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FIFA World Cup Day 17 Highlights (28 June): Saturday at the FIFA World Cup 2026 was a truly historic day that brought the knockout picture into sharper focus. While major teams like England and Croatia secured their spots in the Round of 32, DR Congo made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time in their return to the World Cup after 52 years. Meanwhile, Argentina dazzled on the pitch, and the match between Austria and Algeria delivered a nail-biting finish that went down to the very last second. Here is a full recap of last night's matches.
Match 1: England vs Panama (Group L)
Result: England won 2-0 (Group Toppers)
In a match played at the rain-affected New York-New Jersey Stadium, England displayed a brilliant second-half performance to defeat Panama 2-0 and secure the top spot in Group L.
- First Half: Panama held England at bay thanks to a resilient defense. Captain Harry Kane was unable to make a significant impact during the first half.
- Bellingham's Magic: In the 62nd minute, Jude Bellingham scored with a superb finish off a Bukayo Saka corner, giving England a 1-0 lead.
- Harry Kane's Historic Record: In the 67th minute, Harry Kane headed home a cross from Bellingham to make the score 2-0. This was Kane's 11th goal in World Cup history, making him England's all-time leading goalscorer in the tournament.
- The Road Ahead: England finished at the top with 7 points and will now face the third-placed team in the Round of 32.
Match 2: Croatia vs Ghana (Group L)
Result: Croatia won 2-1
In a fiercely contested match played in Philadelphia, Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to secure second place in Group L and advance to the knockout stage.
- Stellar Start: In the first half, Petar Sučić gave Croatia a 1-0 lead by scoring an incredible long-range goal from about 30 yards out.
- Ghana's Comeback: In the 73rd minute of the second half, Ghana's Derek Luckassen scored to level the match at 1-1.
- Modrić-Vlašić Combination: In the 83rd minute, Nikola Vlašić scored with a brilliant header off a corner kick from veteran Luka Modrić, giving Croatia a decisive 2-1 lead that they maintained until the end.
Match 3: Colombia vs Portugal (Group K)
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Result: Match ended in a 0-0 draw
A fierce contest was witnessed between Colombia and Portugal in the biggest and most highly anticipated match of Group K. Although the match ended goalless (0-0), there was no shortage of excitement on the field.
- Goalkeepers Shine: Colombia launched repeated attacks in the second half, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved his team from defeat with six brilliant saves. Meanwhile, Rúben Dias also made a superb clearance off the goal line.
- Knockout Scenarios: With this draw, Colombia topped Group K with 7 points, while Portugal finished second with 5 points. In the knockout stage, Colombia will now face Ghana, and Portugal will take on Croatia.
Match 4: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Group K)
Result: DR Congo won 3-1 (Created History)
In Atlanta, the DR Congo team staged a magnificent comeback against Uzbekistan to win 3-1, etching their name in the history books.
- Early Setback: Uzbekistan's Eldor Shomurodov scored in the 10th minute, giving his team an early lead.
- Congo's Historic Comeback: DR Congo turned the tide in the second half. Yoane Wissa first equalized from a penalty, and then Fiston Mayele put the team ahead 2-1.
Match 5: Argentina vs Jordan (Group J)
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Result: Argentina won 3-1
In the Group J clash, the star-studded Argentina team defeated Jordan 3-1, firmly advancing to the next round, while Jordan's journey came to an end.
- Early dominance: Argentina established a strong 2-0 lead thanks to a goal by Giovani Lo Celso in the 24th minute and a penalty converted by Lautaro Martínez in the 31st minute.
- Jordan's effort: Jordan's Mousa Al-Tamari scored in the 55th minute, bringing the score to 2-1 and reviving some hope in the match.
- Messi's magic: In the 80th minute, the legendary Lionel Messi scored a brilliant goal to make it 3-1. This marks Messi's sixth goal of the World Cup.
Match 6: Austria vs. Algeria (Group J)
Result: Match ended in a 3-3 draw (High-voltage drama)
This was one of the most thrilling matches of the World Cup, with the winner undecided until the very last seconds. Ultimately, the match ended in a 3-3 draw.
- Goal Sequence: Austria's Marko Arnautović (28th minute) and Marcel Sabitzer (55th minute) scored, while Algeria's Rafik Belghali (45th minute) and Riyad Mahrez (60th minute) found the net, bringing the match to a thrilling 2-2 scoreline.
- Injury-Time Drama: In the 90+3rd minute, Riyad Mahrez scored his second goal to put Algeria ahead 3-2. It seemed Austria would lose the match and be eliminated from the tournament.
- Last-Second Miracle: Just seconds before the final whistle, in the 90+6th minute, Austria's Saša Kalajdžić scored a miraculous goal to level the score at 3-3, securing his team's spot in the knockout stage.
- Group J Outcome: Following this dramatic match, Argentina, Algeria, and Austria have all successfully advanced to the Round of 32 from Group J.
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