The first round matches in groups I and J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have concluded. All four matches were held on the sixth day of play and ended with victories for the favorites, with a total goal difference of 12:3.
Argentina — Algeria — 3:0
The reigning world champion confidently began their title defense by defeating Algeria in Kansas City. The main hero of the match was Lionel Messi, who scored a hat-trick in the 17th, 60th, and 76th minutes. This hat-trick was significant for the Argentine captain: he became the all-time leader in World Cup appearances, having participated in six tournaments, and equaled Miroslav Klose in total goals scored in World Cup finals, with both now having 16 goals. Messi was substituted in the 80th minute for young Nico Paz.
France — Senegal — 3:1
In New Jersey, in front of 80,545 spectators, France achieved a comeback victory over Senegal. The first half was dominated by the Senegalese, who appeared sharper: Nicolas Jackson hit the post, and Ismaïla Sarr missed a dangerous opportunity.
After the break, the French transformed their game. In the 66th minute, Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring following a pass from Michael Olise. In the 82nd minute, substitute Bradley Barcola extended the lead. Senegal pulled one back in added time with a goal by Ibrahima Mbaye in the 90+5th minute, but a minute later, Mbappé set the final score at 3:1. This brace gave the French captain his 14th and 15th World Cup goals, placing him third on the tournament's all-time top scorers list, tying with Gerd Müller.
Iraq — Norway — 1:4
Norway confidently defeated Iraq in Foxborough. Both teams are participating in the finals for the first time in a long time: Iraq since 1986, and Norway since 1998.
Erling Haaland scored a brace, netting in the 29th and 43rd minutes. Between his goals, the Iraqis managed to equalize: Aymen Hussein scored in the 39th minute. In the second half, Norway pressed their opponent, with Leo Ostigard scoring in the 76th minute and Kristian Thorstvedt setting the final score at 4:1 in the 90+7th minute. Haaland also provided an assist.
Austria — Jordan — 3:1
In San Francisco, Austria defeated the World Cup debutants Jordan. This is Austria's first participation in the finals since 1998.
Romano Schmid put the Austrians ahead in the 20th minute. In the second half, Ali Olwan equalized in the 50th minute, scoring Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal. However, in the 76th minute, Austria regained the lead thanks to an own goal by Yazan Al-Arab following a corner. In added time, in the 90+12th minute, Marko Arnautović converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review, setting the final score at 3:1.
Thus, after the first round in groups I and J, Norway and Argentina lead with three points and a better goal difference. Argentina tops Group J, ahead of Austria on goal difference.