26/06/2026 19:50 - Deportes
The Argentine national team, current world champion, qualified first in Group J with 6 points and an impressive goal difference of +5. Lionel Messi, who turned 39 years old on June 24, 2026 during the tournament, continues making history as the top World Cup scorer with 18 goals and holds four Guinness records: most goals, most matches, most victories, and most minutes played.
The team managed by Lionel Scaloni confirmed rotations in the final group stage match against Jordan, scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 11:00 PM in Dallas. Up to seven players could make their tournament debut: Rulli, Nahuel Molina, Foyth, Lo Celso, Correa, Álvarez, and Dybala. Additionally, Cuti Romero will be rested after receiving a knock to his knee.
The first Round of 16 matchup is already set: South Africa vs Canada, to be played on June 29, 2026 in Los Angeles. South Africa qualified second from Group A with 4 points after defeating South Korea 1-0, while Canada advanced as runner-up from Group B.
This match will mark the beginning of the knockout phase of the tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Brazil qualified first from Group C with 7 points and a +6 goal difference. The 'Seleção' defeated Scotland 3-0 with a brace from Vinicius Jr and a goal from Matheus Cunha.
Neymar returned to action after 981 days without playing due to a muscle injury, coming on in the second half and becoming emotional in the locker room after his return.
Brazil will play the Round of 16 against the runner-up from Group F on June 29 in Houston.
Argentina will play its Round of 16 match on July 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Miami against the runner-up from Group H.
Group H current standings:
The Mexican national team achieved a historic perfect score by qualifying first in their group with 9 points. Memo Ochoa played his sixth World Cup and received the FIFA Legacy Patch in recognition of his career.
Mexico defeated Czech Republic 3-0 with goals from Mateo Chávez, Julián Quiñones, and Álvaro Fidalgo.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
