The sixth day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a series of historic performances from some of football’s biggest stars, as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland all etched their names into the record books while African representatives Senegal and Algeria suffered opening defeats.
Messi Equals World Cup Goals Record in Argentina Victory
Lionel Messi produced a memorable hat-trick as defending champions Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener at the Kansas City Stadium.
The Argentine captain scored all three goals to become the joint-highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 16 goals, matching the long-standing record set by Germany legend Miroslav Klose.
Making his landmark 200th appearance for Argentina, Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute before adding further goals in the 60th and 76th minutes to complete the first World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career.
The Inter Miami forward also became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick at the World Cup, helping Argentina secure a winning start to their title defence.
Mbappé Becomes France’s All-Time Leading Goalscorer
Kylian Mbappé also enjoyed a historic evening as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in New York.
The Real Madrid star scored twice to take his international tally to 58 goals, surpassing Olivier Giroud’s previous French record of 57 goals.
After a difficult first half in which Senegal created several clear opportunities, France eventually found their rhythm after the break. Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 66th minute before Bradley Barcola doubled the advantage.
Teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back for Senegal in stoppage time, becoming the youngest African player to score at a FIFA World Cup. However, Mbappé responded moments later with a stunning long-range strike to seal the victory.
The brace also took the French captain’s World Cup tally to 14 goals, moving him level with German great Gerd Müller and within touching distance of Klose’s all-time record.
Haaland Announces World Cup Arrival with Brace
Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with two goals as Norway cruised to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I.
The Manchester City striker opened the scoring in the 29th minute before capitalising on a goalkeeping error to restore Norway’s lead after Iraq had equalised through Aymen Hussein.
Late goals from Leo Østigård and an unfortunate Hussein own goal completed the scoring as Norway celebrated a successful return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence.
Haaland’s brace took his remarkable international record to 57 goals in just 51 appearances for Norway.
Austria End 36-Year Wait for World Cup Victory
In Group J, Austria secured their first World Cup win in 36 years with a 3-1 triumph over tournament debutants Jordan.
Romano Schmid gave the Austrians an early lead before Ali Olwan equalised shortly after halftime. Austria eventually regained control through a Yazan Al Arab own goal before veteran striker Marko Arnautovic converted a late penalty to seal the result.
The victory was Austria’s first at the World Cup since defeating the United States 2-1 on June 19, 1990.
Tough Day for Africa
It proved to be a difficult day for African nations at the tournament. Senegal and Algeria both suffered defeats despite encouraging spells against European and South American opposition.
Senegal impressed during the opening half against France and were unfortunate not to take the lead, while Algeria battled bravely before eventually succumbing to Messi-inspired Argentina.
Jordan, making their World Cup debut, also produced a spirited display before falling to Austria.
As the tournament gathers momentum, Day 6 will be remembered for the brilliance of Messi, Mbappé and Haaland—three global superstars who once again demonstrated their ability to shape football history on the world’s biggest stage.
