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The group phase concluded on June 28 after 72 matches. Attendance surpassed the previous record of 3.6 million spectators with three weeks remaining.
France 24The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage finished on June 28 after 72 matches played over two-and-a-half weeks. Austria and Algeria ended the phase with a 3-3 draw in Dallas that concluded just after midnight.
Attendance and scoring records FIFA announced the tournament has already exceeded the prior attendance mark of 3.6 million set in Qatar 2022. A total of 215 goals were scored during the group stage, according to France 24.
Team performances UEFA sides largely met expectations, with France recording three wins. Argentina, Brazil and Colombia each topped their groups. Nine of ten African teams advanced, including Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which qualified for the first time. Cape Verde finished second in a group containing Spain and Uruguay.
Knockout stage begins The round of 32 opens with Canada facing South Africa in Los Angeles. England finished first in its group after defeating Panama 2-0. Portugal and Colombia finished level at 0-0 in their final group match.
These outlets didn't split into competing frames — coverage was uniform.
CBS SportsSouth Africa and Canada will face off in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage for the first time for both teams. The match kicks off at 3 p.m. ET in Inglewood, California.
France 24Five refereeing decisions involving video assistant technology drew attention during matches between June 23 and 27. Iran, Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador each saw potential scoring plays overturned or upheld under review.
ESPNThe world number one adjusted his physical workload after an early French Open exit and has increased both gym and court time. He opens against Miomir Kecmanovic on Centre Court Monday.