Messi Hat Trick, Mbappe, Haaland Braces, More Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

It was an eventful ending to Tuesday night's final match, one that saw Austria triumph by a 3-1 scoreline.

While Austria held a 1-0 lead going into the break after a banger from Romano Schmid, Jordan, who entered the match to the Chicago Bulls' entrance music, stormed back just five minutes after halftime. Ali Iyad Olwan scored the equalizer, which also goes down as Jordan's first World Cup goal ever, via a lovely counter attacking strike that pinged off the woodwork and landed in the back of the net. Jordan looked dangerous on the break at times throughout the evening, though they failed to generate a huge volume of chances against a sturdy Austrian unit.

Jordan's lead held, but only for a time. It looked as if Marko Arnautovic, who subbed in up top for Sasa Kalajdzic at halftime, had put his side back in front after an error from goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila. However, Arnautovic's goal off a corner kick was called off after a VAR check due to a handball earlier in the sequence. On the very next corner kick, though, Austria managed to put themselves back in the driver's seat. An in-swinger from Marcel Sabitzer forced an own goal from Jordan's Yazan Abu Al-Arab. 

It was heartbreak for Jordan, and a major sigh of relief for Austria given Ralf Rangnick's outfit began the day as major favorites. In the game's dying moments, Austria earned a penalty which Arnautovic converted from the spot to extend the lead to 3-1.

At the end of the evening in Group J, it's Argentina and Austria who find themselves on three points while Algeria and Jordan are still looking to get on the board.

After a Jordan handball gave away a penalty, Marko Arnautovic seals the deal for Austria!

It's a Jordan own goal that puts Austria ahead by a 2-1 scoreline!

Absolutely iconic stuff.

It's Jordan's first World Cup goal, and it came from Ali Iyad Olwan! It's 1-1.

Is there another banger like this in store tonight?

It was a moment of pure excellence that saw Austria take a 1-0 lead over Jordan in the first half in the Bay Area. Romano Schmid uncorked from range, scoring one of the best goals of the day (one that was chock full of top-tier goals). Thanks to Schmid's brilliance, Austria could afford to cruise through the rest of the opening period. 

Ralf Rangnick's team dominated the ball against an exceedingly defensive Jordan outfit. Playing out of a classically Red Bull/Austrian 4-2-2-2 setup, they pushed numbers forward in hopes of overloading the opposing back five — and combined those overloads with aggressive distribution and positioning from David Alaba and the rest of the buildup unit. 

Jamal Sellami's team didn't cede much ground directly in front of their goal. But between Schmid's strike and Sasa Kalajdzic's huge frame, Austria had some threatening moments.

Will those moments turn into goals in the second half? Or will Jordan find a way back into this one?

Romano Schmid, take a bow. Austria take a 1-0 lead over Jordan!

Alexander Schlager keeps Jordan out to maintain a 0-0 scoreline!

It's go time, folks!

Can Jordan stage a major upset over Austria? We'll find out shortly!

The reigning champions have started their title defense with a bang.

Argentina bested Algeria by a 3-0 scoreline in Kansas City, in front of a lively crowd. It was, of course, none other than Lionel Messi who did the honors for the victors on all three goals. The first was a long-range banger that left onlookers with their jaws wide, the second was a rebound effort after a strike from Alexis Mac Allister, and the third was a pin-point strike to put the game out of reach.

Now the joint top-scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, Tuesday night was filled with history for the greatest of all time. Messi, nearly single handedly, broke the game open in one of the greatest performances this tournament has ever seen. Argentina's No. 10 enjoyed the loudest ovation of the night when he was subbed off in the 80th minute.

Despite Algeria growing into the game towards the end of the first half, Vladimir Petković's team found chances to be few and far between. More than that, they were hopeless when it came to stopping Messi anywhere near the goalmouth. Just about any team would've been. Perhaps seeing Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura, who came off the bench to feature in the second half, join the starting lineup for the rest of the group stage will better things for Algeria.

For Lionel Scaloni, with Messi firing on all cylinders, it's difficult to avoid getting excited about what this summer could look like for Argentina.

Not a bad way to secure a hat trick, eh?

Automatic. Absolutely automatic. It's 3-0, Argentina.

Calm as you like from the GOAT, eh? It's 2-0, Argentina!

What does Messi have in store for the second 45?

Argentina are set on not repeating history, it seems.

Well, let's be clear: they seem quite clear on repeating history as champions after they lifted the World Cup in 2022. But through 45 minutes, they seem intent on not losing their first game of the tournament, as they did in 2022 to Saudi Arabia.

After a dazzling start to the first half in Kansas City, Lionel Messi and Argentina find themselves up 1-0 over Algeria. Though both teams had a goal called back for offside, it was Messi's strike from range that put Argentina in front. Backed by a heavily pro-Argentina crowd, it's safe to say that Messi's goal will be a memorable one.

With clever possession play and dazzlingly quick ball movement, Argentina have had great moments in this one, though consistency has lacked a bit. Will they extend their lead in the second half? Or will Algeria get back into this one? We'll find out in about 15 minutes.

Absolutely outrageous. Argentina still lead 1-0.

MY. WORD. ARGENTINA UP 1-0.

Can you imagine if this had stood?!

Let's get this party started, shall we?

Kansas City's biggest star coming out to see soccer's biggest star.

Can Algeria slow down the 2022 champions?!

Lionel Messi hits yet another milestone!

Norway and Iraq faced off in the second Group I meeting on Tuesday, culminating in a 4-1 win for the Scandinavians. 

In a lively first half in Massachusetts, Erling Haaland got his bid for the Golden Boot—given to the tournament's top scorer—up and running in the 29th minute. He bundled his way into the box and latched onto David Møller Wolfe's cross to convert past Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan.

But Iraq didn't let that setback get to them, playing enterprising football that was soon rewarded with the nation's first World Cup goal since 1986—and only the second in its history in the competition. 

Aymen Hussein, who had been held for hours at Chicago O'Hare airport on arrival in the United States, rose highest to head Amir Al Ammari's deep cross past Ørjan Nyland.

Haaland wouldn't be silenced, though, and his constant pressure on Iraq's defenders bore fruit when a poor back pass wasn't dealt with quickly enough by Hassan, whose attempted clearance struck Haaland's leg and flew into the net. 

Haaland's brace puts him level with Kylian Mbappé, Folarin Balogun, Yasin Ayari, Kai Havertz and Elijah Just at the top of the scoring charts.

The thrills of the first half were not replicated as often in the second period, with the Norway squad not quite on the same wavelength and Iraq having fewer moments of quality than they had in the opening stages.

However, Norway did manage to put the game beyond doubt in the 76th minute, with substitute Leo Østigård leaping like a salmon to meet Martin Ødegaard's corner and smash a bullet header past a helpless Hassan. A scrappy 96th-minute own goal, credited to Hussein, was unduly harsh on Iraq.

It leaves Norway at the top of Group I, following France's 3-1 victory over Senegal. The Scandinavians will meet the African side next, and a draw for Ståle Solbakken's side might be enough to confirm qualification to the knockout stages. 

Iraq, meanwhile, will need at least a point against France to keep its tournament alive.

All in a day's work for Haaland's boys.

Østigård rises up for the header to extend the lead

More great scenes at the World Cup.

If someone were to write a script for Iraq versus Norway, it would be almost exactly like this. 

Norway opened the scoring in the 29th minute through none other than Erling Haaland. You really could have bet your house on him getting on the scoresheet. 

The Manchester City striker slid in with customary desire to get a touch on David Møller Wolfe's cross and convert the ball into the net, opening his account in his first World Cup.

However, plucky Iraq, which has shown moments of real quality during the opening 45 minutes, grabbed a well-worked equalizer 10 minutes later. 

Who else would get it other than Aymen Hussein, the Iraq forward who was reportedly held at the U.S. border for seven hours on arrival into Chicago O'Hare Airport?  

Ali Jasim created some magic on the left wing, and he played a sumptuous pass to Amir Al-Ammari. He then stood up an excellent cross to Hussein, who planted his header into the turf and past goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland.

But you can't silence Haaland for long, and it took just four minutes for him and Norway to reclaim the lead. A lack of concentration from Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan, who dallied with a weak backpass, gave the 25-year-old an opportunity to pounce. The keeper's attempted clearance cannoned off Haaland, who won't score a much easier goal in his career. 

Norway might have anticipated a bit of a stroll, led by their big striker, but Iraq have been dangerous, and the Scandinavians will have to maintain focus in the second half to keep the lead.

Erling pounces on error to reclaim lead.

He got 🆙 for that header!

He is inevitable.

Man City striker finally makes World Cup debut.

Haaland's first World Cup game is here.

Dream start to World Cup for France star.

A sensational second-half performance from the two-time World champions turned an intense, tight battle into a convincing win. As well as Senegal played in the first half, they were no match for France after the break. Deschamps' side looked far more inspired going forward and more commanding in winning 50-50 balls across the field. The urgency they played with started as soon as the second half began.

Desire Doué found space to hit a powerful shot that just missed the target in the 46th minute. France started creating chances consistently shortly after. Sadio Mane carelessly lost possession in the midfield as Jules Kounde took the ball off him to set up Michael Olise for a tremendous goal-scoring opportunity. The Bayern Munich superstar tried to dink the ball over Edouard Mendy, but the goalkeeper used his massive frame to smother the shot. 

Another point-blank chance was instantly created as Olise played a beautiful ball to Mbappe that was sharply saved by Mendy with his left foot. That moment seemed to ignite a fire into France's new all-time leading goal scorer. Mbappe would beat Diouf down the right byline to go on one of his vintage blistering runs into the box, forcing Mane into a last-ditch slide tackle where he did just enough to avoid being penalized.

France's second-half dominance would finally pay off in the 65th minute. An exceptional pass by Olise from the left found Mbappe, who made a clever run to get goal side to guide the ball past Mendy. It was a goal fans have been waiting to see from two electrifying attackers combining for a highlight-reel moment.

France's sensational array of attackers would strike again 16 minutes later, coming from one of their substitutes. Bradley Barcola made his mark two minutes after coming on for Dembele. A well-calculated, patient pass from Adrien Rabiot helped find the dynamic Barcola, who made an outstanding run to spring free of Senegal's defense. It was another beautiful team goal from a French team that makes these moments of brilliance look so casual.

Senegal showed resilience in the final minutes with a spectacular individual effort from substitute Ibrahim Mbaye, who blazed past Theo Hernandez for a stunning goal. His moment of glory was quickly surpassed by Mbappe's historic goal to move past Olivier Giroud to become France's all-time leading goal scorer. The 2022 World Cup Golden Boot winner picked up the ball from 30 yards and smashed in an extraordinary goal from distance. In a tournament filled with superstars, Mbappe is the first to shine on the biggest stage. After an insipid first half, France delivered a memorable second-half performance that will inspire confidence that the high-powered attack can live up to high expectations.

That's how you settle the nerves. What a hit.

Senegal pulls one back late to make French lil nervous.

Little chip over the goalie to ice the game for favorites.

Loves a little tune.

Les Bleus turning it on in the second half and finally take the lead.

Mbappé goes down but doesn't get the penalty call.

Olise with good chance but Mendy says no.

Two GREAT chances for the Lions of Teranga 🦁

Just before the break, we nearly had the breakthrough for 1-0...but blasted over.

One of the most highly anticipated group stage matches goes into the break as a stalemate. Despite a combined six shots in the first half, it's been an intense battle, with Senegal being the better side. They have been impressive with their physicality, organization, and urgency to win duels. For all their excellent work, a huge miss from six yards out by Ismalia Sarr right before the half will leave them dissatisfied. They could have been up 2-0.

Nicolas Jackson produced the first near goal on a tremendous counterattack after Kylian Mbappe lost possession. Left back Malick Diouf won back possession to play a pinpoint through ball to the enigmatic striker down the left. Jackson beat Dayot Upamecano with a quick step over to drill a low shot into the near post. It caught Mike Maignan off guard, which is rare to see from one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

France struggled to orchestrate cohesive attacks, frequently mishitting passes. Even with Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele dropping deeper to receive the ball and start attacks, they failed to muster anything significant against a solidified Senegal side. There continues to be growing frustration with how one of the world's most star-studded squads, with extraordinary attacking firepower, struggles to impose itself. What personnel changes Didier Deschamps makes will be something to monitor after a hugely underwhelming first half.

Former Giants QB with a PSG fan (his son)

Massive day of World Cup action starts NOW.

Argentina-Algeria isn't until later but the atmosphere is ready

Get your snacks, get your spot on the sofa, do some stretches. It is time to lock in.

BIG one coming up in just over an hour 🍿

Today's games are going to be absolutely LIT!!!