The FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered another big day of drama, goals and major movement in the group stage. Monday’s action focused on Groups I and J, where some of the biggest names in world football took centre stage.
Lionel Messi made more history for Argentina. Kylian Mbappe fired France into the next round. Erling Haaland carried Norway into the knockouts. Algeria also kept their dream alive with a comeback win that ended Jordan’s hopes.
By the end of the day, Argentina, France and Norway had all secured their places in the Round of 32. Jordan became one of the latest teams to bow out.
Argentina 2-0 Austria: Messi Makes More History
Argentina continued their perfect start with a 2-0 win over Austria in Group J.
Once again, Lionel Messi was the difference. The Argentina captain scored both goals, netting in the 38th minute and again deep into stoppage time.
Messi also missed an early penalty, but he responded like only he can. His two goals took him to 18 World Cup goals overall, moving him clear at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring charts.
Also Read: Messi Turns World Cup 2026 Into His Own Stage as Argentina March Into Knockouts
The win pushed Argentina to six points from two matches. That means the defending champions are through to the knockout stage with one group game still to play.
Argentina may not have been at their fluent best, but they stayed controlled, clinical and experienced. Austria remain on three points and now face a huge final group match against Algeria.
France 3-0 Iraq: Mbappe and Dembele Send Warning
France also booked their place in the next round after a strong 3-0 win over Iraq in Group I. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, finding the net in the 14th and 54th minutes.
Ousmane Dembele added the third in the 66th minute after a lively performance that reminded everyone of France’s frightening attacking depth.
The match was also disrupted by a long weather delay, but France returned with focus and control.
Mbappe’s brace took his World Cup scoring record even higher, while Dembele’s goal gave Didier Deschamps another attacking option to trust.
France now have six points from two matches. They are safely into the knockout stage and will face Norway in their final group game to decide who finishes top.
Iraq remain without a point after two matches and now need a miracle route through the best third-placed standings.
Norway 3-2 Senegal: Haaland Fires Norway Through
Norway’s dream World Cup return continued with a thrilling 3-2 win over Senegal.
It was another massive night for Erling Haaland. The Manchester City striker scored twice for the second match in a row, taking his tournament tally to four goals.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen also scored for Norway, while Ismaila Sarr gave Senegal hope with two goals of his own.
Sarr’s second came late, but Norway held on for a huge win. The result sent Norway into the knockout stage in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Norway now sit on six points alongside France in Group I. Their final group match against France will decide top spot.
Senegal are still without a point, but Sarr’s late goals may matter if goal difference becomes important. They must beat Iraq in their final match and hope other results help them.
Jordan 1-2 Algeria: Desert Foxes Fight Back
Algeria kept their tournament alive with a 2-1 comeback win over Jordan in Group J. Jordan took the lead through Nizar Al Rashdan in the 36th minute.
For a while, it looked like the World Cup debutants could claim a famous win. However, Algeria responded strongly after halftime.
Nadhir Benbouali equalised in the 69th minute before Amine Gouiri scored the winner in the 82nd minute. The result gave Algeria their first points of the tournament and pushed them back into the qualification fight.
For Jordan, the defeat was painful.
They remain without a point after two matches and are now out of contention before their final group game against Argentina.
Algeria will now face Austria in a decisive final match. The winner of that game could move into the knockout stage.
Who Is Through?
Argentina are through from Group J after two wins from two. France and Norway are also through from Group I after collecting six points each.
Those three teams can now focus on finishing top of their groups and improving their routes in the knockout stage. Jordan are out.
Senegal and Iraq are hanging by a thread in Group I. They need a win in their final match and help elsewhere to have any chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams.
Standout Players
Messi was the biggest headline again. At 38, he is still carrying Argentina and breaking records. His brace against Austria took him to five goals in two matches.
Mbappe also made a statement for France. His two goals against Iraq showed that he remains one of the most dangerous players at the tournament.
Haaland is now fully alive on the World Cup stage. His two goals against Senegal proved that Norway are not just happy to be back. They are here to compete.
Ismaila Sarr also deserves credit. Senegal lost, but his double kept them fighting until the final whistle. For Algeria, Gouiri’s late winner may become one of their biggest moments of the group stage.
How It Looks Right Now
Group I is now led by France and Norway, both already qualified. Their final match will decide who takes control of the group.
Group J belongs to Argentina for now. The world champions are safely through and remain one of the strongest teams in the tournament.
Austria and Algeria will now battle for survival. The World Cup is starting to take shape. The big stars are delivering. The knockout places are filling up. The pressure is rising.
And after yesterday’s action, Messi, Mbappe and Haaland are already turning this tournament into a race of legends.
