The stars were out in force as the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage continued with four entertaining fixtures across Groups I and J. Some of football’s biggest names delivered on the grandest stage, with Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi all producing match-winning performances to guide their nations to crucial victories.
France, Norway, Argentina, and Austria all secured maximum points in their respective opening matches, with hat-trick heroics, braces, and late drama highlighting an action-packed day of World Cup football.
Group I: France 3-1 Senegal
France overcame a stubborn Senegal side to begin their World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory, although the final scoreline did not fully reflect the competitive nature of the contest.
The defending European powerhouse found themselves frustrated for much of the encounter as Senegal’s disciplined defensive setup limited clear-cut opportunities. However, the breakthrough eventually arrived in the 66th minute when captain Kylian Mbappe once again demonstrated his world-class quality, finding the back of the net to put Les Bleus ahead.
The goal opened up the match and allowed France to gain greater control. Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage in the 82nd minute, finishing off a flowing attacking move to seemingly put the contest beyond doubt.
Senegal refused to go away quietly and pulled a goal back deep into stoppage time in the 90+5th minute, briefly raising hopes of an unlikely comeback. Those hopes were extinguished almost immediately as Mbappe struck again just a minute later, completing his brace in the 90+6th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.
The result gives France an important three points and further underlines Mbappe’s status as one of the tournament’s most dangerous players.
Group I: Norway 4-1 Iraq
Norway enjoyed a commanding start to their World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Iraq, powered by another clinical display from superstar striker Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City forward opened the scoring in the 29th minute, finishing confidently to put Norway in front before doubling the lead just before halftime with another well-taken goal in the 43rd minute.
Iraq briefly threatened to make a game of it when veteran striker Aymen Hussein scored in the 39th minute, but Norway’s superior quality ultimately proved decisive.
After the break, Norway maintained control and added a third goal through defender Leo Ostigard in the 76th minute, effectively ending Iraq’s hopes of mounting a comeback.
The scoring was completed in stoppage time when Iraq suffered further misfortune as Aymen Hussein inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 90+6th minute, giving Norway a comfortable 4-1 victory.
With Haaland already finding his scoring touch, Norway will be encouraged by their attacking display as they look to advance from Group I.
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Three superstars.
Seven goals.
One unforgettable World Cup night. 🌟#FIFA pic.twitter.com/bTqVGpnZKf— FIFA World Cup 2026 (@FIFAWC26Updates) June 17, 2026
Group J: Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Lionel Messi rolled back the years with a vintage performance, scoring all three goals as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The reigning world champions took control early when Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing expertly to give Argentina a deserved lead.
Algeria worked hard to remain competitive throughout the first half and parts of the second, but Messi once again proved the difference-maker. The Argentine captain doubled the advantage in the 60th minute before completing a memorable hat-trick in the 76th minute.
The three-goal performance served as another reminder that despite being in the latter stages of his legendary career, Messi remains capable of deciding matches on football’s biggest stage.
Argentina’s convincing victory places them in an excellent position in Group J and sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament contenders.
Group J: Austria 3-1 Jordan
Austria secured an important opening victory after defeating Jordan 3-1 in a match that featured goals, an own goal, and late drama.
Romano Schmid gave Austria an early advantage in the 21st minute as the Europeans controlled much of the first half through their possession and attacking pressure.
Jordan responded admirably after the break and found an equalizer in the 50th minute through Ali Olwan, who finished clinically to bring his side back into contention.
The match remained finely balanced until the 76th minute when Jordan defender Yazan Al-Arab inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, restoring Austria’s lead.
Jordan pushed forward in search of another equalizer, but Austria sealed the result deep into stoppage time when veteran striker Marko Arnautovic converted a penalty in the 90+12th minute to secure a 3-1 victory.
The win provides Austria with a valuable three points and boosts their hopes of progressing from Group J.
Conclusion
Matchday action in Groups I and J belonged to football’s biggest stars. Kylian Mbappe delivered a crucial brace for France, Erling Haaland powered Norway with two goals, while Lionel Messi stole the headlines with a stunning hat-trick for Argentina.
With Austria also collecting three points, the early group standings are beginning to take shape. France and Norway now sit atop Group I, while Argentina and Austria make winning starts in Group J. As the tournament progresses, these opening victories could prove vital in the race for qualification to the knockout stages, while the performances of Mbappe, Haaland, and Messi have already set the stage for what promises to be another unforgettable World Cup.
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World Cup Predictions:
Winners: 
2nd: 
3rd: 
Golden Boot: Mbappe 
Most assists: Bruno Fernandes 
Clean sheets: Raya 
Dark Horses: 
Under achievers: 
POTT: Mbappe 
Biggest Flop: Wirtz 