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The second round of group matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered drama, records, and standout performances from the tournament's biggest stars. Lionel Messi became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 18 goals, scoring a brace in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria to secure their knockout round berth Source: Euronews. The race for the Golden Boot intensified as Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland each scored twice, leaving Messi with five goals, and Mbappe and Haaland with four apiece Source: Euronews.
Cristiano Ronaldo also made history, scoring his first two goals of the tournament in Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cups Source: Al Jazeera. Messi's brace against Austria came after he missed an early penalty, but he rectified with a 38th-minute opener and a 95th-minute winner Source: Euronews.
France remained dominant, defeating Iraq 3-0 despite a two-hour thunderstorm delay in Philadelphia Source: Euronews. Norway celebrated their first World Cup appearance in 28 years by advancing to the knockout stage, with their 'Viking row' celebration going viral Source: Al Jazeera. Japan emerged as Asia's best hope with a 4-0 thrashing of Tunisia, while Iran stayed unbeaten with two draws despite travel restrictions Source: Al Jazeera.
“Messi is saving his best for last... his apparent last dance is bringing out the best in him as the Argentinian has set a new record for the most World Cup goals at 18”
“Messi’s brace extended his World Cup goal record, which he broke with a hat trick in his first match, to an impressive 18 goals.”
“Better late than never: Ronaldo strikes for Portugal... his two goals in Portugal’s 5-0 thrashing of Uzbekistan... became the first player in history to score in six World Cups.”
“All-time great and seasoned veteran Lionel Messi is currently leading the charge with an impressive five goal tally across two games, but youngsters Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are not too far behind, who sit at four goals apiece.”
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