Argentina Finish Perfect, Canada Win First Knockout Match — World Cup Day 18

Three matches, eleven goals, and the knockout stage began. Argentina closed out Group J with a perfect record, Algeria and Austria traded six goals in a chaotic draw that decided who advanced, and Canada became the first team through to the Round of 16. Here is what happened on June 28.

Jordan 1-3 Argentina

Argentina completed a perfect group stage with a 3-1 win over Jordan, leading 2-0 at half-time and never looking back. Lionel Messi was at the heart of everything — pulling the strings, creating chances, and delivering when it mattered. For Jordan, a consolation goal in the second half was a small moment of pride in an otherwise one-sided tournament. They leave with zero points but the memory of their first World Cup goal.

The win gives Argentina nine points from nine, a +7 goal difference, and the look of a team building momentum at the right time. They now enter the Round of 32 as one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.

Algeria 3-3 Austria

The match of the day. Austria needed a point to guarantee second place in Group J. What they got was a six-goal rollercoaster that ended 3-3, level at half-time and trading goals through a frantic second half.

Both teams finished level on four points, but Austria's better goal difference (+0 vs -2) sends them through to the knockout stage as Group J runners-up. Algeria fought until the final whistle — equalising late to make it 3-3 — but it was not enough. They exit the tournament with their heads held high after giving everything against a dangerous European side.

South Africa 0-1 Canada

The first knockout match of the 2026 World Cup, and it was a cagey affair. Goalless at half-time, Canada found the breakthrough in the second half and held on to win 1-0. South Africa threw everything forward in the final minutes but could not find an equaliser.

Canada advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the Group A winner in the next round. South Africa's run ends with four points from the group stage — a respectable campaign for the African side, who pushed Canada all the way in this one.

Group Impact

Group J (final standings) — Argentina 9pts (winners, perfect record), Austria 4pts (runners-up, GD 0), Algeria 4pts (eliminated, GD -2), Jordan 0pts. Argentina through as group winners, Austria join them. Algeria miss out on goal difference despite a heroic effort against Austria.

Looking Ahead

The Round of 32 continues on June 29 with two more matches. The bracket is taking shape, with Argentina, France, Brazil, Spain, Netherlands, and Mexico among the teams already through. Canada's win opens the knockout stage and sets up their Round of 16 clash — the first time Canada has ever played in a World Cup knockout match.