FIFA World Cup 2026 – Messi , Mbappe shines as Argentina, France starts with emphatic wins

 

Day 6 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 belonged to some of the game's biggest stars. Kylian Mbappé became France's all-time leading goalscorer with a match-winning brace, Erling Haaland announced Norway's return to the World Cup with two goals, and Lionel Messi produced a historic hat-trick for Argentina. Austria also overcame spirited debutants Jordan in an entertaining encounter. A total of 16 goals were scored across four matches, making it one of the most exciting days of the tournament so far. 

France 3–1 Senegal

Group I – New York/New Jersey Stadium

Twenty-four years after Senegal famously shocked France at the 2002 World Cup, Les Bleus gained their revenge with a hard-fought 3-1 victory. Senegal matched the French for long periods and defended resolutely, but the quality of Kylian Mbappé ultimately proved decisive. 

The opening half was a tense tactical battle. Senegal's compact defensive shape frustrated France, while Ismaïla Sarr and Nicolas Jackson threatened on the counterattack. The deadlock was finally broken shortly after the interval when Bradley Barcola finished off a flowing French move, calmly guiding the ball beyond the goalkeeper after excellent build-up play. 

With Senegal pushing forward in search of an equaliser, France found space to exploit. Captain Kylian Mbappé doubled the advantage with a clinical finish after bursting into the penalty area. The goal carried extra significance as it took him past Olivier Giroud to become France's all-time leading scorer. 

Senegal refused to surrender and pulled one back late through Ibrahim Mbaye, who capitalised on a defensive lapse to give the African side hope. However, France quickly extinguished any thoughts of a comeback when Mbappé struck again in stoppage time, finishing a devastating counterattack to seal a 3-1 victory. 

Goals

Bradley Barcola (France)

Kylian Mbappé (France) ×2

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) 

Norway 4–1 Iraq

Group I – Boston Stadium

Norway celebrated its return to the World Cup in style, defeating Iraq 4-1 thanks largely to the brilliance of Erling Haaland, whose two goals underlined why he remains one of the world's most feared strikers. 

The Norwegians dominated possession from the outset and took an early lead through Haaland, who powered home after a precise cross into the box. Iraq responded admirably and equalised through captain Aymen Hussein, whose composed finish brought back memories of Iraq's famous World Cup appearances of the past. 

The match remained competitive until midway through the second half when Norway's superior attacking quality took over. Haaland restored the lead with a powerful finish from close range after excellent work down the flank. Iraq's hopes then suffered a huge blow when an unfortunate own goal by Aymen Hussein increased Norway's lead. 

Norway continued to attack relentlessly and added a fourth goal late on, completing an emphatic 4-1 victory that immediately strengthened their qualification hopes. Haaland's movement, strength and finishing made him the standout performer of the match. 

Goals

Erling Haaland (Norway) ×2

Aymen Hussein (Iraq)

Aymen Hussein (own goal)

One additional Norway scorer 

Argentina 3–0 Algeria

Group J – Kansas City Stadium

The headline act of Day 6 came from Lionel Messi, who rolled back the years with a magnificent hat-trick to lead defending champions Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria. The performance saw Messi equal Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals and become the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick. 

Argentina began brightly but were briefly unsettled when Algeria had an early goal ruled out for offside. The warning only sharpened the Albiceleste's focus. In the 17th minute, Messi opened the scoring with a trademark finish, cutting inside before driving the ball beyond the goalkeeper. 

The South Americans controlled possession throughout the second half and doubled their advantage on the hour mark. After a swift passing move involving Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández, Messi arrived perfectly to finish from close range and make it 2-0. 

The crowning moment arrived in the 76th minute. Exchanging passes with a teammate on the edge of the area, Messi glided past the defence and calmly slotted home to complete his first-ever World Cup hat-trick. The Kansas City crowd rose to applaud a player who continues to redefine longevity and excellence. Argentina comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to begin their title defence in style. 

Goals

17' Lionel Messi (Argentina)

60' Lionel Messi (Argentina)

76' Lionel Messi (Argentina) 

Austria 3–1 Jordan

Group J – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

World Cup debutants Jordan produced another courageous display but eventually succumbed 3-1 to Austria in an entertaining encounter. Despite the defeat, Jordan celebrated a historic milestone by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal. 

Austria started strongly and took the lead through Romano Schmid, who finished confidently after a well-worked team move. Jordan gradually settled into the contest and stunned the Austrians early in the second half when Ali Olwan scored the nation's first World Cup goal, sparking emotional celebrations among players and supporters alike. 

The match remained finely balanced until Austria regained control through a goal credited as an own goal after a dangerous effort from Xaver Schlager caused confusion in the Jordanian defence. With Jordan pushing numbers forward in search of another equaliser, Austria earned a late penalty. Veteran striker Marko Arnautović stepped up and converted confidently to secure a 3-1 victory. 

Goals

Romano Schmid (Austria)

Ali Olwan (Jordan)

Own goal following Xaver Schlager effort

Marko Arnautović (Austria, penalty) 

Day 6 Summary

Match

Result

France vs Senegal

3–1

Norway vs Iraq

4–1

Argentina vs Algeria

3–0

Austria vs Jordan

3–1

Day 6 showcased football's greatest stars at their brilliant best. Mbappé rewrote French history, Haaland powered Norway to victory, and Messi delivered a magical hat-trick that further cemented his place among the sport's immortals. With the opening round nearing completion, several of the tournament favourites have already made powerful statements.