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Stephen Eustáquio's stoppage-time winner sent Canada into the World Cup Round of 16 as GOAL breaks down the biggest winners and losers against South Africa.

Hydration breaks are mandated at every single game of the 2026 World Cup, which has led to mixed reactions from coaches, players and fans alike.

Gil Mora, Obed Vargas and Mateo Chávez are leading Mexico's youth movement as Javier Aguirre builds a World Cup contender with one eye firmly on the future.

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup came to a dramatic conclusion on Saturday, as Austria scored a 96th-minute equaliser against Algeria to qualify for the knockout stage while simultaneously eliminating Iran, who had been set to progress as one of the tournament's third-placed finishers. Elsewhere, Lionel Messi came off the bench to help Argentina maintain their 100 percent winning record with a 3-1 victory over Jordan and, in doing so, the No.10 extended his record-breaking goals tally at the finals to 19.

Finding a rich vein of form at the 2026 World Cup, there is a sense that Vinicius Jr has finally arrived on the international stage, delivering consistently for Brazil when it matters most to propel the Selecao through the group stage. As Carlo Ancelotti's side clicks into gear, it is now a question of what they are capable of with the Real Madrid superstar leading the way.

The group stages of the 2026 World Cup are in the books after a thrilling fortnight of action across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Despite a lack of eye-catching fixtures on paper in the new, expanded format, there has been drama aplenty, with all the big names showing up for their respective countries on football's biggest stage.

In East Rutherford, New Jersey, it was 'Hey Jude' that rang out the loudest following the full-time whistle. England's players had trudged off the pitch following a but unspectacular 2-0 win over Panama that sealed top spot in Group L at the World Cup. Jude Bellingham was still on the pitch, though, jogging to the far end for his media duties, and the fans sung for the man who had made all the difference on Saturday.

The 2026 World Cup is underway as those still in contention fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some are already making their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. Lionel Messi is the current top candidate with all five of Argentina's goals, but Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise are breathing down his neck.

Canada have reached uncharted territory, and Davies' uncertain role looms over everything as Jesse Marsch manages his return with knockout stakes and questions rising.

If this is Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, he seems determined to leave with every attacking record he can. The Argentina icon became the first player in tournament history to score in seven straight games, icing a closer-than-expected 3-1 win over a determined Jordan side. Manager Lionel Scaloni also found more attacking answers, with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez joining in the scoring.

Portugal helped Colombia make history, but not the kind either side wanted. In one of the priciest matches of the group stage at a sweltering Miami Stadium, Los Cafeteros played the first 0-0 World Cup match in their 100-year history - and Portugal deserved plenty of blame after wasting several clear-cut chances against their South American opponent.

Jude Bellingham was the star of the show as England secured top spot in Group L at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday. The midfielder broke the deadlock shortly after the hour mark before assisting Harry Kane soon after as Thomas Tuchel's side produced an otherwise uninspiring display despite the positive result.

GOAL breaks down the lessons learned from the first three games of the World Cup

Speaking with GOAL, USWNT forward Mallory Swanson opened up on supporting the USMNT in person and the growing bond between the U.S. national teams.

Nathan Saliba and Luc De Fougerolles boosted their stock, while Jesse Marsch and Tajon Buchanan face questions as Canada prepare for the World Cup knockout rounds.

The fact that Lionel Messi already has five goals at the 2026 World Cup is obviously a great thing for Argentina. The worry, though, is that none of his team-mates have even managed to score one. Admittedly, relying on Messi was always part of the plan. As striking legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Fox Sports, "Messi isn't just Argentina's best player. He's Argentina's system."

As it turns out, Belgium might just be alright. Talk of a golden generation is long over and, to be fair, their first two World Cup results only furthered the idea that the Red Devils' time has passed. If Friday's group stage finale against New Zealand is any indication, though, Belgium's old guard might just have one last run at all of this.