Lionel Messi made history once again at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina sealed a perfect group stage with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Arlington, Texas. Meanwhile, England, Colombia, and a historic DR Congo side all confirmed their places in the round of 32, as Iran became one of the tournament's notable early eliminations.

Messi, who turned 39 earlier this week, came on as a substitute in the 60th minute and curled a free kick through the Jordan wall in the 80th minute, extending his all-time World Cup record to 19 goals. Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez had already given Argentina a commanding lead before Jordan pulled one back through Mousa Al-Tamari. Argentina, one of only three teams — alongside France and co-host Mexico — to win all three group games, now face Cape Verde in Miami on July 4. The tiny Atlantic island nation, making its World Cup debut, became the smallest country ever to reach the knockout stages after a disciplined 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia completed an extraordinary group in which they also held Spain and Uruguay.

In Group L, England defeated Panama 2-0 at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Jude Bellingham breaking the deadlock in the 62nd minute before setting up Harry Kane five minutes later. England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged a laboured performance but struck a confident note: