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2026 FIFA World Cup: Group Stage Results and Records

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2026 FIFA World Cup: Group Stage Highlights

Groups I and J Deliver Drama and Record-Breaking Performances

Argentina, France, and Norway secure knockout berths, while Germany and the Netherlands suffer shock penalty shootout exits.

Group I

France Cruises to Round of 32

France secured two commanding victories in Group I, defeating Senegal 3-1 and Iraq 3-0. The match against Iraq was delayed approximately two hours at halftime due to a severe thunderstorm in Philadelphia.

France vs Senegal (3-1)

  • Goals: Kylian Mbappé (2), Bradley Barcola for France; Ibrahim Mbaye for Senegal.

France vs Iraq (3-0)

  • Goals: Kylian Mbappé (2), Ousmane Dembélé.
  • Mbappé made his 100th appearance for France and scored his 15th and 16th World Cup goals.

With six points from two matches, France advanced to the Round of 32.

Norway Dominates with Haaland's Brilliance

Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 and Senegal 3-1, setting up a final group match against France for the top spot.

Norway vs Iraq (4-1)

  • Goals: Erling Haaland (2), Leo Østigård for Norway; own goal by Aymen Hussein.
  • Iraq's Aymen Hussein equalized in the 39th minute before Norway pulled away.

Norway vs Senegal (3-1)

  • Goals: Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, Erling Haaland (2) for Norway; Ismaïla Sarr (2) for Senegal.

Erling Haaland has scored 59 goals in 52 international appearances.

Norway has six points and is scheduled to face France in Boston for the top spot in Group I.

Senegal and Iraq Eliminated

Senegal lost 3-1 to France and 3-1 to Norway. Iraq lost 4-1 to Norway and 3-0 to France. Iraq coach Graham Arnold said mistakes cost his team. Iraq has zero points and was eliminated from the tournament.

Group J

Argentina Advances Behind Messi's Historic Run

Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, advancing to the knockout stage with six points.

Argentina vs Algeria (3-0)

  • Goals: Lionel Messi (3, hat trick).

Argentina vs Austria (2-0)

  • Goals: Lionel Messi (38th minute, stoppage time).
  • Messi missed a penalty in the 9th minute.

Lionel Messi has scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining Just Fontaine and Jairzinho in that elite company.

Messi Shatters All-Time World Cup Scoring Record

Lionel Messi holds the all-time record for most World Cup goals (18).

Messi surpassed the previous record of 16 goals held by Miroslav Klose.

  • Lionel Messi (Argentina, age 38): 5 goals in 2 matches.
  • Kylian Mbappé (France, age 27): 4 goals in 2 matches; 16 career World Cup goals.
  • Erling Haaland (Norway): 4 goals in 2 matches; 59 goals in 52 international appearances.

Austria Falls Short Despite Win

Austria defeated Jordan 3-1 but lost 2-0 to Argentina.

Austria vs Jordan (3-1)

  • Goals: Marko Arnautovic (penalty) for Austria; own goal by Yazan Al Arab.
  • Jordan's Ali Olwan scored their first-ever World Cup goal.

Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said Jordan played well and made the match difficult.

Algeria and Jordan: Mixed Results

Algeria lost 3-0 to Argentina and defeated Jordan 2-1.

Algeria vs Jordan (2-1)

  • Goals: Nizar Al-Rashdan for Jordan (36th minute); Nadhir Benbouali (69th minute) and Amine Gouiri (82nd minute) for Algeria.
  • The winning goal was confirmed after VAR review.

Jordan lost 3-1 to Austria and 2-1 to Algeria. Jordan scored their first-ever World Cup goal, scored by Ali Olwan.

Group Stage Elimination Matches

Paraguay vs Germany: Historic Penalty Heartbreak

Paraguay defeated Germany 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, eliminating Germany from the World Cup.

Germany lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history.

  • Goals: Julio Enciso (44th minute) for Paraguay; Kai Havertz (54th minute) for Germany.
  • Penalty Shootout: Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill saved from Kai Havertz and Nick Woltemade. Germany's Jonathan Tah missed. Paraguay's winning penalty was scored by José Canale.

Morocco vs Netherlands: Bounou the Hero

Morocco advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating the Netherlands 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

  • Goals: Cody Gakpo (72nd minute) for the Netherlands; Issa Diop (90+1 minute) for Morocco.
  • Penalty Shootout: Morocco scored 4 of 5 penalties; Netherlands scored 3 of 5. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Crysencio Summerville's attempt.
  • Morocco is scheduled to play Canada in Houston.

Brazil vs Japan: Last-Gasp Winner

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 with a stoppage-time goal.

  • Goals: Kaishū Sano (29th minute) for Japan; Casemiro (56th minute) and Gabriel Martinelli (90+5 minute) for Brazil.