FIFA World Cup 2026 Day 17 in pictures: Best moments from England, Argentina, Portugal and DR Congo as Round of 32 begins

The FIFA World Cup's group stage concluded with thrilling matches, seeing England and Croatia secure knockout stage berths. Argentina and DR Congo also claimed victories, while Algeria and Austria played out a high-scoring draw. As the competition...

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Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Jordan v Argentina - Fans gather in Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires, Argentina - June 27, 2026 An Argentina fan watches the match REUTERS/Matias Baglietto
The race to the knockout stage gathered pace on Saturday, June 27 as the final group-stage fixtures produced decisive victories, dramatic comebacks, and a few surprises. England sealed top spot in Group L with a comfortable 2-0 win over Panama, while Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 to book their place in the Round of 32. Argentina continued their strong campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan, DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, and Colombia and Portugal battled to a goalless draw. One of the day's most entertaining matches saw Algeria and Austria play out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with six goals shared in Kansas City.

From stunning celebrations to emotional reactions and crucial saves, the day's action delivered plenty of memorable moments. Here are the most eye-catching photos from Day 17 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia fans inside the stadium before the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Bill Streicher
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 A Ghana fan during the match IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Bill Streicher


Ghana Croatia WCup Soccer
A Croatia soccer fans reacts in the rain before the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - Colombia v Portugal - Fans gather in Miami
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - Colombia v Portugal - Fans gather in Hollywood - Hollywood, Florida, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Colombia fans gather to watch the match at Tardes Calenas Bar Restaurant in Hollywood, Florida IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jeff Romance
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Croatia fans wearing ponchos outside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Panama v England - Fans gather in Panama City
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Panama v England - Fans gather in Panama City - Panama City, Panama - June 27, 2026 A Panama fan reacts as they watch the match in Urraca Park REUTERS/Enea Lebrun
Colombia-Portugal World Cup match draws sky-high ticket prices, some fans make financial sacrifices
A supporter has her stomach painted in Colombia colours before the World Cup Group K soccer match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Algeria v Austria
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Algeria v Austria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Austria fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Algeria v Austria
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Algeria v Austria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Algeria fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Jordan v Argentina - Fans gather in Buenos Aires
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Jordan v Argentina - Fans gather in Buenos Aires - Buenos Aires, Argentina - June 27, 2026 An Argentina fan watches the match REUTERS/Matias Baglietto
Uzbekistan DR Congo WCup Soccer
A Congo fan looks on during the World Cup Group K soccer match between DR Congo and Uzbekistan in Atlanta, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S.Lesser)

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - DR Congo v Uzbekistan
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - DR Congo v Uzbekistan - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - June 27, 2026 An Uzbekistan fan inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Claudia Greco

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FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - Colombia v Portugal
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - Colombia v Portugal - Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, U.S. - June 27, 2026 Portugal fans inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Paul Childs

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Panama v England - Fans gather in London
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L - Panama v England - Fans gather in London - BOXPARK Wembley, London, Britain - June 27, 2026 England fans celebrate after Harry Kane scores their second goal REUTERS/Chris Radburn

With the group stage now complete, attention shifts to the knockout rounds, where every match becomes a win-or-go-home contest. The Round of 32 begins on June 28, with South Africa taking on Canada at Los Angeles Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET, as both sides aim to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

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