FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi, Mbappe and Haaland return to action in pursuit of more history

The opening salvo of a World Cup often belongs to the collective – the unscripted romance of the underdogs, the collective sigh of nervous heavyweights and the pageantry of a tournament finding its rhythm. Yet as the 2026 North American final swings into high-stakes second-round territory, the story has been violently hijacked by an individual genius.

The first week felt like a coordinated statement of intent from premium blockbusters.

Lionel Messi celebrated his historic sixth final appearance a majestic hat-trick against Algeria in Kansas City he equaled Miroslav Klos’ World Cup record of 16 goals.

hours earlier Kylian Mbappe systematically dismantled Senegal by a decisive margin to become France’s all-time top scorer at the age of just 27.

Not to be outdone, Erling Haaland transferred his inevitability at club level to the global stage, marking his long-awaited World Cup debut a brutal physical double that gave Norway a 4-1 win over Iraq.

Now the focus shifts from the opening fireworks to a cool, calculated build-up.

MESSI EYES MORE HISTORY

Lionel Messi needs a goal to become the World Cup’s all-time top scorer (Reuters Photo)

Match: Argentina vs. Austria at 22:30 IST on June 22
Venue: Dallas Stadium

Lionel Messi’s inaugural masterclass showed his magic remains intact. Lionel Scaloni’s system still allows the Argentina captain to pick his moments, but after finding plenty of space against Algeria, he is likely to face a much sterner and more physical test against Ralf Rangnick’s Austria.

Austria entered the tournament on the back of a clinical 3-1 victory over Jordan, displaying the hyper-aggressive, synchronized counter-pressing that has become Rangnick’s structural signature. They won’t stand aside and admire the defending world champions; instead, Austria’s midfield will attempt to suffocate the pockets of space where Messi operates.

Key Tactical Battle: Look forward to isolating Messi against Austria’s central block. Rangnick will no doubt deploy a designated midfielder to shadow the Argentine captain. The tactical fascination lies in how Argentina’s supporting cast, notably Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, exploit the spaces created by Austria’s attempt to double Messi. One more goal will remove Messi from the pantheon of World Cup goalscorers. Expect a high-octane chess match where one moment of lateral genius could break Austria’s solid lines.

MBAPPE LOOKS LIKE HE WILL PLAY

France vs Iraq at 2:30 IST on June 23
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium

If Messi’s performance carried the heavy weight of history, Kylian Mbappe’s display in France’s opening 3-1 win over Senegal carried the terrifying threat of tournament inevitability. Didier Deschamps’ side struggled in the first half, but when the game called for an elite tackle, Mbappe stepped up. His second goal, a towering effort that killed Senegal’s late resurgence, highlighted his unique ability to separate statistical output from net match-winning value.

Mbappe is now joint third on the all-time scoring list (with 14) at the World Cup. And a hat-trick later in the day will put him on top.

As Les Bleus prepare for Iraq in Philadelphia, qualification security is the goal. France have an embarrassment of riches, with Bradley Barcola showing tremendous chemistry alongside the Real Madrid superstar, but Mbappe remains the undisputed sun around which the French system revolves. Hurt by their heavy opening defeat, Iraq are likely to drop into the low block and challenge France’s patience.

Key Tactical Battle: Watch closely for Mbappe’s transition from left flank to central focus. When Deschamps rotates his forward line in the middle of the game, Mbapp becomes completely invisible. The key thing to watch is how Iraq’s right-back can handle France’s overlapping full-backs without leaving their centre-backs completely exposed to Mbappe’s devastating direct changes of pace.

CAN HAALAND BUILD ON THE START OF A DREAM?

Norway vs. Senegal at 17:30 IST at 5:30 IST on June 23
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium

For Erling Haaland, the opening win over Iraq was confirmation. The football world wondered whether his industrial efficiency in the penalty area would suffer under the unique emotional weight of a World Cup debut. The first half of the brace gave a comprehensive answer to the skeptics. Haaland didn’t need to be involved in the wider flow of the match; he just did what elite nines are designed to do.

Norway’s long absence from the global table means they arrive with a point to prove. Haaland’s presence, supported by Martin Odegaard’s creative vision, transforms Stale Solbakken’s side from fascinating dark horses to a truly terrifying proposition for any defensive line. However, Senegal are desperate for points after losing to France and will be playing with high intensity.

Key Tactical Battle: The physical battle between Haaland and Senegal’s centre-backs will be a decisive element of Norway’s second leg. The Iraqi tried to play a rather bold line and was mercilessly punished by Haaland’s vertical drives. Senegal are very likely to adopt a more physical, compressed defensive shell, daring Norway to play around them rather than over them. Look at how Haaland uses his physical gravity to pull centre-backs out of position, creating secondary scoring lanes for late Norwegian midfielders like Odegaard.

Zee5 app and website will offer live streaming of FIFA World Cup matches in India. TV coverage on Unite8 Sports.

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Issued by:

Akshay Ramesh

Published on:

22 Jun 2026 12:52 IST