The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has concluded, and as the tournament enters the knockout phase, it’s the perfect time to look back at the past two weeks. Here are our picks for the standout performers and moments from the group stage.

This expanded 48-team World Cup has offered more nations than ever before the chance to showcase their talent on the global platform, resulting in fresh stories and unforgettable moments.

One of the most touching highlights came from Cape Verde, who stunned the football world by holding European champions Spain to a draw in their opening match. The hero of the day was 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who only turned professional at 25 and had just been released by Portuguese second-tier club Deportivo Chaves.

As the final whistle blew, cameras captured Vozinha in tears, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the achievement. His emotional reaction quickly went viral, earning him millions of new followers online. It was a truly once-in-a-lifetime performance that helped Cape Verde reach the knockout stage in their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Reflecting on the moment, Vozinha said, “I cried because I grew up with my grandparents. Unfortunately, they were not here. They passed away a few years ago. They were everything to me, everything in my life. And also because of my mother. She couldn’t be here because of visa issues. We couldn’t afford it in time. I really wanted her to be here.”

And when it comes to individual brilliance, there’s no question who takes the spotlight.

Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, continues to defy time and expectations. With six goals in just over two games, the Argentine maestro has once again proven why he’s one of the greatest. Having surpassed Miroslav Klose’s record, Messi netted a hat-trick against Algeria, scored twice against Austria, and added another goal from the bench against Jordan. He’s now the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner hunts a second consecutive title.

For pure entertainment and drama, few matches matched the intensity of Algeria versus Austria. The final group encounter was a rollercoaster, with both teams’ fates hanging in the balance until the closing moments. Algeria twice came from behind and went ahead for the first time in stoppage time through Riyad Mahrez, a strike that appeared to end Austria’s campaign.

But Austria refused to give up. Just three minutes later, Saša Kalajdžic’s header in the 96th minute levelled the score, triggering ecstatic celebrations as Austria secured progression while eliminating Iran. It marked the first time in World Cup history that a team trailing in the 90th minute or later managed to avoid defeat.

Group I was labelled the ‘group of death’ by many before the tournament, but France made it look anything but. Les Bleus dominated from start to finish, beating Senegal convincingly, dismantling Iraq, and comfortably overcoming a rotated Norway side. They topped the group with a perfect record and an impressive tally of 10 goals.

Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Desire Doue, and Ousmane Dembele formed a fearsome attacking quartet that proved nearly unstoppable. Mbappe and Dembele each scored four goals, while Olise provided three assists, showcasing France’s attacking depth and fluidity.

Turkey, however, once again failed to live up to their pre-tournament billing as potential dark horses. Despite boasting talents such as Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, they underperformed in a relatively manageable group featuring the USA, Australia, and Paraguay. Their campaign ended in disappointment, finishing bottom of the table.

Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen will be pleased to have secured the signature of Bosnian teenager Kerim Alajbegović before the tournament, as his performances may soon make him one of Europe’s hottest prospects. The 18-year-old scored a stunning goal in Bosnia’s win over Qatar, dribbling past defenders before unleashing a thunderous long-range effort.

At just 18 years and 276 days old, Alajbegović became the youngest player to score from outside the penalty box at a World Cup since records began in 1966 — a remarkable feat that hints at a bright future ahead.