AF World Cup Roundup: Messi, Haaland and Mbappe net braces on a night of World Cup magic

Welcome to the All-New AF World Cup Roundup, your One-Stop Destination for World Cup News & Updates.

Matchday Highlights

Austria 0-2 Argentina: Messi Nets Brace to Become the World Cup's All-Time Leading Scorer

Lionel Messi added yet another chapter to his unparalleled international legacy on Monday, scoring twice as Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 in Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and securing his place as the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer.

France 3-0 Iraq: Mbappé brace and Dembélé strike send France through despite weather delay

Kylian Mbappé netted a brilliant brace as France cruised to a convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq in their second group stage match, an encounter that was temporarily halted at half-time due to a severe thunderstorm.

Norway 3-2 Senegal:Haaland score two goals & Norway qualify to World Cup Round of 32

Erling Haaland was at the double for Norway once again as they booked their place in the World Cup round of 32 with a nervy 3-2 win over Senegal.

Jordan 1-2 Algeria: Mahrez assist sparks comeback to eliminate World Cup debutants

Riyad Mahrez played his part as Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 and put themselves in a strong position to progress from Group J.

Key Stats Board

Lionel Messi the World Cup top scorer ever with 18 goals

During the group stage match against Austria, Lionel Messi becomes the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

Argentina achieves longest winning streak since June 2016 with 9 consecutive wins

In the second round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0, securing their ninth consecutive victory across all competitions, the longest winning streak for Argentina since June 2016.

Digne sets French record with 12-year gap between first two World Cup appearances

On June 23, the French national team announced their starting lineup for their second FIFA World Cup group stage match against Iraq. The 32-year-old Digne replaced Theo Hernandez in the starting XI.

These things happen

Man City are FINALLY closing in on appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor

Manchester City are closing in on finally appointing Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola’s successor.

Julian Alvarez: Atletico Madrid striker says he wants to leave club to 'fulfil his dream'

Argentina forward Julian Alvarez has confirmed he wants ‌to leave Atletico Madrid to "fulfil his dream."

Meteorologist: 60% chance of thunderstorms could disrupt France vs. Iraq World Cup match

According to meteorologist Guillaume Sechet, there is a 60% chance that the France vs. Iraq match will be affected by thunderstorms. If lightning is detected within approximately 13 kilometers of Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, the match will be suspended for at least 30 minutes.

What They Say

Messi: I was furious about that terrible penalty miss

After the match against Austria, Messi, crowned FIFA World Cup all-time top scorer with 18 goals, spoke to reporters in the mixed zone.

Partey on visa rejection: Some things are uncontrollable, I'm ready to play England

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has responded for the first time to the rejection of his Canadian entry visa. He stated that some things are beyond a player's control, and he has now moved past the situation and is ready to play for the Ghana national team.

Ronaldo: Messi surpassed all predecessors; at 38, I was retired and weighed 120kg

In the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina defeated Austria 2-0. Messi scored twice, taking his total FIFA World Cup goals to 18 and making him the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. After the match, Brazilian legend Ronaldo praised Messi's achievement.

Mbappe: Not dissatisfied with staff, but hoped they would clear more water from our attacking side

According to RMC, Mbappe explained why he spoke with ground staff during France's match against Iraq.

Neymar in 'great shape' as he targets return against Scotland, says Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli says Neymar is in "great shape" and performing at a "high level" in training, with Brazil hopful he can return to face Scotland in their final group game.

Alvarez: The best thing for me is a TRANSFER and I want to FULFILL MY DREAM

Julián Álvarez: “The best thing for me is a TRANSFER and I want to FULFILL MY DREAM”.

Ødegaard on "Viking rowing" celebration: "It was a great moment"

On June 22nd, Norway defeated Senegal 3-2 in World Cup 2nd Round group stage match. After the match, Norway captain Ødegaard spoke to NRK.

Fixtures of the Day

World Cup

Portugal VS Uzbekistan 2026/06/23 17:00 UTC

England VS Ghana 2026/06/23 20:00 UTC

Panama VS Croatia 2026/06/23 23:00 UTC

Colombia VS Congo DR 2026/06/24 02:00 UTC