Argentina, France, and Norway Eye Knockout Stage; Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland Contend for Golden Boot

All three teams secured a win in their opening matches and aim to clinch their second victories to confirm their spots in the knockout stage. Football fans worldwide are focusing on three generations of superstars—Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland. Defending champions Argentina kicked off on a high note by defeating Algeria 3-0, powered by Lionel Messi’s first World Cup hat-trick. Two goals from captain Kylian Mbappe helped defending runners-up France secure a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Norway, returning to the World Cup after 28 years, also had a successful start, overcoming Iraq 4-1 with two goals from Erling Haaland. (8 Ashar, Kathmandu)

Defending champions Argentina, runners-up France, and Norway, participating in the World Cup after a 28-year hiatus, all began the FIFA World Cup 2026 with impactful wins in the tournament’s opening match. Co-hosted by three North American nations, the 23rd edition of the World Cup is setting new records and drawing global football attention to these teams. Their star players—Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland—showcased outstanding performances in their first matches by scoring multiple goals. Now, Argentina, France, and Norway aim to replicate their initial successes with second consecutive wins to secure their positions in the knockout rounds.

In Group J, Argentina will face Austria on Monday night at 10:45 PM. Austria also had a strong start by defeating Jordan 3-1 in their opening match. In Group F, France will play Iraq on Tuesday at 2:45 AM, followed later by Norway taking on Senegal at 5:45 AM.

The performances of the three teams have amplified discussions around their star players. Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland have already established themselves as frontrunners for the Golden Boot award. Messi, who led Argentina to the title four years ago in Qatar, continues to display the same fiery form. If Messi scores against Austria, he will become the all-time highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history.