2026 FIFA World Cup: Group I & J Round-Up
Argentina and France seal knockout spots; Messi breaks all-time scoring record
Group J Highlights
Argentina 2-0 Austria
Defending champion Argentina secured their place in the knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Lionel Messi scored in the 38th minute and added a second goal in second-half stoppage time. He also missed a penalty in the 8th minute. With this performance, Messi reached 18 career World Cup goals, surpassing the previous record of 16 held by Miroslav Klose. He has now scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, a feat previously achieved by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho. Argentina has six points from two Group J matches.
Austria coach Ralf Rangnick stated: "We knew that he is on a level of his own."
Algeria 2-1 Jordan
Algeria defeated Jordan 2-1, coming from behind to earn their first win of the tournament. Jordan's Nizar Al-Rashdan scored in the 36th minute. Nadhir Benbouali equalized for Algeria in the 69th minute, and Amine Gouiri scored the winner in the 82nd minute after a VAR review. Jordan's first World Cup goal had been scored by Ali Olwan against Austria.
Austria vs Jordan (from Source 3)
Austria defeated Jordan 3-1. An own goal by Jordanian defender Yazan Al Arab in the 76th minute gave Austria a 2-1 lead. Marko Arnautovic scored a penalty in stoppage time. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick stated that Jordan played well and made the match difficult.
Group I Highlights
France 3-0 Iraq
France defeated Iraq 3-0 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The match was delayed for approximately two hours at halftime due to a severe thunderstorm with lightning and heavy rain.
Kylian Mbappé scored in the 14th and 54th minutes, bringing his World Cup total to 16 goals. Ousmane Dembélé also scored in the 38th minute. Mbappé made his 100th appearance for France in this match. France has six points from two matches, guaranteeing advancement to the Round of 32.
Norway 3-1 Senegal
Norway defeated Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Erling Haaland scored twice, with goals in the 48th and 72nd minutes. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen scored in first-half stoppage time (45+1'). Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr scored in the 58th minute. Norway has six points, tying France atop Group I.
Tournament Context
Both Argentina and France have advanced to the knockout stage with six points from two matches. Norway also has six points and will face France in Boston to determine the top spot in Group I. Senegal must beat Iraq in their final match to have a chance to advance; Iraq has zero points. Algeria and Jordan both have three points in Group J.