Messi does it again to move clear of Klose
They always say someone writes their name into the history books, right? And in Lionel Messi’s case, the plural is appropriate – he just doesn’t know when to stop making history (not that we ever want him to stop).
With a brace in Argentina’s 2-0 Group J win over Austria in Dallas, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner moved two clear of Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer (18 goals). Oh, and he’s scored all five of the defending champions’ goals at these finals.
Monday evening may have been the Messi show yet again – but it was also pivotal for Argentina, who began a World Cup with back-to-back wins for the eighth time to secure their passage to the Round of 32 as group winners. Austria will do likewise if they avoid defeat to Algeria in their final group game.
Mbappé hot on Messi’s heels in France epic
France’s comfortable 3-0 Group I victory against Iraq goes down as the longest match in World Cup history, kicking off at 6pm local time and finishing some three hours and 47 minutes later. That’s because we had our first weather delay of the 2026 World Cup, an intense thunderstorm delaying the start of the second half in Philadelphia (not one of the tournament’s enclosed venues) by over two hours due to the threat of lightning.
Either side of the lengthy hold-up, Kylian Mbappé bagged his second brace in as many games at these finals, the France captain staying hot on Messi’s heels by moving to 16 World Cup goals on his 100th cap.
The two-time world champions are through to the knockout stage and will face Norway in a straight shootout to top the group. Iraq could still advance as a best third-placed team – they take on a Senegal side also yet to pick up a point.
Who else but Haaland?
It’s all smiles in the FotMob camp this morning after Norway booked their spot in the last 32 by beating Senegal 3-2, making it two wins from two in Group I, and reaching the knockouts of a major tournament for the first time since 1998.
Erling Haaland (who else?) was at the double in New York – just as he was in his country’s opening 4-1 thrashing of Iraq. As such, the Manchester City goal machine is only the second player to score twice in each of his first two World Cup appearances – Harry Kane also doing so in 2018.
The second round of group games concludes on Tuesday evening and into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Portugal face Uzbekistan in Group K in the day’s first match in Houston, followed by England against Ghana in Group L in Boston.
Panama then take on Croatia in Group L in Toronto, before Colombia’s Group K clash with DR Congo in Guadalajara.
Portugal must prove Ronaldo’s not a hindrance
On the fringe of the hottest favourites coming into the tournament, Portugal have to improve from their opening 1-1 draw with DR Congo if they’re to mark themselves out as serious contenders for a first World Cup triumph.
The presence of Cristiano Ronaldo came into question once more on matchday one, with Portugal’s veteran captain, playing at his sixth World Cup aged 41, making little impact on proceedings. It’s been suggested Ronaldo’s teammates feel pressured to pass the ball to him, though defender Francisco Conceição has insisted they “don’t have any obligation” to do so.
In any case, Portugal will hope they can follow Spain’s lead – after they thrashed Saudi Arabia 4-0 – by responding convincingly to an underwhelming draw when they meet debutants Uzbekistan – who lost 3-1 to Colombia in their first World Cup outing.
England aim to back up impressive Croatia win
England produced some of their most scintillating attacking football in many a year en route to beating Croatia 4-2 on matchday one, and Thomas Tuchel will be wanting more of the same from his side against Ghana – the lowest-ranked team in the group. Three points will send England through to the Round of 32 – likewise Ghana.
The Three Lions could win their first two games of a World Cup for the fourth time, having previously done so in 1982, 2006 and 2018 – and Declan Rice is particularly excited about one facet of their game.
“As time has gone on, I feel like now every time I put down a ball for a set-piece – whether it’s a corner or a wide free-kick – I feel like I’m going to get an assist or make something happen that’s dangerous,” said the Arsenal midfielder, who delivered a delightful corner for Harry Kane to head in England’s second goal last time out.
🏴🇬🇭 England vs. Ghana match preview
Colombia and DR Congo continue World Cup comeback
Both Colombia and DR Congo enjoyed memorable World Cup returns in their opening matches – the former after only one tournament away, the latter following a 52-year absence – beating Uzbekistan 3-1 and drawing 1-1 with Portugal respectively.
As things stand, both must fancy their chances of advancing as one of the top two sides in the group. Victory for Colombia would ensure just that, while three points for DR Congo – hunting their maiden World Cup win after notching their first goal and point – would almost certainly guarantee them a last-32 berth as one of the best third-placed teams at least.
