Mbappé, Haaland and Messi headline day of dramatic World Cup matches

Mbappé, Haaland and Messi headline day of dramatic World Cup matches
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Argentina's first goal, Arlington, Texas, U.S., 22 June 2026
Reuters

A chaotic day of World Cup action saw Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland shine in high-scoring wins for France and Norway. Lionel Messi continued his record-breaking run as Argentina secured another commanding victory.

Mbappé double powers France past Iraq

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as France beat Iraq in a match disrupted by a two-hour weather delay in Philadelphia, with lightning forcing a suspension shortly after the restart.

France were in control for much of the contest, while Iraq struggled to recover from key setbacks in a game that saw heavy rain and disrupted conditions from the outset.

Mbappé opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a left-footed strike into the far corner before adding a second early in the second half after a goalkeeping error from Ahmed Basil, finishing from close range following a pass from Ousmane Dembélé.

Dembélé later added France’s third, sealing a comfortable win for the 2018 champions.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - France's Kylian Mbappé in action, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., 22 June 2026
Reuters
 
Haaland double fires Norway past Senegal

Erling Haaland scored twice as Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in an open and high-scoring Group I clash.

Marcus Holmgren Pedersen gave Norway the lead before Haaland struck twice to take his tournament tally to four goals in two matches.

Senegal responded through Ismaila Sarr, who scored both of his side’s goals, but Norway held on to secure a crucial win that keeps them level on points with France at the top of the group, only behind on goal difference.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Ismaila Sarr scores Senegal's second goal, East Rutherford, New Jersey, U.S., 22 June 2026
Reuters
 
Messi sets all-time scoring record

Lionel Messi scored twice as Argentina defeated Austria to secure qualification for the Round of 32 and extend his record as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time top scorer.

Messi now has 18 World Cup goals, moving clear of Miroslav Klose’s previous record of 16, following his hat-trick in the opening match.

He opened the scoring with a composed finish after a clever assist from Facundo Medina, before sealing the win late on with a second goal in injury time.

Austria threatened at moments but could not break down the defending champions, who continued their strong start to the tournament.

FIFA World Cup 2026 - Lautaro Martínez in action with Austria's Kevin Danso, Arlington, Texas, U.S., 22 June 2026
Reuters
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