2026 World Cup, Day 12: Messi and Mbappé Score Doubles; Haaland Decides
Argentina defeated Austria 2-0 with a double from Lionel Messi, France thrashed Iraq 3-0 with Mbappé, Norway overcame Senegal 3-2 with Haaland, and Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1.
Match of the 2026 World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle. Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC).
The twelfth day of the 2026 World Cup showcased stars: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland shone, while Argentina, France, and Norway solidified their positions in the group stage.
Here’s a recap of the four matches of the day, including the scorers and the standings in Groups I and J.
1e6 1f7 Group J — Messi Lights Up Argentina
Argentina 2-0 Austria 1e6 1f7 1e6 1f9: A night for Lionel Messi, who missed a penalty at the start but redeemed himself with a double (38' and 90'+5) to secure victory for the Albiceleste, who finished the group stage with a perfect record.
Jordan 1-2 Algeria 1e6 ef 1f4 1e9 1ff: Nizar Al Rashdan (36') put Jordan ahead, but Algeria turned it around with goals from Na 1e9m Benbouali (69') and Amine Gouiri (82') to earn their first three points.
Standings — Group J
# | Team | Played | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Argentina | 2 | +5 | 6 |
2 | Austria | 2 | 0 | 3 |
3 | Algeria | 2 | -2 | 3 |
4 | Jordan | 2 | -3 | 0 |
1eb 1f7 Group I — France and Norway, Steady Progress
France 3-0 Iraq 1eb 1f7 1ee 1f6: Kylian Mbappé scored a double (14', 54') and Ousmane Dembélé (66') completed the rout for the champions.
Norway 3-2 Senegal 1f3 1f4 1f8 1f3: A thrilling match. Marcus Pedersen (43') opened the scoring and Erling Haaland (48', 58') netted a double; Ismaïla Sarr (53', 90'+3) scored twice for Senegal, but it wasn't enough.
Standings — Group I
# | Team | Played | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | France | 2 | +5 | 6 |
2 | Norway | 2 | +4 | 6 |
3 | Senegal | 2 | -3 | 0 |
4 | Iraq | 2 | -6 | 0 |
What’s Next
With the group stage nearing its end, Argentina, France, and Norway are already showing credentials as contenders, while Algeria and Austria are in the fight for qualification. The 2026 World Cup is already underway: join a pool at EasyFútbol and compete with your friends week by week until the grand final. You’re still in time!