2026 FIFA World Cup group stage sees record late goals and controversial matches

The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams, wrapped up with a series of notable incidents. Lionel Messi added a sixth group‑stage goal for Argentina, while Portugal fell short of first place in its group. Spain and England secured victories, and Norway's coach Øystein Solbakken fielded a side of substitutes against France, accepting defeat. A dramatic 3‑3 draw between Austria and Algeria featured multiple late goals and sparked comments from Austria’s coach Ralph Rangkik, who said, “In our case, what happened at the end could not have been directed even by Hitchcock.”

Statistical analysis of the 72 group matches revealed that 36 games (50%) featured at least one goal after the 80th minute, totalling 45 late goals. Highlights included France’s 3‑1 win over Senegal with three goals after the 80th minute and Switzerland’s 4‑1 victory over Bosnia in which all four goals came late. The data underscore a trend toward decisive scoring in the final minutes of group‑stage fixtures.