France vs. Iraq Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Weather, Scores and Highlights

Severe thunderstorms puts second half on hold

It's been a strong start for the two-time World champions. In ugly conditions, they have been largely in command with their slick passing and sheer physicality. For all their firepower going forward, Didier Deschamps' squad is one of the most imposing sides in the world. Led by their tremendous back four and fantastic goalkeeper, they complement the plethora of world-class attacking talent very well.

Building off his memorable performance against Senegal, it only took 14 minutes for Kylian Mbappe to add his latest highlight-reel goal to an extraordinary World Cup resume. Michael Olise passed it to him from the right, where Mbappe was waiting for the ball on the edge of the box. Iraq's defense sat off him, which was a costly decision. France's all-time leading goal scorer bent in a curler with his weaker foot in stunning fashion. There was enough power with the bend for the shot to make it past Iraq's goalkeeper Ahmed Basil Fadhil.

France hasn't created many clear chances, as Iraq has defended admirably. Ousamane Dembele and Bradley Barcola have shown flashes, beating defenders in isolation with exceptional footwork and pace to put dangerous balls into the box. Those moments didn't result in any shots on target. As proven in their first game, France can turn it on at any time. The rainstorm could prevent them from reaching the same heights as last Tuesday.

That would have been a GOAL alright.

Philly experiencing some kind of storm now during France-Iraq.

Kylian just toying with them before banger from distance

Kylian Mbappé's 100th cap for France!

Gooooooooooooooooooooool

Another milestone for Kylian

Lionel Messi claimed sole possession of the FIFA Men's World Cup goalscoring record as Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Austria in Arlington, Texas.

The 38-year-old's shining moment came with a goal of fitting quality shortly before half-time. A sweeping Argentina move saw left-back Facundo Medina find space on the left-hand side, and his cutback allowed Messi to coolly slide the ball past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.

It was Messi's 17th World Cup goal and saw him overtake Germany's Miroslav Klose, with whom he drew level on Wednesday with a hat-trick against Algeria, and he extended his lead at the top of the leaderboard with his 18th in second-half stoppage time.

With Austria chasing the game, Messi set Julio Álvarez through on goal, followed up on the striker's blocked effort and then smuggled the ball past a host of opposing defenders to secure the victory.

Messi had earlier wasted a glorious opportunity to secure the record after Lautaro Martínez was awarded a penalty in the game's opening stages. If there has been one weakness throughout Messi's career, though, it has been from the penalty spot — his wayward effort was his third penalty miss in seven World Cup attempts.

Argentina and Messi flashed moments of brilliance throughout without ever moving out of second gear, and they largely kept Austria at arm's length. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez wasn't troubled outside of a Marcel Sabitzer free-kick shortly after half-time, and only a Patrick Wimmer header in stoppage time prior to Messi's second threatened Argentina's lead outside of that.

Leo absolutely rolling at World Cup 2026

Been some interesting calls in this game...

Cleary going through it

What a player. What a career

Lionel Messi became the all-time record FIFA Men's World Cup goalscorer as Argentina took a 1-0 lead into half-time against Austria in Arlington, Texas.

The 38-year-old finished off a sweeping move in the 39th minute, latching on to Facundo Medina's cutback and slotting the ball home to record his 17th goal on the World Cup stage and overtake Germany's Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time leaderboard.

Argentina could've made the perfect start after being awarded a penalty in the seventh minute. Lautaro Martinez sliced through the opposition defense before finding himself as the meat in the sandwich between Stefan Posch and Xavier Schlager, with a foul awarded after a lengthy video review. Messi, though, put his attempt wide of Alexander Schlager's left-hand post.

Messi was predictably involved in all of Argentina's best attacking moments, with both he and Enzo Fernandez going close prior to the opener, while his team's defense has held firm under brief spells of pressure from Austria.

17 goals. Leo breaks Klose's all-time men's scoring mark

Messi's goal was right there, until it wasn't.

Can't really believe it

Leo shanks it with World Cup goal record on the line

Wow huge early chance

Buckle up...

There he is! That's him!

Messi starts, what a surprise!

Just what was in that bathwater

We are going to get Messi hours on a Monday at 1pm ET...

Times Square got a first-hand look at this epic fan tradition

We have three of the World's biggest superstars in action today. Messi, Mbappé, Haaland. Get set for Argentina, who kicks off in just over three hours.