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World Cup 2026 Group Stage Enters Final Day as Messi and Ronaldo Rewrite Records

Record-setting goals and decisive results have left several teams through to the last 16 while remaining final-day matches will lock in provisional knockout pairings under the new 48-team format.

Overview

  • Lionel Messi scored a brace against Austria and became the all-time World Cup top scorer with 18 goals, a milestone reported across multiple outlets after Argentina’s win.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal routed Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday, a performance that restored momentum for the Portuguese side in Group K.
  • Colombia beat DR Congo 1-0 to reach six points and clinch a place in the round of 16, while Argentina’s victory over Austria also secured their progression.
  • The final group-day matches on June 24, notably Brazil vs Scotland and Morocco vs Haiti in Group C, will determine group winners, runners-up and many of the eight best third-place qualifiers.
  • Media outlets are projecting provisional Round of 16 matchups — including an Argentina vs Uruguay pairing for July 3 in Miami — but all brackets remain subject to change until the last group matches finish.