FIFA World Cup 2026- Messi , Mbappe , Haaland shines as Argentina, France , Norway register wins

 

Day 12 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 proved pivotal in Groups I and J, with Argentina and France securing qualification for the Round of 32, while Norway moved into a strong position after edging Senegal in a thrilling encounter. Algeria kept their knockout hopes alive with a hard-fought comeback victory over Jordan. The day's four matches produced 13 goals, highlighted by braces from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. 


Argentina 2–0 Austria

Group J – AT&T Stadium, Arlington

Argentina booked their place in the knockout stage thanks to another masterclass from captain Lionel Messi, who scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria. The reigning champions faced a disciplined Austrian side that competed strongly for long periods and enjoyed more possession than many had expected. However, once again Messi proved the difference. 


The first major moment came midway through the opening half when Messi was denied from the penalty spot. Austria survived the scare and briefly threatened through Michael Gregoritsch, whose header drifted wide from a promising position. Argentina gradually increased the pressure and eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Thiago Almada threaded a precise pass into the penalty area and Messi calmly guided his finish beyond the goalkeeper to score his historic 17th World Cup goal, equalling the all-time record. 


Austria continued to battle after the interval and created several dangerous situations, but Argentina's defence remained solid. Deep into stoppage time, the South Americans sealed victory. A swift counterattack involving Julián Álvarez released Messi, who kept his composure to slot home his second goal of the night and his 18th World Cup goal, making him the outright leading scorer in World Cup history. The victory guaranteed Argentina's progress to the Round of 32. 


Goals

38' Lionel Messi (Argentina)

90+5' Lionel Messi (Argentina) 


France 3–0 Iraq

Group I – Philadelphia

France delivered another dominant performance to defeat Iraq 3-0 and secure qualification for the knockout rounds. The world champions controlled possession throughout and were inspired by captain Kylian Mbappé, who celebrated his 100th international appearance with a brilliant brace. 


Les Bleus took the lead after just 14 minutes. France's attacking movement stretched the Iraqi defence before Mbappé accelerated into space and finished clinically past the goalkeeper. Iraq defended courageously for the remainder of the first half but struggled to create meaningful opportunities against the French back line. 


France doubled their advantage early in the second half. A slick passing move opened up the Iraqi defence and Mbappé once again demonstrated his ruthless finishing ability, firing home his second goal of the evening. The result was put beyond doubt in the 66th minute when Ousmane Dembélé capped an impressive attacking display with a well-taken finish after excellent work from midfield. France comfortably managed the closing stages to claim a convincing victory. 


Goals

14' Kylian Mbappé (France)

54' Kylian Mbappé (France)

66' Ousmane Dembélé (France) 


Norway 3–2 Senegal

Group I – MetLife Stadium, New Jersey

The most entertaining match of the day saw Norway edge Senegal 3-2 in a thrilling contest packed with attacking football and late drama. The victory moved Norway into an excellent position to qualify from Group I, while Senegal were left facing elimination heading into the final round of matches. 


Norway opened the scoring shortly before halftime when Marcus Pedersen surged forward and finished a flowing team move in the 43rd minute. The Scandinavians carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their advantage through Erling Haaland, who powered home three minutes after the restart. 


Senegal responded immediately. Just five minutes later, Ismaïla Sarr reduced the deficit with a composed finish after exploiting a defensive lapse. The game remained open and Haaland once again demonstrated his predatory instincts in the 58th minute, finishing from close range to restore Norway's two-goal cushion and score his second goal of the match. 


The African side refused to give up and mounted relentless pressure during the closing stages. Sarr struck again in stoppage time to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finish, but Norway held on to secure a crucial victory. Haaland's brace continued his remarkable scoring run and kept him firmly in the Golden Boot race. 


Goals

43' Marcus Pedersen (Norway)

48' Erling Haaland (Norway)

53' Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal)

58' Erling Haaland (Norway)

90+3' Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal) 


Jordan 1–2 Algeria

Group J – Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara

Algeria kept their World Cup hopes alive with a spirited comeback victory over Jordan. The result eliminated the tournament debutants and ensured that qualification from Group J would be decided on the final matchday. 


Jordan started brightly and were rewarded in the 36th minute. A well-worked attacking move culminated in Nizar Al-Rashdan finding space on the edge of the area before delivering a precise finish into the corner of the net. The goal sparked celebrations among the Jordanian supporters and gave their side a deserved halftime lead. 


Algeria emerged a transformed team after the break and gradually took control of possession. Their persistence paid off in the 69th minute when Ryad Benbouali converted from inside the penalty area after sustained pressure. The North Africans continued to attack and completed the turnaround eight minutes from time. Amine Gouiri produced a moment of quality, finding space inside the box before calmly finishing to make it 2-1. Jordan pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, but Algeria defended resolutely to secure three vital points. 


Goals

36' Nizar Al-Rashdan (Jordan)

69' Ryad Benbouali (Algeria)

82' Amine Gouiri (Algeria) 


Day 12 Results

Match

Result

Argentina vs Austria

2–0

France vs Iraq

3–0

Norway vs Senegal

3–2

Jordan vs Algeria

1–2

Day 12 Standouts

Lionel Messi (Argentina): 2 goals, became the all-time leading World Cup scorer with 18 goals. 


Kylian Mbappé (France): 2 goals on his 100th international appearance. 


Erling Haaland (Norway): Match-winning brace against Senegal. 


Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal): Two goals in a valiant losing effort. 


Day 12 belonged to football's biggest stars. Messi made history, Mbappé celebrated a landmark appearance in style, and Haaland continued his prolific scoring run. With Argentina and France safely through to the knockout stage, attention now turns to the final group matches, where several qualification places remain up for grabs. 


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