Messi, Mbappe, Haaland Shine on World Cup Opening Day
Short overview
Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina, Kylian Mbappe became France's all-time leading scorer, and Erling Haaland netted a double as Norway returned to the World Cup with a win. Austria also beat Jordan in their first World Cup match since 1998.
Argentina, France and Norway all secured victories on the opening day of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland delivering standout performances. Messi scored his first World Cup hat-trick to lead defending champions Argentina past Algeria, Mbappe struck twice to become France's all-time leading scorer in a win over Senegal, and Haaland also bagged a brace as Norway defeated Iraq. In the day's final match, Austria edged Jordan in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
Mbappe Makes History for France
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring with two brilliant goals against Senegal at the New York New Jersey Stadium, taking his international tally to 58 and surpassing France's previous record. His double also moved him into joint-fourth on the all-time World Cup scoring list with 14 goals. After a goalless first half, Mbappe and Bradley Barcola put France ahead before Senegal pulled one back deep into injury time. Mbappe then sealed the 3-1 victory with a late strike.
Haaland's Dynamic Debut
Erling Haaland marked his long-awaited World Cup debut with two goals as Norway beat Iraq 4-0 at Boston Stadium. The striker scored a brilliant first and a fortuitous second to put Norway ahead. Iraq missed several chances to equalize, and Norway substitute Leo Ostigard and an own goal by Aymen Hussein in stoppage time completed the rout. Haaland has now scored in his last 11 competitive appearances for Norway dating back to November 2024.
Messi's Record-Breaking Hat-Trick
Lionel Messi became the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup history at 38 years and 357 days, leading Argentina to a comprehensive victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. The Argentina captain, making a record sixth World Cup finals appearance, scored an exquisite treble to equal Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. Messi opened with a long-range strike, added an opportunistic second, and completed his hat-trick with a late curler.
Austria Return with Win
Austria celebrated their return to the World Cup for the first time since France 1998 with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium. Romano Schmid gave Austria the lead with a curling effort, and an own goal by Yazan Al Arab made it 2-0. Ali Olwan scored Jordan's first World Cup goal to make it 2-1, but veteran Marko Arnautovic sealed the win with a penalty deep into injury time. Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye, at 18 years and 143 days, became the youngest African goalscorer in World Cup history.
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