World Cup 2026 Group Stages (Round of 48) Recap

Group A: Mexico vs. South Africa 2-0

All in all, both teams under-performed. South African defence was indecisive in clearance and that gave Mexico a freebie of a goal. It was the first game of the whole tournament so it was understandable that Mexico would play cautiously but their attack was not effective either. It looked like Mexico would surely lose to an European team if ever that were to happen. South Africa got forward but their shooting efforts were futile. They were clumsy in some tackles that eventually led to 2 red cards. Mexico also committed one deliberate and sloppy tackle near the box and that led to a red card as well. It was a boring match.
Group A: South Korea vs. Czechia 2-1

It was a goalless first half but what was impressive was the passing movement and defensive positioning of Korea. It was a solid 5 back formation and Korea had most of the possession. It was unfortunate that Son was off target today. From the beginning of second half, Czechia was goal hungry. It seemed like Korea also changed formation to 3 back and more offensive for the second half so that may have been the reason why Czechia was able to penetrate. But what brought Czechia a goal was from a throw-in that directly connected with a header in the 58th minute. Korea remained having more ball possession. What I liked about the Koreans was that they dealt with the ball with conviction and no hesitation. Eventually the good passing movement led Korea to equalize. Then another team effort led to another goal for Korea. All in all, Korea totally dominated the game even without Son (as he was substituted in the second half).
Group B: Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina 1-1

Canada was forward and dominant in attack but the finish was lackluster. Meanwhile before the first hydration break, Czechia got a corner kick chance to which they converted into a goal. But Canada kept knocking on the door and the substitute Larin finally scored the equalizer in the 78th minute. Canada should've had many more goals but couldn't capitalize on any of their chances until the last second. Canada should've won but ended in a draw.
Group D: USA vs. Paraguay 4-1
Paraguay and USA both looked threatening in the beginning. USA looked quite skillful and the quick passing allowed them to dominate the game. They scored early on; although it was an own goal, the US deserved every credit for the movement was threatening and a goal was inevitable. After their first goal, they became more comfortable and the game was one-sided. Paraguay was busy defending. The second goal from the Americans was not an own goal but all resulted from good forward movement. It seemed like the US team was almost playing around with Paraguay. Before closing the first half, the Americans scored another to make it 3 nil. Late in the second half, Paraguay got a chance and pounced on it to pull one back. In the last few seconds of stop-itch time, the US showed individual skill prowess as the inside right foot made its way to the back of the net to seal the already predicted win.
Group B: Qatar vs. Switzerland 1-1

 The game started with a scare for the Swiss. Qatar was waiting to counter and when a Swiss player made a mistake, the front was wide open and it was a one on one situation, Qatar striker versus keeper, but luckily for Swiss the striker's shot was unconvincing so it was blocked. That was a wake-up call for Switzerland and they regained control. Then there was a collision with the Swiss player and the Qatar keeper in front of the net and the keeper got a yellow card warning and Swiss was awarded a penalty kick for an easy first goal. Despite Switzerland's efforts, they couldn't make an additional goal and Qatar had a few chances as well. Both teams went forward well but lacked in finish. In stop-itch time, Qatar suddenly made a good lobbing pass that was connected by a header to equalize. In response, Swiss got a corner kick opportunity but couldn't score so the game ended in a draw. Switzerland should have done a much better job and that allowed Qatar to even the score.
 Group C: Brazil vs. Morocco 1-1
 Surprisingly from the get-go, Morocco looked like the stronger team with fast paced offensive movement. Brazil had some poor passing and they looked too lax with the ball at times. Morocco had the first goal of the game from a nice long pass that led to a one-to-one situation with the striker and keeper and the striker lifted up the ball over the keeper to lob into the net. Brazil was desperate to equalize but Morocco remained threatening. However, what saved Brazil was the individual skill of Vinícius Júnior. Vini was the one who made an excellent strike to tie it up one a piece. Brazil gained a bit more confidence after that and got a little more ball possession but they were still in threat. It was a stalemate in the second half so the result remained unchanged.
Group C: Haiti vs. Scotland 0-1

Scotland dominating the game was expected and it was so in the beginning but quarter way of first half, Haiti held their own in terms of ball possession. Scotland ultimately succeeded in scoring first however from a play that started from the center back and pressuring inside the box that led to a deflection and an own goal. That fired up Scotland and they became more threatening. When Haiti went up forward, it seemed like their finishing move was lackluster. It was a fierce second half as Scotland wanted another goal to seal the deal and Haiti wanted to equalize but both to no avail. So Scotland barely won. Great effort from Haiti.
Group D: Australia vs. Turkiye 2-0

Turkiye was the favourite to win but there was a twist of events. The difference was who was on target or not; in this case, Australia made the goals and Turkiye directed the shots at the keeper. It was a fierce competition and Aussies prevailed at the top.
Group E: Germany vs. Curacao 7-1

Germany dominated as usual. Curacao looked focused but their final move was interfered by Germany. Meanwhile, Germany's individual skill was impressive which led to their first goal. The problem with Germany was the inaccurate passing at times. Before the hydration break in about the 21st minute, Curacao went forward in a fast pace and Germany couldn't stop them properly so that resulted in them equalizing. Germany led the plays but Curacao was waiting to counter-attack so the fast-paced game was exciting to watch. They were tied but Germany kept bombarding Curacao with offensive movement and Germany was able to add to their score from a corner kick and a header connection. German's third goal was achieved from a penalty kick due to a non-yellow card tackle in the penalty box. From the first play in the second half, Germany scored another one. It was all Germany thereafter. The Germans creatively found space and penetrated in the center in the box to get another goal. Curaco looked hopeless in defence and let more space to be open so Germany scored again.
Group F: Netherlands vs. Japan 2-2

Japan's defence system was well intact as they occupied spaces that obstructed Netherlands from penetrating. Japan was too occupied on defending and their counters didn't end in convincing finishes while Netherlands couldn't find proper space and clear-cut opportunities to shoot so it was a stalemate in the first half. All the goals came in the second half. If Netherlands couldn't penetrate Japan's territory, they made up with formidable long-range shots. Netherlands scored first with an excellent shot by individual skill, then Japan caught up to tie it replying with their own excellent screamer of a goal. Not long after, Netherlands were ahead again with another beautiful shot. Japan then dominated possession and kept knocking on the door. Eventually Japan equalized from a corner kick and a header connection. At the last minute, Japan killed time so they could keep the tie. It was the most exciting tie game of the tournament so far.
Group E: Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador 1-0

 It was a scoreless stalemate of a first half as Ecuador was offensive but couldn't finish and Ivory Coast was busy defending and counter-attacking. In the second half, Ivory Coast looked slightly more threatening but they were neck and neck. As the game was nearing the end, Ivory Coast looked like they were closer to a goal and they did indeed score in the 90th minute. In stop-itch time, Ecuador was frantic to equalize and Ivory Coast's attack continued to be fired up. At the last second, Ecuador got a corner kick but to no avail.
Group F: Sweden vs. Tunisia 5-1

Tunisia was outclassed by the strong attacking Sweden.
Group H: Spain vs. Cape Verde 0-0

Spain mostly had the ball but Cape Verde held their own in terms of defence so it was difficult for Spain to penetrate or make goal opportunities. In the seldom instances that Cape Verde had counter chances, their finish were lackluster. Spain's final move was lacking as well so it remained scoreless in the first half. Second half wasn't any better. It seemed like Spain was frustrated because things were not going their way. Late in the second half, Yamal was substituted in to add more creativity on the right flank. He looked threatening as soon as he came in but to no avail. Spain kept trying to organize plays to create opportunities for goal but their shooting condition, especially Mikel Oyarzabal, was poor today. So it ended in a tie. It was a significant win for the World Cup first-timers Cape Verde that they didn't lose to a major team.
Group G: Belgium vs. Egypt 1-1

Belgium was careful in building plays while Egypt was fast paced and forward. In the 20th minute, Egypt made a surprise long-range shot and succeeded in an awesome goal. That boosted the confidence for Egypt. In the second half, the competition was tight as Egypt wanted more goals and Belgium needed to tie. There were some chances for Belgium but couldn't convert to goals. Late in the second half, Lukaku was substituted in and as soon as he went on pitch, he assisted in scoring the equalizer via own goal with authority. After tying, Belgium became more confident while Egypt looked rushed. In the end, both teams were in a rush but there were no more goals.
Group H: Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay 1-1

 Surprisingly, Saudi Arabia tried to keep ball possession but they were lacking individual skill that led to their efforts being overturned. Uruguay was also not impressive when it came to lobbing the ball aimlessly to the front at no man's land. Saudi scored the goal first from a rebound. In turn, Uruguay was in a rush to even the score but failed to do so in the first half. Uruguay mostly had the ball possession in the second half. Time was counting down and Uruguay was restless as they missed in their chances. They kept knocking on the door and eventually they also scored by rebound. Uruguay gave it their all but couldn't add to their score in the end.

Group G: Iran vs. New Zealand 2-2

 Iran dominated in possession in the beginning but it was actually New Zealand that scored first early that started from the keeper's long kick. The momentum moved to New Zealand thereafter. But in the latter half of first half, Iran regained momentum and eventually equalized. It also seemed that the crowd was more on Iran's side as the cheers were louder. Each team took turns back and forth in attack and it was a nail-biting end to the first half. In the second half, New Zealand scored one early on from a nice passing play and excellent shooting. Iran was determined to equalize and dominated possession. As they kept on trying, they eventually succeeded in one shot with a nice long distance lob pass and a header. The momentum was on Iran's side but couldn't score any because New Zealand's defensive wall was tight.
Group I: France vs. Senegal 3-1

France dominated in possession as expected but Senegal's defence was difficult to break in the first half and Senegal had a few major chances to score but missed. It was one counter after another against each other going back and forth. All the goals came in the second half. France's shooting condition was in top form, especially Mbappe. Mbappe opened the score fest. France's second goal came from an accurate penetration pass to give Barcola an easy one-on-one situation with the keeper to whom he lobbed over. In the middle of stop-itch time, Senegal equalized with a scream of a goal. But not long after, Mbappe suddenly made a long range shot from outside the box and got it in so that hit the nail in the coffin.

Group I: Iraq vs. Norway 1-4

Norway had more ball possession and was physically more superior. Not long after the first hydration break, Norway made a good movement towards the left flank then passed forward to the center for Haaland to do his job that is to score which he did. Iraq didn't give up and Norway's defence was lax so Iraq took advantage and made a cross from open space to connect it with a header to even the score. At the 42nd minute, the Iraq defender lost focus and made a slow back pass toward the keeper that Haaland took advantage of and made an easy second goal for Norway. At the end of first half, Iraq had some close chances but missed. In the second half, both teams looked rushed as they wanted more goals so Norway was making some poor passes. When Iraq went forward quickly, Norway's defence looked unsettling. The referee calls didn't side with Norway to make things worse. Norway had difficulty going forward and just passed back and forth from the back. They couldn't make proper plays but a corner kick finally gave Norway another goal via header. The height advantage helped Norway at the last second of stop-itch as the Norwegian jumped up to receive a cross and head for goal. Norway's handling of the ball was lackluster at times but they prevailed nevertheless with ball possession, physique and Haaland.

Group J: Argentina vs. Algeria 3-0

 Argentina looked confident but felt some pressure from the oncoming Algerians. Argentina players had the individual skill and flare but Algeria looked just as threatening, if not more at times, with their forward movement. Both teams shot on target but the goals didn't count due to offside. Before the 17th minute, Messi magic happened; he was given a perfect pass and being positioned at the center front his vision was wide open so he could clearly see his target whereby he hit the ball from distance and successfully got it in on the right side of the net. So the first half ended with Argentina leading a goal up. In the second half, Argentina was looking to counter-attack. Then in the 60th minute, there was a long range effort by Argentina that was blocked but rebounded by Messi for their second goal; Messi magic again. The momentum was on Argentina's side. When Algeria attacked, Argentina's defence looked focused. After the 75th minute, Messi magic happened the third time as Argentina's counter-attack moved forward in a well crafted manner that led to Messi having an opportunity to shoot just out of the box and put in another splendid goal. Messi was substituted after his hat-trick with about 10 minutes left of the game. All in all, the game was all about Messi.

Group J: Austria vs. Jordan 3-1

Austria looked the stronger group as they first scored a goal with a nice long range shot. However, Jordan was also hungry for goal and they equalized in the second half like the way Austria did. Before the 67th minute, Austria had a corner kick that led to a scrappy goal in front of the keeper but it was ruled out due to hand ball. In the 75th minute however, Austria scored again through a corner kick that connected to a Jordan player's back that resulted in an own goal. Austria's last goal was from a penalty kick at the last second of stop-itch time.

Group K: Portugal vs. Congo 1-1

 Portugal scored first early on. Congo became more offensive and threatening afterwards. Meanwhile, Portugal tried to control the plays and Congo was waiting to pounce. Congo's offensive efforts paid off as they equalized at the end of first half. It was anyone's game. Just before hydration break in the second half, Ronaldo got a great chance to score but missed which was unlike him. It seemed like it was getting closer and closer for Portugal to score but things didn't go their way in the last move. Congo was rushed so they didn't capitalize on their opportunities and made poor finishes. It was a nail-biting finish but it ended in a draw.

Group L: England vs. Croatia 4-2

 England took control of ball possession and Croatia was looking to counter. In the box, Modric kicked an English player and committed a foul so England was given a penalty kick chance. Kane's shot to the center was blocked but luckily he got a chance to retake it due to a Croatian being off line. In his second try, Kane was able to score. The game was fast paced and exciting. England was hungry for more. Croatia did not back down and went offensive as well. In the 35th minute, a counter-attack led to a long-range shot that allowed Croatia to equalize. In the 41st minute, England got a corner kick and it was well connected by Kane with a header. At the end of first half, Croatia evened up the score again from a play that started outside the box. The second half started with a spectacular goal by Bellingham. Another one followed later shot by Rashford in the 85th minute. Croatia tried to get a consolation goal but to no avail as they were too rushed and couldn't break the solid defence of England. All in all, it was a fierce competition but England outclassed Croatia.

Group L: Ghana vs. Panama 1-0


  There was plenty of pace displayed from both sides but nothing came into fruition due to lackluster finishing. Ghana was frustrated when they couldn't score. With 2 minutes left of stop-itch time, Ghana finally scored from a counter attack.

Group K: Uzbekistan vs. Colombia 1-3

Colombia was focused on making plays while Uzbekistan was set on countering. Late in the first half, Colombia finally got a goal in. In the 60th minute in the second half, the Colombian keeper didn't properly catch the ball so it lobbed over him and Uzbekistan player behind got a freebie of a goal. However, not long after, Uzbekistan's keeper made a mistake as well as he failed to catch the ball and fumbled it to go behind the net, so Colombia led again. At the last second of stop-itch time, Colombia added insult to injury as they scored from a great cross that was connected in the air with a header.

Group A: Czechia vs. South Africa 1-1

Czechia got a goal early on in the 5th minute easily as the defensive line had open spaces. Both teams had poor finishing. Late in the 80th minute, South Africa got lucky and was rewarded a penalty kick from a harsh hand ball call (the arm was inward towards the body and the handling was not deliberate) that led to them equalizing. Czechia should've been the better team but had not much to show for it.

Group B: Switzerland vs. Bosnia 4-1


From the get-go, the game was fast paced as both teams made threatening moves. Switzerland had more possession of the ball and bombarded their opponents with attacks but the first half ended scoreless. In the second half, Swiss continued to dominate possession. In the latter half of second half, Bosnia ruled possession for a while but to no avail. After all their efforts, Switzerland finally scored their first goal late in the 73rd minute. Bosnia got a red card in the 80th minute. Swiss scored another goal in the 83rd minute, and another goal was put in after the 89th minute. In mid stop-itch time, Bosnia got a consolation goal from a corner kick and a rebounding long range shot but they ruined it as they committed a penalty kick offence again at the last second of the game for Swiss to go up 4.

Group B: Canada vs. Qatar 6-0

Canada totally dominated the game and the passing play was excellent. The first half was a goal fest of 3 goals for Canada and Qatar couldn't do anything about it; there could've been more goals. In the second half, the Canadian dominance was more prevalent and it was just a one-side game. To make things worse for Qatar, they got 2 red cards and all they could do is defend.

Group A: Mexico vs. South Korea 1-0

South Korea had most of the possession but it was just moving around at the back and not really going forward well. Mexico successfully closed off all spaces and pressured well so it was difficult for Korea to penetrate. Korea had some chances but the shooting condition was not great, but what was worse was the play-making. Mexico had chances to score as well but Korean defence was difficult to break as well, or if broken then the keeper was solid in blocking. The main problem was that Mexico scored due to a defensive blunder by Korea; the defender shouldn't have been in front of the keeper as he caught it but lost the ball when he tripped over the defender whereby the Mexican player got a freebie of a goal. The ref seemed sketchy as well when fouls committed to Korea were not called. Koreans kept trying but their forward movement was indecisive and slow so Mexico could catch up with them. All in all, it was a poor performance from Korea unlike last match and Mexico took advantage. Now, Korea has to win South Africa.

Group D: USA vs. Australia 2-0

USA showed dominance with impressive passing skills. The threatening forward movement of the US led Australia to concede an own goal early on in first half. Australia did their best to equalize but to no avail. Before the end of first half, USA got another goal; it was first called off-side but the referee ruled it as on-side. Australia continued their efforts in the second half as they desperately needed a goal since they were trailing 2 down. The Americans didn't falter and kept their composure. The ball possession was mostly all Australia in the second half but the result remained unchanged.

Group C: Scotland vs. Morocco 0-1

Morocco opened the score board early after the first minute. Scotland dominated ball possession in the latter half of first half and they tried to even the score but failed to do so. In the second half, Morocco had more of the ball and tried to solidify their lead. Scotland needed to equalize so they tried to go forward as well but Morocco's pressuring made it difficult and made the Scots feel rushed. Scotland couldn't get foul calls either as if the referee was against their side. The latter half of second half was all Scotland in hopes of tying but to no avail.

Group C: Brazil vs. Haiti 3-0

Brazil was threatening from the start. After Brazil scored the first goal, more threat and goals followed so the first half ended with Brazil up 3. Haiti was totally outclassed. There was one instance of Haiti almost getting a goal but nothing else significant happened in the second half.

Group D: Turkiye vs. Paraguay 0-1

Luck was sort of on their side as Paraguay got a goal early on in the fastest record of the tournament so far. Turkiye tried to catch up and went for goal but failed each time which frustrated them. Luck on the other hand was not on Turkiye's side.

Group F: Netherlands vs. Sweden 5-1

The attack condition of the Netherlands was overpowering and despite not looking too bad, Sweden couldn't overcome Netherlands.

Group E: Germany vs. Ivory Coast 2-1

It seemed like Germany took control of the game but after the first hydration break Ivory Coast actually scored first from good flank movement. Germany remained composure and persisted in trying to make chances. After the 67th minute, Germany's persistence paid off as they linked the passes well for a clinical finish. In stop-itch time, Germany scored a goal again from good forward movement and shooting. It was a dramatic win for Germany.

Group E: Ecuador vs. Curacao 0-0

Ecuador looked threatening by possession domination but Curacao looked threatening in counter-attack. It was a fierce competition and both teams looked rushed. The finishes and ball handling were poor. Second half was just all Ecuador attacking but they failed to score so the game ended in a scoreless draw.

Group F: Tunisia vs. Japan 0-4

Japan outclassed Tunisia as expected but not to this extent. The shooting and play making conditions of Japan were top-notch.

Group H: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia 4-0

Spain dominated in possession as expected. Spain kept doing home runs with their shots but succeeded in scoring one from good forward movement in the 10th minute. The momentum was on Spain's side. Spain was lethal inside the box as they scored two in succession before the first hydration break. Early in the second half, Spain scored another one from a corner kick and a volley connection that deflected the keeper for an own goal.

Group G: Belgium vs. Iran 0-0

Belgium controlled ball possession and was in haste to score but the shots were interfered or missed. Belgium had a scare in the 24th minute when Iran scored a goal that started from a free kick but it was ruled off as offside. The first half ended scoreless. Belgium continued to bombard Iran with attacks. Iran didn't have many but they had some threatening moments of their own and induced a red card on Belgium as a result. With one man less for Belgium, it was more difficult to make plays and they lost ball possession. The shooting condition for both teams was lackluster. It was nail-biting to the end but the zero-zero result remained unchanged.

Group H: Uruguay vs. Cape Verde 2-2

Uruguay did passing play to control the game while Cape Verde maintained solid defence. In the 20th minute, Cape Verde scored their first goal ever in their World Cup history from a direct free kick outside the box that went through the holed human wall and past the keeper. Near the end of first half, a Cape Verde player was down on the ground due to leg cramps and amidst the chaos Uruguay took advantage and tried a long-range shot that hit the post but was rebounded for them to equalize. The momentum was with Uruguay and they kept attacking, eventually leading to an additional goal for them to be in the lead at the end of first half. In the 60th minute, Uruguay's player threw in then made a poor back pass that gave a gift of a chance for Cape Verde to capitalize and make it into a goal. Cape Verde's hopes were up. The competition was fierce between the two as they both wanted to lead so they felt rushed and missed in the final move. The final moments of stop-itch time was mostly dominated by Cape Verde attacking but no goals were scored. Cape Verde's determination was commendable.

Group G: New Zealand vs. Egypt 1-3

Egypt dominated possession in the beginning but it was New Zealand that scored first from a corner kick that was connected with a header in about the 10th minute.

Group J: Argentina vs. Austria 2-0

Messi was the hero of the game. Early on, Messi missed a penalty kick but made it up with a goal at the 38th minute; it was a trademark Messi style goal. At the end of stop-itch time in the second half, Messi sealed the victory with the winning goal. Austria looked rushed while Argentina looked composed and broke the pace of the opponents.

Group I: France vs. Iraq 3-0

From the beginning, the game was fast paced as both teams were eyeing on the first goal. France had more ball possession. In the 13th minute, Mbappe's individual skill shined as he scored in long-range from outside the box. France furthered their dominance and their pressuring made it difficult for Iraq to attack. Iraq lacked creativity to penetrate through the French defence but they persisted anyways. France's counter-attacks were threatening with sharp passes. There was heavy rain and incoming thunderstorm so the half time was extended until deemed safe. Luck was on France's side: In the 54th minute of second half, Iraq's defender made a crucial mistake as he mispassed to the keeper but instead turned into a pass to France for an easy goal. France's attack became more energized. They kept making opportunities and eventually scored another goal.

Group I: Norway vs. Senegal 3-2

Senegal tried to control play and Norway was busy defending from the start. Norway's counter-attack looked more threatening than Senegal's lackluster finishing move. Senegal's defence was tight and pressuring so it was challenging for Norway to attack. But Norway kept on knocking on the door and eventually luck allowed them to score at the 42nd minute. Early on in the second half, Haaland showed his attacking ability as Norway got another goal. Senegal tried to catch up and pulled one back but Haaland did it again and got another goal in. Senegal continued to make passing plays and their efforts paid off as they scored again. Senegal was determined to tie it up but failed to do so.

Group J: Jordan vs. Algeria 1-2

These teams showed that they were the weakest in the group. Algeria has to now beat Austria to go through while Jordan's elimination has been confirmed as they've lost 2 games already.

Group K: Portugal vs. Uzbekistan 5-0

Portugal showed more dynamics and creativity in attack than their last match with Congo. Early on, Ronaldo opened the score board. In the 17th minute, Portugal got a free kick just outside the box and Ronaldo looked ready to kick. It turned out that he was just a decoy and it was the left footer Mendes instead that shot and scored a wonderful goal. Uzbekistan hurried to try to get goals of their own. When Uzbekistan was in offence mode, Portugal's defence line looked shaky whereby they almost allowed a goal from a defender's mishandled ball but there was a foul beforehand so Uzbekistan's goal didn't count. The problem with Uzbekistan's attack was that it opened lots of space for when Portugal went into counter-attack so Portugal got another goal (second one for Ronaldo). The second half was a competitive contest but Portugal had more possession. Uzbekistan made some unnecessary errors and lackluster shots at goal as they felt rushed. Portugal did an interesting free kick play outside the box where Fernandez lobbed the ball over the wall and Ronaldo ran in front to pick it up for an easy shot but it was deflected out by the keeper for a corner kick. When the corner kick was made, an own goal was produced amidst the chaos inside the box so Portugal was now 4 up. Portugal manifested another goal shot by the substitute Leao.

Group L: England vs. Ghana 0-0

Both teams looked composed (slowly but surely) where England controlled with possession while Ghana focused on defending and looked to counter. England dominated ball possession but the problem was that the pace was not fast enough. Nothing much happened in the first half. Ghana threatened their opponents in the start of second half. As the game was nearing its end, England looked restless and couldn't make proper plays. Even Kane kicked the ball over the net when he had a clear chance. England had corner kick chances in the end but to no avail. Thus, the game ended scoreless.

Group L: Panama vs. Croatia 0-1

Croatia dominated possession as expected but nothing much came into fruition in the first half. Panama pressured Croatia so they had a hard time attacking. Before the 54th minute, Croatia finally succeeded in putting in a good cross for an easy tap in and their first goal. Panama was determined to equalize so they put pressure on Croatia. One goal was not enough so Croatia kept attacking. It seemed like another goal was manifesting to the last second of the game but from which team was the question. Eventually, the result remained unchanged. A lackluster performance from Croatia but a win is a win nevertheless.

Group K: Colombia vs. Congo 1-0

Congo's keeper did an amazing job but Colombia's persistence eventually led to Colombia beating the Congo keeper.

Group B: Switzerland vs. Canada 2-1

Switzerland dominated possession. There were several scary moments for Canada but the unwavering Canadian defence blocked them off. Canada orchestrated a few attacks of their own but to no avail. In the second half, Canada let too much space at the back and Switzerland took advantage to score twice. The individual defensive skills of Canadians were actually quite good but the problem was the open space at the back. At the 75th minute, Canada started a good play from the back and David made a spectacular leaping volley to finish for Canada to catch up one goal. Canada was energized afterwards and gave it their all to equalize to the last moment but to no avail.

Group B: Bosnia vs. Qatar 3-1

Luck was on Bosnia's side. First goal was from an outrageous long-range try and the other was a deflected own goal. Near the end of first half, Qatar made a nice passing play and pulled one back. Before the 80th minute in second half, fortune was with Bosnia again as they scored their winning goal.

Group C: Morocco vs. Haiti 4-2

Morocco were the favourites but it was Haiti that actually scored first. It was a give-and-take of scoring from both sides so they tied 2 a piece by the end of first half. In the second half, Morocco tried to be composed and dominate possession. A corner kick allowed Morocco to lead ahead in score. They continued to knock on the door and Morocco got an additional goal as a result. Morocco was threatened but eventually overcame Haiti.

Group C: Scotland vs. Brazil 0-3

Scotland had shown good defence in previous matches but this time around it lacked focus. The Scottish defender was sleeping on the job and made a major error that gave Brazil a gift of a goal. Brazil found space well and tormented Scotland's back line. Vini scored a goal before the end of first half, making it 2 for Brazil. Brazil looked like they were light on their feet. Scotland tried to make passing plays while Brazil looked to counter. Thus, Brazil scored again via counter-attack. Scotland was overclassed by prime Brazil.

Group A: South Africa vs. South Korea 1-0

Korea tried to hold possession but without substance. Korea looked over confident and South Africa looked more dynamic in movement. Korea made some passing errors and that allowed South Africa to make a dangerous situation but their shooting condition was lacking. No goals were made in the first half. In the second half, there was a clear opportunity for South Africa but the shooting skill was poor. Korea lacked pressuring. Whenever South Africa had the ball, they looked more dangerous. When opportunities are made, eventually it leads to a goal and South Africa was successful in scoring first. Korea's ball handling and passing was frustrating to watch. Korea had majority of the ball but nothing came of it to the very end.

Group A: Czechia vs. Mexico 0-3

Pride was on the line for Czechia so they did their best to get on the scoreboard in the beginning of first half but ended with near misses. First half was scoreless despite both teams' efforts. In the second half, Czechia's defence crumbled down and Mexico took advantage to score 3 goals.

Group E: Curacao vs. Ivory Coast 0-2

Ivory Coast dominated possession and that led to them scoring first. Curacao made an effort to equalize through passing plays of their own. Ivory Coast pressured Curacao so it's difficult to go forward. Ivory Coast continued to make passing plays to manifest another goal. Curacao had corner kick chances at the end of first half but to no avail. In the second half, Ivory Coast continued their play making but they were too careful in crafting the opportunity for goal that they lost their timing. Possession play didn't work well but one good through pass finally allowed Ivory Coast to score another one in the 64th minute.

Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany 2-1

Germany dominated possession from the start and scored early on but so did Ecuador thereafter from Germany's defensive blunder. After equalizing, Ecuador had more vigor and pressured Germany. Germany was busy defending the offensive Ecuador. After a wave of Ecuador attacks, Germany tried to calm the pace down. There were some lackluster ball handling moments from Germany and Ecuador took advantage. Ecuador dominated possession in the first half. Germany's poor ball handling continued in the second half and it was frustrating to watch as it provided opportunities for Ecuador. Colombia looked more threatening when they had the ball. In the 77th minute, Colombia scored one that started from a corner kick that was connected with a header then a leg reach. Germany took possession and tried to equalize but to no avail.

Group F: Tunisia vs. Netherlands

Netherlands dominated the game. Netherlands scored 2 goals early on before 10 minutes. Early on in the second half, Tunisia got a corner kick and it was connected with a header for a goal but that's how far as it went for them. Netherlands had their own corner kick and headed their third goal in to regain the two-goal lead.

Group F: Japan vs. Sweden

Japan's forward movement looked organized. The referee seemed like he was not on Japan's side as he made some questionable calls and some that actually needed to be called were not. In the 56th minute, Japan made a nice pass play and completed it with a clinical finish for their first goal. Sweden got their equalizing goal 6 minutes later, however, from an individual effort. Japan just couldn't penetrate Sweden and failed to add another goal, but if the biased referee did not make many questionable calls (or lack thereof) then the result might have been different. Japan could've had many more free kick chances and even a penalty kick early on in the game.

Group D: Turkiye vs. USA 3-2

It was a neck and neck contest but Turkiye was determined and they became the victor.

Group D: Paraguay vs. Australia 0-0

It was a physically rough game with no goals.

Group I: Norway vs. France 1-4

It was an exciting fast paced game. From the beginning, France almost scared Norway with an Mbappe goal but it hit the post. The French were in a rush to score. The fast pace of France woke up Norway. Dembele's shooting condition was top notch today; his shot was focused and accurate as France led first in scoring in the 7th minute. Norway tried to go forward as well to equalize. Dembele scored again the same way as before. As soon as France scored their second, Norway scored their own immediately afterwards with fast pass-play. Norway looked hopeful after their goal. In the 32nd minute however, Dembele's left foot did it again! It was like a dejavu of goals. Early in the second half, Norway was awarded a penalty kick but it was easily blocked. Norway tried to dominate ball possession while France looked lethal in counter-attack. France nonchalantly added another goal in stop-itch time. Haaland was on the bench but his participation would not have changed the result as France was too strong.

Group I: Senegal vs. Iraq 5-0

Senegal scored early on from a corner kick that was connected with a header. Iraq got a red card so that made things worse for them. Senegal calmly dominated their opponents and 4 more goals came in the second half.

Group H: Cape Verde vs. Saudi Arabia 0-0

Cape Verde looked offensive and Saudi Arabia was busy defending. In the second half, Saudi got more possession than before but they had difficulty breaking through the defence. Cape Verde attacked fiercely but nothing came of it as their finishing skills were poor.

Group H: Uruguay vs. Spain 0-1

Spain dominated possession and Uruguay countered. Spain had some ball handling issues so they gave unnecessary chances to Uruguay but the problem with Uruguay was their lackluster finishing move. Near the end of first half, Spain's persistence finally bore fruit as they scored due to the keeper not keeping the ball. Thus, the Uruguay keeper was substituted in the second half. Spain had a few chances but the finish was unconvincing. Uruguay had more opportunities to score in the second half. At the 90th minute, Uruguay could've had a penalty kick from a foul in the midst of the chaos in the box but it was unseen by the referee.

Group G: New Zealand vs. Belgium 1-5

This was the best that Belgium had played ever in this tournament during the group stages. The big names Trossard, De Bruyne and Lukaku were in top form. Their fire power was too good for New Zealand to overcome.

Group G: Egypt vs. Iran 1-1

Egypt had the stronghold at first but Iran didn't back down and took charge as well. At stop-itch time in the second half, Iran dramatically got a goal in but it was cruelly ruled out as offside just by a slight.

Group L: Panama vs. England 0-2

England controlled the possession but Panama actually looked more dangerous in counter-attack. England went forward well but the finishing move was lacking. The first half ended scoreless. England finally scored their first goal that started from a corner kick after the 60th minute. Another one followed not long after; England was in the groove. England had one scare but the goal was ruled out due to offside. Panama wanted a consolation goal at the end of second half but to no avail.

Group L: Croatia vs. Ghana 2-1

Croatia and Ghana were careful against each other as their pace was calm but their ball handling was sometimes indecisive as a result when in thick of things. Croatia had more possession and Ghana had to be more defensive. In the 31st minute while moving the ball around, Croatia made a surprise long-range shot that accurately went in on the bottom left corner of the net. In the 72nd minute, Ghana's free kick chance converted to an equalizing goal. In the 82nd minute, Croatia regained the lead from a corner kick that was headed in. Ghana made the effort to equalize to the very end but couldn't catch up.

Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal 0-0

Colombia looked more threatening in attack than Portugal. Portugal was supposed to dominate possession but it was actually Colombia that did. Both teams had lackluster finishes. At the 90th minute, Colombia scored from a set piece but it was ruled offside.

Group K: Congo vs. Uzbekistan 3-1

Uzbekistan came out strong from the beginning as they scored immediately but it was ruled out as offside. Congo's keeper was out of the line and that left an opening for Uzbekistan to lob over the keeper for their first goal. Congo took most of the possession in the latter half of first half to find opportunities to equalize. Congo continued their momentum in the second half as they dominated possession. There were some close calls but Congo couldn't score. Congo finally got a chance to score as they were awarded a penalty kick. Thus, Congo was able to equalize and had a chance to go through to the next round. Congo persisted attacking and they eventually scored another one. A win would garantee Congo to the round of 32. A third goal at the last minutes of second half solidified Congo's victory.

Group J: Algeria vs. Austria 3-3

Algeria's defence was asleep and let Austria score early on. Near the end of first half, Algeria equalized from a great strike. In the second half, Algeria's defence was open with space so Austria scored to lead again. A few minutes later, Algeria equalized from a great strike again. In stop-itch time, Algeria took advantage of space in Austria's back line and had time to gear up to shoot to which a goal was achieved. At the last moment of stop-itch time, Austria miraculously evened the score. It was a dramatic tie.

Group J: Jordan vs. Argentina 1-3

Argentina dominated as expected. Their first goal came from a free kick outside the box. Their second goal was due to a penalty kick. At the 54th minute, Jordan made some nice passes that led to a goal. Argentina's third goal was from a free kick again but this time from Messi.

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