2026 World Cup: Messi surpasses Klose’s record as France and Norway advance with Mbappé and Haaland
The 2026 World Cup matches last Monday were marked by historic performances from the biggest names in world football. Lionel Messi reached a new record for goals in World Cups, Kylian Mbappé was decisive for France, and Erling Haaland led Norway to the knockout stage. In Group J, the Algerian team managed a crucial comeback against Jordan, remaining in the fight for second place in the group.
Messi surpasses Klose and becomes top scorer in World Cup history
Lionel Messi starred in another remarkable chapter in his career at the World Cup. The Argentine star found the net twice in the 2-0 victory over Austria, in Dallas, and reached the mark of 18 goals in World Cups, surpassing the previous record of 16 goals held by German Miroslav Klose. The remarkable feat was achieved on the eve of his 39th birthday, highlighting the longevity and ongoing impact of one of the greatest athletes in football history.
The start of the match was not the easiest for Messi, who missed a penalty in the first half. However, the captain recovered quickly, opening the scoring before half-time and securing the second goal in stoppage time of the final stage. The Austrian team tried to react and intensify the pace of the game, but were unable to find gaps in the solid Argentine defense.
With the two consecutive victories, the current world champion secured its place in the 32nd round of the competition, taking control of Group J.
Rain does not stop Mbappé’s France against Iraq
The French team had to deal with two opponents in Philadelphia: Iraq and adverse weather conditions. Strong lightning and heavy rain led to a prolonged interruption of the game, but this was not enough to change the French’s favoritism. Mbappé scored two goals, Ousmane Dembélé completed the scoring, and the team led by Didier Deschamps won 3-0.
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The French striker made his mark before and after the break, taking his personal tournament tally to four goals. Dembélé sealed the victory after receiving a precise assist from Michael Olise. With six points from two clashes, France also guaranteed its early classification, leaving the definition of Group I leadership for the clash against Norway.
Haaland’s Norway secures place in knockout stage after 28 years
Norway reaffirmed that its return to the World Cup, after a 28-year hiatus, goes far beyond simple participation. With a gala performance from Erling Haaland, who scored two goals, the Scandinavian team beat Senegal 3-2 in New Jersey and secured a place in the knockout phase of the tournament in advance. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen contributed the other Norwegian goal.
The Senegal team showed a reaction after leaving behind, reducing the score with a goal from Ismaïla Sarr at the beginning of the second half. The match remained open and disputed until stoppage time, but the African team was unable to achieve a draw. Haaland, with two consecutive doubles, reached four goals in the competition, consolidating his name alongside Messi and Mbappé in the competition for top scorer.
Algeria reacts and maintains chances of qualifying in Group J
Algeria demonstrated great power of reaction to stay alive in the Group J dispute. Nizar Al-Rashdan opened the scoring for Jordan in the 36th minute, intensifying the pressure on the Algerian team, which had already been defeated by Argentina in its debut. The Algerian team’s turnaround only came about in the final stage.
Nadhir Benbouali tied the match in the 69th minute, and Amine Gouiri completed the comeback in the 82nd minute. The 2-1 victory took Algeria to three points, leveling them with Austria in the table. On the other hand, Jordan remained without scoring, seeing its chances of qualifying being seriously compromised.
