil vs Japan

•Germany vs Paraguay

•Netherlands vs Morocco

Tuesday, June 30

•Ivory Coast vs Norway

•France vs Sweden

•Mexico vs Ecuador

Wednesday, July 1

•United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

•Belgium vs Senegal

•England vs DR Congo

Thursday, July 2

•Switzerland vs Algeria

•Croatia vs Portugal

•Spain vs Austria

Friday, July 3

•Argentina vs Cape Verde

•Australia vs Egypt

•Ghana vs Colombia

With nine African nations still in the competition, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already become a historic tournament for African football, and more surprises could be on the way in the knockout stage.

The Minnesota Vikings are currently in the NFL’s slow season, sending the rumor mill into overdrive. With minicamp concluded and training camp still a month away, every roster speculation is receiving more attention than usual.

Here’s the latest on the rumors for June 28th.

Latest Vikings Rumors on Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, and Jake Golday

Rumor: The Vikings should trade for Mac Jones before the November deadline.

Bleacher Report‘s Mo Moton led the way this week, mentioning the Vikings as a trade landing spot for Jones.

He wrote, “The Minnesota Vikings made a low-risk, high-reward move in signing quarterback Kyler Murray, who’s only under contract for the 2026 season. He’s the favorite to win the starting job over J.J. McCarthy, according to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert.”

“Though even if Murray has a bounce-back year, the Vikings may not keep him around for the long term. Remember, they allowed Sam Darnold to walk after his first Pro Bowl campaign. Minnesota can get ahead of the rising cost of the quarterback market by acquiring Jones and signing him to an extension after the 2026 term if Murray does enough to spike his 2027 market value.”

Jones played wonderfully in 2025 when Brock Purdy missed time.

“Jones will also be a free agent next year, but he won’t be able to demand as much as a starting quarterback with decent passing numbers. The Vikings could make the playoffs with Murray, which would likely push them out of range for a top 2027 quarterback prospect,” Moton continued.

“Instead of earmarking significant cap space for him or hoping for a trade-up in next year’s draft, they can acquire and extend Jones to stabilize their quarterback room.”

A lot of terrible developments would have to occur for the Vikings to explore a Jones trade, including injuries or poor performances by Murray and McCarthy. Minnesota would probably hold off on exploring Jones until the 2027 offseason, when he can be signed as a free agent. Why trade a 2nd- or 3rd-Rounder for Jones in November when you can sign him pain-free next March?

Rumor: Kyler Murray remains the frontrunner to win the Vikings’ summer quarterback battle.

FOX Sports‘ Bucky Brooks claimed Murray is the best fit for Minnesota last week.

He explained, “The battle between the former No. 1 overall pick and the Vikings’ intended franchise QB could determine whether the team re-emerges as a title contender in 2026.”

“While Kevin O’Connell has attempted to split the reps evenly to give each player a chance to seize the job, the noise around the Vikings suggests Kyler Murray is the frontrunner heading into training camp, particularly after Justin Jefferson raved about the eighth-year pro’s talent and experience before minicamp. Best Fit: Murray.”

Minnesota was able to ink Murray for $1.3 million this season after the Cardinals opted to end his stay in Arizona and pay him to play elsewhere.

“The former Pro Bowler is the most talented quarterback KOC has coached in Minnesota. As an electric dual-threat playmaker, Murray adds an explosive dimension to the offense as a big-play weapon who can produce highlight-reel-worthy plays inside and outside the pocket,” Brooks added.

“With a supporting cast that features a premier WR1 (Jefferson) and a collection of complementary playmakers (Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, Jauan Jennings, and Aaron Jones) who will allow him to operate like a pass-first point guard leading a fast break, the Vikings can operate in attack mode with a dynamic athlete at the helm.”

Murray, indeed, is the frontrunner to win the QB1 battle in Eagan. McCarthy will need a massive upset or a Murray injury to get under center in Week 1.

Rumor: Jake Golday indeed has traits similar to Andrew Van Ginkel and may be used as an EDGE rusher.

A media member asked O’Connell if Van Ginkel is a valid comparison for Golday, and O’Connell said, “He has some of those characteristics to him. We were fortunate enough to get him where we did.”

Our Kyle Joudry noted on Van Ginkel last month, “Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 240 pounds, Mr. Golday looks quite a lot like Andrew Van Ginkel, somebody who stands at 6’4″ and 242 pounds. Expecting the newcomer to perfectly mimic what Van Ginkel can do is unrealistic.”

“Can he nevertheless do some of the things that Van Ginkel does as early as 2026? At a basic starting point, Golday’s versatility should allow for such a possibility to get tested out.”

Since Minnesota drafted him, Van Ginkel’s name keeps popping up for the best Golday comp. Perhaps the Vikings just have two Van Ginkels now.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

Keely Hodgkinson delved into her plans to start a family in a revealing conversation

Keely Hodgkinson has spoken openly about her desire to one day get married and start a family.

The 24-year-old shot to fame at the Paris 2024 Olympics when she claimed gold in the 800m – four years after taking silver in the same event at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

The Team GB athlete has since become one of the most recognisable figures in British athletics, with fans following both her track career and her personal life. And now, Hodgkinson has shared her plans for the next 10 years during a candid interview with Welsh sprinter Jeremiah Azu on his YouTube channel.

The 25-year-old – who is the 2025 World Indoor Champion over 60 metres – asked the Atherton-born runner what one thing she wants to achieve in the next decade. Hodgkinson responded: “Mine is not related to track at all.

“Mine is I’d like to start a family and get married. That’s a big thing for me. I’ll be 34, I’d like to think I’d had a baby by then and I really look forward to that point of my life at some point.”

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She previously touched on her romantic life when she revealed that her three-year relationship with a fellow runner came to an end at the start of 2024 due to the difficulties of long-distance. Speaking to The Times in October of that year, she said: “He lived in Texas for a bit, then in Italy, then London.

“There was always a distance and, because I do what I do and put that first, we could go weeks, months and not see each other. I’m not really interested in dating right now. I’ve never been on the apps. I like meeting people in real life.”

Amid the scrutiny surrounding her personal life, Hodgkinson returned to competition last week at the British Athletics Championship, lining up for the 400m final – only to walk off the track moments before the race got underway.

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She took her place in lane nine but it quickly became clear that something was wrong as a visibly distressed Hodgkinson made her way to the trackside, with officials swiftly gathering around her.

The athlete was left in tears before walking away, later taking to social media to explain her decision to withdraw. She said in a statement: “I wasn’t feeling 100% standing on the start line, so I made the tough decision to step away and not race. I didn’t want to risk anything ahead of this summer.”

She subsequently posted on Instagram: “Leaving champs healthy! ! Sometimes the hard decision is saying no, body wasn’t feeling 100[%], exciting summer ahead.”

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Lionel Messi (Image credit: X)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Argentina finished the group stage with three wins from three after beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday.Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi scored for Argentina, who had already secured top spot in Group J before the match. Jordan, playing in their first-ever World Cup, ended their campaign with three defeats.Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Friday in Miami.

Lo Celso and Martinez put Argentina in control

With nine changes to the starting XI, Argentina still looked comfortable.Lo Celso, making his first World Cup start, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a brilliant direct free-kick. It was his first World Cup goal and also the first scored by an Argentina player other than Lionel Messi at this tournament.Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead in the 31st minute from the penalty spot. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review showed Julian Alvarez had been kicked in the face during a goalmouth scramble. Moments earlier, Martinez had struck the crossbar from close range.The goal was also Martinez’s first at the 2026 World Cup. He and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez were the only outfield players to start all three group matches for Argentina.

Messi comes off the bench to make history

Messi started on the bench after Argentina had already wrapped up first place in the group. The 39-year-old came on in the 60th minute, just three days after his birthday, replacing Lautaro Martinez.Twenty minutes later, he scored from a free-kick to make it 3-1.It was Messi’s sixth goal of the tournament and his 19th World Cup goal overall, extending his record as the leading men’s scorer in World Cup history.The goal also made him the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. He had entered the game after scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in wins over Algeria and Austria, including his first World Cup hat-trick and a record-breaking brace against Austria.

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.

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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.