The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage ended in dramatic fashion on Saturday night/Sunday morning, with the final fixtures producing late twists and confirming the full lineup for the tournament’s first-ever Round of 32.
One of the most dramatic moments came in the closing seconds of Algeria’s clash with Austria.
Algeria appeared to have snatched victory through Riyad Mahrez’s 94th-minute strike, a result that would have eliminated Austria.
However, substitute Saša Kalajdžić scored with his second touch and the final kick of the match to earn Austria a stunning equalizer and keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Mexico became the first team to confirm qualification for the knockout stage after beating South Korea 1–0 in their second group game.
El Tri then completed a perfect group-stage campaign with a 3–0 win over Czechia, finishing top of Group A with nine points.
The two other co-hosts, the United States and Canada, also advanced to the Round of 32.
Canada progressed as runners-up after a 2–1 defeat to Switzerland, while the United States retained the top spot in their group despite a late 3–2 loss to Türkiye.
The knockout stage will feature several high-profile fixtures, with Germany drawn against Paraguay and tournament favourites France set to face Sweden.
South Africa will take on Canada while the Netherlands faces Morocco.
Portugal will meet Croatia, Spain will face Austria, and the United States will battle Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Full fixture:
🇩🇪 Germany vs Paraguay 🇵🇾
🇫🇷 France vs Sweden 🇸🇪
🇿🇦 South Africa vs Canada 🇨🇦
🇳🇱 Netherlands vs Morocco 🇲🇦
🇵🇹 Portugal vs Croatia 🇭🇷
🇪🇸 Spain vs Austria 🇦🇹
🇺🇸 USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
🇧🇪 Belgium vs Senegal 🇸🇳
🇧🇷 Brazil vs Japan 🇯🇵
🇨🇮 Ivory Coast vs Norway 🇳🇴
🇲🇽 Mexico vs Ecuador 🇪🇨
🏴 England vs DR Congo 🇨🇩
🇦🇷 Argentina vs Cape Verde 🇨🇻
🇦🇺 Australia vs Egypt 🇪🇬
🇨🇭 Switzerland vs Algeria 🇩🇿
🇨🇴 Colombia vs Ghana 🇬🇭
