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HIGHLIGHTS | FIFA World Cup 2026, Day 17: DR Congo enter knockouts for first time in history; Austria, Algeria reach last 32 after 3-3 thriller

Yoane Wissa's double fired DR Congo into the World Cup knockout stage with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, while Colombia and Portugal also advanced after playing out a thrilling goalless draw.
Congo players celebrate after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Congo players celebrate after the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Photo | AP)
TNIE online desk
Summary

Matchday 17 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered more drama as DR Congo created history by beating Uzbekistan 3-1 to secure a first ever World Cup win and set up a meeting with England in the last 32. Yoane Wissa rounded off a historic night for the Africans with a fine strike in stoppage time for his third goal of the tournament.

England topped Group L after second-half strikes from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane sealed a comfortable win over Panama. Croatia joined them in the knockout stage after a 2-1 victory over Ghana, with 40-year-old Luka Modric becoming the oldest player in World Cup history to register an assist. Ghana also progressed as one of the group's qualifiers.

In Group K, Colombia finished top after an entertaining goalless draw with Portugal. Colombia will face Ghana in the last 32, while runners-up Portugal are set for a blockbuster meeting with Croatia, pitting Cristiano Ronaldo against his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric.

Argentina wrapped up their group-stage campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan, as Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament and extend his own World Cup record to 19 career goals.

The day's final drama came in Kansas City, where Algeria and Austria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw. The result sent both teams through to the knockout stage while confirming Iran's elimination from the tournament.

List of teams qualified for World Cup last 32

Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, United States, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, France, Norway, Argentina, Colombia, Australia, England, Ghana,  Egypt, Paraguay, Spain, Belgium, Senegal, Cape Verde, Portugal

Cape Verde’s dream run continues, becoming smallest country into World Cup knockout round

Tiny Cape Verde defied odds to become the smallest country to earn a spot in the World Cup knockout round behind the stellar play of Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper who embodied the grit of his nation.

“We are small,” he said. “But we have big hearts and we are fighters.”

Cape Verde completed an improbable run through the group stage with a third straight World Cup draw, a 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday night to advance in the tournament.

The small island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on soccer’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw and then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay.

DR Congo must take risks to keep World Cup 'dream alive', says Desabre

DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre said his side will try to "keep the dream alive" for their fans back home by progressing to the World Cup last 32.

Victory over already-eliminated Uzbekistan in Atlanta on Saturday will secure qualification for the knockout stages as at least one of the best third-placed sides.

Desabre's side stunned Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal with a 1-1 draw in their first World Cup game for 52 years before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia.

"We're already happy to have secured the first point for Congo; we've had a strong run and we can keep the dream and the story alive for all Congolese people," Desabre told his pre-match press conference.

"Our players are ready to rise to this challenge.. We needed one point from the two (first) matches to keep our qualification destiny in our own hands. Tomorrow a win is essential, so we’ll have to take risks."

Messi to start dead-rubber World Cup group match on bench

Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group game against Jordan on Saturday on the bench with the reigning champions already assured of top spot, coach Lionel Scaloni said.

"Leo will come on later and I’ve already confirmed the team, but we’re going to announce it tomorrow," Scaloni told reporters on Friday.

Argentina's Leandro Paredes, left, Lionel Messi, center, and Alexis Mac Allister train for the World Cup soccer tournament Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan.
Argentina's Leandro Paredes, left, Lionel Messi, center, and Alexis Mac Allister train for the World Cup soccer tournament Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Kansas City, Kan.(Photo | AP)

Cannavaro seeks first win as World Cup legacy for Uzbekistan

Fabio Cannavaro said beating DR Congo on Saturday for a first World Cup win could leave a "wonderful" legacy for Uzbekistan at their first World Cup.

Defeats to Colombia and Portugal have already condemned Cannavaro's side to elimination, but the Italian great said he has been targeting the clash in Atlanta since the draw was made in December.

"Congo is a more winnable match for us because ever since the draw for the group was made, I've always maintained that against Colombia and Portugal we would have to suffer a great deal," said Cannavaro, who captained Italy to World Cup glory 20 years ago.

"When the draw was made for this group we were well aware that this could be our game against the DR Congo."

"Trying to win a match at the World Cup is wonderful. It would be incredibly rewarding for my footballers because they have worked a lot," added the former Juventus and Real Madrid defender.

"I have tried to lift them up many times. Trying to win the match tomorrow, first and foremost, I want to do this for my players. Then, I want us to grow as a team."

Bellingham, Kane score as England beat Panama to reach World Cup last 32

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored second-half goals as England got the job done against Panama at the World Cup on Saturday, a 2-0 victory at the MetLife Stadium taking Thomas Tuchel's team into the last 32 as Group L winners.

Real Madrid star Bellingham got on the end of a Bukayo Saka corner to break the deadlock just after the hour mark on a soggy day in New Jersey.

It was largely uninspiring stuff up to that point, but the opening goal had been coming and Bellingham then crossed for Kane to head in the second midway through the second half.

That was Kane's third goal of the tournament after he netted a brace in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia, and the England captain has now moved clear of Gary Lineker as his country's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 11.

Croatia battle past Ghana to sew up World Cup Last 32 spot

Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to claim second spot in Group L on Saturday to secure their passage to the last 32 of the World Cup.

Petar Sucic opened the scoring in the first half before a resurgent Ghana dominated the second period, eventually levelling courtesy of Derrick Luckassen.

But the 2018 runners-up showed their grit to dig out a late winner from the head of Nikola Vlasic as they set up a knockout clash with the second-placed side from Group K in Toronto on Thursday.

Croatia players celebrate at the end of the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Croatia players celebrate at the end of the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Modric becomes oldest player in World Cup history to provide an assist

Colombia and Portugal through to World Cup last 32 after thrilling draw

Colombia finished top of World Cup Group K after playing out a highly-entertaining end-to-end 0-0 draw with Portugal on Saturday.

Colombia will feel hard done by nevertheless as a marginal offside ruled out a late goal by Davinson Sanchez.

The Colombians will play Ghana in the last 32 next Friday, while runners-up Portugal will see Cristiano Ronaldo face his old Real Madrid teammate Croatian icon Luka Modric on Thursday.

Players embrace following the World Cup Group K soccer match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Players embrace following the World Cup Group K soccer match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Yoane Wissa's brace sends DR Congo into World Cup last 32 for first time in history

Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and qualified for the last 32 of the World Cup for the first time in their history on Saturday.

They will meet England after registering their ever World Cup win.

Eldor Shomurodov's lob over Lionel Mpasi gave the Uzbeks a perfect start in Atlanta.

But Newcastle striker Wissa levelled from the penalty spot before Fiston Mayele's goal sent the mainly Congolese crowd into a frenzy.

Wissa rounded off a historic night for the Africans with a fine strike in stoppage time for his third goal of the tournament.

Algeria vs Austria gets underway

Jordan and Argentina get their Group J clash underway

General view during the pregame ceremony before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
General view during the pregame ceremony before the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.Photo | AP)

Giovani Lo Celso strikes to give Argentina the lead

Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso, right, scores his side's opening goal on a free kick during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso, right, scores his side's opening goal on a free kick during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Lautaro Martinez converts from the spot to put Argentina 2-0 up against Jordan

Argentina's Lautaro Martinez, left, scores his side's second goal on a penalty kick during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Argentina's Lautaro Martinez, left, scores his side's second goal on a penalty kick during the World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (Photo | AP)

Marko Arnautovic gives Austria the lead 

Rafik Belghali finds the equaliser for Algeria

Algeria's Rafik Belghali (17) celebrates with his teammate Fares Chaibi (10) after scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Algeria and Austria.
Algeria's Rafik Belghali (17) celebrates with his teammate Fares Chaibi (10) after scoring his team's first goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Algeria and Austria.(Photo | AP)

Marcel Sabitzer puts Austria 2-1 up against Algeria

Musa Al-Taamari pulls one back for Jordan 

Jordan's Mousa Altamari (10) celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Jordan's Mousa Altamari (10) celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.(Photo | AP)

Riyad Mahrez restores parity for Algeria

Lionel Messi finds the net to extend Argentina's lead to 3-1

Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his side's 3rd goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) celebrates scoring his side's 3rd goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Saturday, June 27, 2026.(Photo | AP)

Riyad Mahrez scores in stoppage time to put Algeria 3-2 up against Austria 

Sasa Kalajdzic strikes late to make it 3-3 for Austria

Austria's Sasa Kalajdzic (14) celebrates his team's third goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Algeria and Austria in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 27, 2026.
Austria's Sasa Kalajdzic (14) celebrates his team's third goal during the World Cup Group J soccer match between Algeria and Austria in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, June 27, 2026.(Photo | AP)

Messi scores again as Argentina head into World Cup last 32 on a high

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina warmed up for their World Cup knockout  tie with Cape Verde by beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday.

The ageless Messi tops the scoring charts in North America as the tournament heads into the last 32.

Cape Verde's players will have been watching closely with the debutants ranked 67 facing the champions on July 3 in Miami.

With qualification already in the bag, Messi started on the bench but came on after an hour in Texas to huge cheers to get his side's third with a free-kick.

Argentina finished emphatically top of Group J with maximum points after also beating Algeria 3-0 and defeating Austria 2-0, all the goals coming from Messi.

Austria and Algeria reach World Cup knockouts after 3-3 thriller

Algeria and Austria played out an incredible 3-3 draw in Kansas City on Saturday that ensured both teams qualified for the World Cup knockout rounds and eliminated Iran.

Veteran forward Marko Arnautovic put the European side in front at Arrowhead Stadium but Rafik Belghali levelled shortly before half-time, benefiting from a huge slice of luck.

Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead with a superb strike but minutes later Algeria were all-square again thanks to former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez.

Both teams appeared to have settled for a mutually beneficial draw in the closing minutes but there was still time for some edge-of-the-seat drama.

Mahrez netted again in the 93rd minute and then, in the final seconds Sasa Kalajdzic, just on as a substitute, headed home -- sparking scenes of wild joy from the Austrian squad.

England
Cristiano Ronaldo
Harry Kane
Portugal
2026 FIFA World Cup

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