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France scored early, played through driving rain in Philadelphia, sat through a long weather delay, and simply controlled its game against Iraq for all 90 minutes. Iraq at times has played well but has now lost its first two games at the tournament as it has made continuous mistakes – first against Norway and now against France. Here are my takeaways: 1. Mbappé Shines In World Cup Of Stars The defining stories of this World Cup have yet to be written, but it would not be a surprise if this will be remembered as an international tournament where many of the sport’s greatest players all shined together. Earlier in the day, Argentina star Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with his 18th goal, but that record might not last for long with the way Kylian Mbappé has been playing. France’s all-time leading scorer opened the scoring against Iraq with a magnificent strike for his 15th career World Cup goal. He is just the fourth player to reach that mark, behind Messi, Germany’s Miroslav Klose, and Brazil’s Ronaldo. Then in the second half, Mbappé took advantage of another Iraqi blunder at the World Cup to score his 16th goal. The caveat is that Mbappé is still only 27 years old and could still have multiple World Cups ahead of him, and he might eventually become the tournament’s greatest ever player. This World Cup has been an incredible gathering of historic talent. Along with Messi and Mbappé, you have also seen multiple goals from Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, and Harry Kane. That number will only increase as more teams begin playing multiple games. 2. France’s Other Stars Make A Splash Much of the attention surrounding this French team is on Mbappé as he now chases Messi’s scoring record, with both stars picking up right where they left off after the 2022 final. But Michael Olise’s contributions continue to be first-rate as he shows the world why he is one of the best wingers in the world for both France and Bayern Munich. In his last three appearances for France – going back before the start of the World Cup – Olise has three goals and two assists. Another big story for France out of Monday’s game was that 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé scored his first ever World Cup when he put France up 3-0. That was always a question when that burden would finally be lifted, and now it has finally happened. The potential now is that Dembélé is more relaxed and comfortable at the World Cup. That is bad news for any team hoping to stop Les Bleus. It is far from just Mbappé. His supporting cast, especially Olise and Dembélé, is world-class. They all showed it in this game. 3. No Issue For France After Rain Delay This game featured the first weather delay of the World Cup when a thunderstorm kept players in the locker room for over two hours. It raised the question of how the respective teams would respond. In this game, France responded very well. Iraq was likely content to only be trailing by one goal at halftime, and the first half took a lot of energy from Graham Arnold’s players to get to that point. France, meanwhile, was likely frustrated to have only one goal at that point. The long break saw the game revert towards how it was expected to be. France played very nice soccer in the early parts of the second half while Iraq did not look like the team that was keeping it close in the first half. France’s professionalism was apparent after the delay. France’s players refocused on the original game plan and returned to business as usual. For Iraq, the delay deflated the team’s excitement and momentum. 4. Mistakes Are Ruining Iraq’s Chances For the second straight game against a top team, Iraq committed an error in playing the ball out of the back with a shot goal kick. Against Norway with the score 1-1, Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan played the ball out wide to defender Zaid Tahseen, who then played the ball back to Hassan with Erling Haaland running down on him. It ended with a goal. Against France, Iraq made a goalkeeper change and went with Ahmed Basil Fadhil. But the same mistake happened as he passed it to Tahseen, who again hit a poor pass back to the keeper. This resulted in a Mbappé goal that put France up 2-0 and squandered any chance of an Iraq comeback. Playing out of the back is a risky strategy, but it becomes almost reckless when a team is not nearly as talented as its opponent. Arnold deserves a lot of blame for having this mistake happen twice on such a big stage. His team should have respected the talent of Norway and France and played it much safer. His teams would have been much better off.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Lionel Messi continues to remind the football world that he’s the greatest player of all time, with one GOAT move after another. He’s the all-time leading FIFA World Cup goalscorer — and will only extend his mark with every goal. And that he is doing it 20 years after first setting foot at the World Cup is even more remarkable. There is no doubt that the Argentinian captain, who is playing in a record sixth World Cup alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, will continue to keep opponents up at night. Messi now stands alone in FIFA World Cup history with 21 tournament goals and 123 overall as Argentina’s top scorer. But it can’t just end there, so allow me to rank all 21 goals across all World Cups that he has scored. Because every beautiful gem deserves its own appraisal. And yes, as you might expect, I will more than likely be updating this column: 21. Goal vs. Saudi Arabia | Nov. 22, 2022 Messi stepped up for the penalty after a foul on Leandro Paredes. But the shock of the tournament arrived when Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia came out victorious. It would only be the spark that would eventually kickstart a historic World Cup-winning campaign. 20. First Goal vs. France | Dec. 18, 2022 For me, the 2022 World Cup final was the greatest I have ever witnessed, and it started with another spot-kick as Messi made it 1-0. Little did we know that this would only be the first chapter of an incredible footballing novel. 19. Goal vs. Netherlands | Dec. 9, 2022 Messi already had an assist for the opening goal, and he made it 2-0 before the Netherlands came back to make it very entertaining with another penalty. La Pulga placed it beautifully past Andries Noppert as the Argentina faithful celebrated from behind the goal. 18. Goal vs. Croatia | Dec. 13, 2022 Another clutch penalty after Julián Álvarez was taken down. Messi’s spot-kick was smashed into the top right corner as Dominik Livaković couldn’t do anything about it. 17. Second Goal vs. France | Dec. 18, 2022 A dramatic goal in stoppage time when Argentina took a 3-2 lead as Hugo Lloris failed to push away a shot from Lautaro Martinez, so Messi pounced. As we all remember, the night would conclude with a penalty shootout and a glorious third World Cup title, 36 years after Diego Maradona lifted the trophy in México. 16. Second Goal vs. Algeria | June 16, 2026 A prototypical Messi instinct is to react before anyone else. And that’s what happened here after Alexis Mac Allister’s effort was pushed away by Zidane, but not far enough. Messi pounced and earned his second goal of the night. 15. Goal vs. Jordan | June 28, 2026 Argentina, already through and having won the group, started without Messi, who did not need to play a whole 90 minutes. As if he ever needs a full match to create some magic. Leo entered the action in the 60th minute, and 20 minutes later, he scored his second free kick at a World Cup and his 19th career goal at the tournament. It was a great finish, though I think the keeper and his wall could have done better. From another angle, you can also see Argentina’s stopper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez conducting the Argentinian wall and telling them where to stand in order for Messi to find his path towards goal. It’s brilliant. As a result, Messi also became the first men’s player to score in seven straight World Cup matches. 14. Third Goal vs. Algeria | June 16, 2026 There is probably more of a poetic, symbolic meaning to this goal as it officially marked his first ever hat trick at the World Cup. But it was also a delightful finish that sealed the three points and placed Messi in the history books. Receiving a ball from Nico Gonzalez inside the box, the soon-to-be 39-year-old star made a quick assessment and shot at Zidane with an effort that went bottom-left. Once again, the goal was perfectly placed with tremendous accuracy and the stadium knew the outcome. We all did. Messi, once again, gave us an evening to never forget. 13. Goal vs. Australia | Dec. 3, 2022 It took a dramatic save from Emiliano Martínez at the end of this one for Argentina to secure the victory, but it all started with Messi’s opener during what was his 1,000th career match. The goal started from a free-kick cross by Leo that ended up with him entering the box and, with a slight touch from Nicolas Otamendi, the Argentinian icon placed a low shot past Matt Ryan. 12. First Goal vs. Algeria | June 16, 2026 Messi, as he is turning, receives the ball from his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, and with his quintessential, almost omnipotent left foot, takes an effort just outside the box, smashing a powerful shot past Algeria’s Luka Zidane. Zinedine’s son probably saw it coming, but like many other mortals, it just can’t be stopped. It was the door that opened the floodgates. Once again, as is always the case, it started and ended with Messi as he provided the ball out to the left to Julian Alvarez. The man from Atlético de Madrid saw his shot saved, Messi claimed it, then shot it. THAT one gets blocked, but because Leo never quits, the Argentinian captain headed toward the center of the box and smashed it in. Pure determination. 11. Record-Breaking Goal vs. Austria | June 22, 2026 Of course, this is the goal that’s sealed in time, making him the all-time scorer in men’s World Cup history. After missing a penalty in the 14th minute, Messi made amends by scoring a delicious finish, thanks also to a wonderful dummy by Thiago Almada. Messi took it the first time, and it was clear he was never going to miss. On the 40th anniversary of Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, Messi created another eternal memory for Argentina. 10. Goal vs. Serbia and Montenegro | June 16, 2006 Messi’s first ever goal at the World Cup. Days before his 19th birthday, Messi came on from the bench with just over 15 minutes left. Carlos Tevez found the then-Barcelona teenager, who made a run inside the box and slotted it past the goalkeeper. It may not be his greatest goal from an aesthetic perspective, but it’s one of the most meaningful. 9. Goal vs. Mexico | Nov. 26, 2022 Anxiety was rising with Argentina fans as La Albiceleste was currently at 0-0 against Mexico deep in the second half. But then came Leo as Di María gave him the ball just outside the box. The Argentina captain sent a powerful, low effort past Memo Ochoa for the opener and the South Americans erupted. 8. Goal vs. Cape Verde | July 3rd, 2026 Lisandro Martínez deserves a lot of credit for this goal as it was his deep, beautiful assist that fed Messi inside Cabo Verde’s box. The Argentinian captain brought it down beautifully with his left foot and in the same breath, placed it past Vozinha – perhaps the only other player at the tournament who has captured so much attention at this tournament. This goal made it eight consecutive World Cup matches, extending his own record for the longest streak ever. 7. Goal vs. Egypt | Round of 16 | July 7, 2026 The equalizing goal that shook Atlanta’s stadium and sent it into ecstasy. Leo himself pings the ball in the box but it scrambles away until Gonzalo Montiel finds it and just about returns it to Messi, who proceeds to smash it past Egypt’s stopper Mostafa Shobeir. It hits the crossbar and eventually ricochets into the net. A magnificent finish at such a crucial moment. 6. First Goal vs. Nigeria | June 25, 2014 Messi ended the group stage in perfection, scoring a brace against Nigeria. The first came in the second minute of action as Angel Di María hit the post and, like a bull charging at will, Leo entered the box and smashed it in. An absolute rocket. 5. Second Goal vs. Austria | June 22, 2026 Once again, as is always the case, it started and ended with Messi as he provided the ball out to the left to Julian Alvarez. The man from Atlético de Madrid saw his shot saved, Messi claimed it, then shot it. THAT one gets blocked, but because Leo never quits, the Argentinian captain headed toward the center of the box and smashed it in. Pure determination. And also, pay attention to his touch just as he gets the ball inside the box. It is the definition of genius and elegance. But you have to slow down the highlight in order to truly appreciate it. 4. Second Goal vs. Nigeria | June 25, 2014 The second was Messi’s first and only free-kick goal at the World Cup. Nigeria came back with a goal but, in true fashion, La Pulga reclaimed his team the lead with a beautiful set piece. Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama could only watch and follow it in as he knew — as we all did — he was already beaten. 3. Goal vs. Iran | June 21, 2014 Iran held on as much as it could. But when you face Messi, that’s just never enough. In the 90th minute, Leo picked up the ball on the edge of the box and completely smashed a beautiful left-footed attempt heading towards the top left of goal. A piece of magic and one of my favorite goals. 2. Goal vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina | June 15, 2014 Messi didn’t score in the 2010 World Cup so he had to make amends four years later in Brazil. At 27, he was ready to make a statement and this is one of my favorite goals because you are now seeing prime Leo—running at full speed—unable to be stopped. Messi drives towards goal, gives it to Gonzalo Higuain, gets it right back and, with a lethal left-foot finish that eventually becomes a trademark on the bottom left, scores. The best part is that he forced two Bosnian defenders to crash into each other in the process, as they were unable to stop the Argentinian. They became two early victims of Messi’s wrath. 1. Goal vs. Nigeria | June 26, 2018 After causing havoc against the Super Eagles back in 2014, the African side was probably done with this guy by the time Russia 2018 arrived. But Messi was not and four years later, Leo scored what is in my opinion, his greatest World Cup goal. He received a great pass from Ever Banega, and as he was tracked down by a defender, Leo took a touch as smooth as butter with his left knee, then with his left foot, brought it down to his weaker right foot and slammed it past the goalkeeper. Hang it in the Louvre? It’s a goal so good that it deserves to have its own exhibition.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Christian Pulisic returned to training with his U.S. teammates on Monday after missing their most recent match of the World Cup with a calf injury. Pulisic participated in warmups and ball drills during the 15 minutes of practice open to the media in Orange County. The team gave no formal update on the status of the AC Milan midfielder, who has been limited to one dynamic half of play in the unbeaten Americans’ home World Cup. Pulisic didn’t play in the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle last Friday. He played the first half of their tournament-opening victory over Paraguay, catalyzing two of the U.S. team’s three goals in the first half of a historic 4-1 win before coming off at halftime with stiffness from an injury incurred the previous week in training. Pulisic trained apart from his teammates during the workouts between the first two games, so his return to the full squad was obviously encouraging. He had been limited to gym workouts, resistance training and light ball work during his absence. “It’s a tough situation when you’re going through a small, little knock,” U.S. teammate Alex Zendejas said Monday. “It’s an important tournament where obviously everyone wants to be able to get out there 100%, but [we don’t] talk about the injury or talk about the moment [Pulisic] is going through. [We] talk about other stuff, try to get his mind off of it. Just be there for him.” The U.S. finishes group play on Thursday night at SoFi Stadium against Turkey in a meaningless game for the group-winning Americans and the already-eliminated Turks. The Americans’ first knockout match is on July 1 in Santa Clara, California. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino still didn’t have his entire roster on the field at Great Park. Midfielder Cristian Roldan missed practice with a strained muscle. Reporting by The Associated Press.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Argentina came to Dallas needing a result to top the group and left with a record. Lionel Messi spent the opening 10 minutes missing a penalty and reminding everyone he’s human. He spent the next 85 showing everyone why he isn’t. Here are my takeaways from Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria: 1. Klose-ing Time: Messi Didn’t Want A Roommate For exactly one game, Messi had shared the all-time World Cup men’s scoring record with Germany’s Miroslav Klose at 16 goals. Apparently the arrangement annoyed him. Late in the first half of Monday’s match, Facundo Medina dug out a cross from the left, Messi took one touch, and the ball settled in the bottom corner. No. 17 for No. 10, and the record was his alone. In stoppage time, he added an 18th goal, threading it through a thicket of Austrian legs like a man squeezing onto a closing subway car. Klose needed four tournaments to reach 16. Messi is in his sixth World Cup, two days shy of 39 years of age, and just opened a two-goal lead on the retired German striker. Messi also missed a penalty — the first player to do so at this tournament. Given the evening he just had, no one will remember that miss from the spot. 2. 40 Years After Maradona Magic, Messi Equals His Tally – In His Late 30s Forty years ago to this date, Diego Maradona beat England with his fist and then with the finest goal the tournament has ever produced. The most Argentine afternoon in football history. Maradona scored 34 goals for Argentina across his entire career and was retired from international duty by 33. But here’s the number that shouldn’t be possible: Messi has scored 34 since his 35th birthday alone. That’s a whole Maradona, assembled from spare parts and stubbornness in the years most players spend on a beach. Here are the numbers that matter: 18 World Cup goals to eight, 120 international goals to 34. The comparison stopped being a comparison a long time ago. 3. Argentina Won Ugly (Which Is The Scary Part) This was not the clinic that Argentina put on last week against Algeria. Ralph Rangnick’s Austria did the Rangnick things: pressed in waves, stayed compact, refused to lend Argentina any rhythm. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni kept his 4-3-3 with Messi drifting in off the right, and the fluency came and went like a bad phone signal. Argentina edged possession 54%-46% and spent long stretches managing rather than menacing. Austria even had chances. Kevin Danso flung himself in front of an Enzo Fernández shot on the line, Michael Gregoritsch headed over, a stoppage-time header slid wide, and Argentina keeper Emiliano Martínez had to earn his paycheck on a Marcel Sabitzer free kick. They did everything right and lost 2-0 to a squad that had missed a penalty. That’s the warning for the rest of the bracket: the champion played at maybe 70 percent and still strolled out with three points. 4. Austria Is Down, But Not Out The scoreline stings, but Austria’s tournament is alive and, better still, in their own hands. They sit second in Group J on three points, and that 3-1 win against Jordan in the opener has quietly become the most important thing they’ve done all year. Argentina has won the group and reached the Round of 32. One automatic ticket remains. It comes down to the final match against Algeria. Win it, and Rangnick’s side almost certainly advance. Monday’s Jordan-Algeria result will tidy up the exact math, but Austria controls the part that counts. And they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt. They pressed the world champions, made real chances, and didn’t flinch. Nobody’s idea of a fun knockout draw, if they get there.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

History has been rewritten. Lionel Messi has cemented his legacy as the greatest to ever play the game, adding the ultimate goal-scoring crown to an already legendary résumé. After scoring his first goal against Austria on June 22, Messi recorded his 17th FIFA World Cup goal to become the all-time scoring leader in the men’s tournament. He’s officially surpassed the record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose – and is now two clear of Klose with 18. The record for most goals scored at a World Cup tournament was previously held by Brazil women’s team legend Marta with 17, which Messi tied with his first goal against Austria and then broke with his second (that came deep into stoppage time). He now stands alone as the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. Messi became just the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining Just Fontaine (France) and Jairzinho (Brazil). The first goal came in the 38th minute at Dallas Stadium off a thunderous one-time touch from Facundo Medina’s pass that sailed into the bottom-left corner past Austria keeper Alexander Schlager. And then, Messi scored a second time against Austria in the 95th minute, breaking his tie with Marta. A deflected save popped back to Messi, whose first shot was blocked, but he found the back of the net on his second-chance attempt. Just absolute relentlessness from the GOAT to give Argentina a 2-0 lead over Austria in a match it would ultimately win. Messi has played in every World Cup since 2006 and has scored in all but one edition, missing the scoresheet only in 2010. He scored seven goals during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup title run and has already added four more in 2026, continuing to build on his record. On top of making World Cup history, Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer with 122 goals. He also holds the record for the most World Cup match appearances, with 27, and will look to add to that total by the end of the tournament. Could Mbappé Also Join Messi? After making history, Messi has firmly established himself as the undisputed GOAT of the sport, while another rising star is slowly but surely building an impressive World Cup resume behind him in France star Kylian Mbappé. At just 27 years old, Mbappé already ranks fourth on the tournament’s all-time scoring list with 14 career goals. He is also on track to surpass Klose’s mark, potentially as early as this year’s World Cup. Mbappé has already scored 14 goals in just 15 World Cup matches, including four as a 19-year-old during France’s 2018 title run. He followed that performance by scoring eight goals in 2022, the most in the tournament, highlighted by a hat trick in the World Cup final against Argentina. Mbappé made his impact known after recording the second hat trick ever recorded in a World Cup final. Messi may hold the record today, but Mbappé is rapidly closing the gap and appears destined to challenge it in the years ahead. The race for World Cup history is far from over and could take center stage again if France and Argentina meet in another World Cup final.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Lamine Yamal got Spain back on track during an eventful Sunday at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Spain’s blowout win, Iran earned a hard-fought point against Belgium and Cape Verde gave Uruguay a brief scare with its first-ever World Cup goal. Here is everything you might have missed on Day 11 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Spain vs. Saudi Arabia Belgium vs. Iran Uruguay vs. Cape Verde New Zealand vs. Egypt BEST OF THE DAY Save Of The Day Belgium was in control of Sunday’s matchup against Iran, and the Red Devils looked like the more likely team to break through with a goal. A defining moment in the game came in the 59th minute, when Belgium star Kevin de Bruyne brilliantly controlled a lofted pass from Leandro Trossard near the touchline. He played a pass into the box, where left back Maxim De Cuyper eventually put a shot on goal that Beiranvand got a strong hand on. Seven minutes later, the game changed when Belgium center back Nathan Ngoy was sent off. Iran stayed defensively strong and got its second draw of the tournament ahead of its final game of the tournament next week against Egypt. Assist Of The Day Mikel Oyarzabal’s amazing first 25 minutes finished with a tap-in finish at the back post after a great passing sequence that saw the ball not touch the ground. Right back Pedro Porro played a pass to the far post, which Marc Cucurella played toward the center of the box, where Olmo kept the ball in the air with his head. From there, it landed right at Oyarzabal’s foot for an easy finish. Goal Of The Day Cape Verde’s first-ever World Cup goal was scored in style. Uruguay midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur committed a foul about 30 yards away from goal in the middle of the field. Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera put two players in his defensive wall, although it proved hugely ineffective. Pina stepped up and smashed a shot through the wall that moved away from Muslera and snuck inside the post. It was a great hit from the Cape Verde-born midfielder that shocked Miami Stadium. Moment Of The Day Spain’s 18-year-old phenom came on for the final quarter of the team’s 0-0 draw against Cape Verde to open the tournament. He looked lively but could not break through. It took him 10 minutes to get the ball into the back of the net against Saudi Arabia. Spain attacker Mikel Oyarzabal held up possession on the left wing and then played a brilliant ball into the back post, where Yamal slid in to tuck the ball home. It was a great moment for the player who we ranked as the No. 1 player at the World Cup, as well as a signal that Spain is still a serious contender.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup continues on Monday as Groups I and J enter their second match day following a dramatic opening round. All four matches across these two groups ended with decisive outcomes, meaning the field enters the day cleanly split in half. Four teams enter riding high with three points, looking to secure a spot in the Round of 32, while the remaining four enter the match day with zero points, desperately fighting to keep their tournament dreams alive. Argentina and Austria open the match day in Dallas, where a battle between opening-day winners will determine who sits in the driver’s seat in Group J. Attention then turns to Philadelphia as France faces Iraq, with the current betting favorites Les Bleus aiming to advance with a game to go. The third match takes us to New York New Jersey Stadium, where Norway, led by Erling Haaland, look to maintain their form against African powerhouse Senegal, who enter seeking their first three points of the tournament. Finally, the nightcap features Jordan and Algeria meeting in San Francisco Bay Area, as both sides look to rebound from opening-day losses and avoid an early exit. When: Monday, June 22, 1 p.m. ET Where: Dallas TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One There’s a lot at stake as Argentina takes on Austria on Monday at Dallas Stadium, with both teams tied atop Group J with three points each. The winner of this game secures a clear path to advance to the Round of 32. Argentina enters this match in elite form after a dominant 3-0 drubbing of Algeria in their opener. The defending champions controlled the tempo from the first whistle, showcasing clinical control. Argentina’s icon Lionel Messi was the story of the night, turning back the clock to score his first hat trick at a World Cup and instantly tying the men’s all-time World Cup goals record. For Austria, confidence is sky-high after securing a commanding 3-1 victory against World Cup debutants, Jordan. Marking their highly anticipated return to the World Cup stage in 28 years, Austria hopes the form can carry over against the defending champions, but the European side will face an uphill battle. Austria enters this game as the underdogs, despite a convincing win in their opener. Both teams will be eager to dictate the rhythm, but Argentina’s world-class depth and big-game pedigree give them the upper hand if they can sustain their form. Player to Watch The legendary playmaker provided a masterclass in the opening match, scoring all three goals to single-handedly engineer a flawless start for the reigning champions. Arriving in Dallas in peak tournament form, Messi’s vision, explosive spatial awareness, and lethal precision in the final third will be Argentina’s primary weapon to unlock Austria’s rigid defensive structure. When: Monday, June 22, 5 p.m. ET Where: Philadelphia TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One France enters this match following a convincing 3-1 victory over Senegal. The two-time world champions looked characteristically smooth and dangerous as the game progressed, as their elite attacking pedigree was on full display in the second half. France controlled the tempo and dictated play for large stretches, spearheaded by superstar Kylian Mbappé, who netted two goals. Didier Deschamps faces the enviable task of managing his deep squad rotation to provide fresh attacking options and dynamic support in the final third. Iraq enters coming off a bruising 4-1 defeat against Norway where the prominent Norwegian attack led to defensive lapses that ultimately cost them all three points. Iraq did get on the board against Norway, as Aymen Hussein’s header briefly equalized, but they did not have the same attacking quality to keep pace with Norway. While Iraq’s backline will face yet another monumental challenge trying to contain a highly talented and in-form French frontline. France remains heavily favored to advance, but a failure to claim a decisive win here would make their final group match a high-pressure scenario. Player to Watch The phenomenal forward remains the explosive heartbeat of France’s star-studded frontline. After a strong outing in France’s opening fixture where he bagged a brace, Mbappé will look to get on the scoresheet again in Philadelphia. Mbappé finds himself in a battle for both the World Cup Golden Boot and the title of all-time World Cup goalscorer with Lionel Messi, who tied Miroslav Klose’s record with 16 goals, Mbappé isn’t too far behind though, with 14 World Cup goals to his name. When: Monday, June 22, 8 p.m. ET Where: New York/New Jersey TV: FOX Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One Norway looks to lock up a spot in the knockout stage on Monday when they face one of the giants of African football, Senegal, at New York New Jersey Stadium. Norway, who qualified for their first World Cup since 1998, displayed the nation’s offensive depth in a 4-1 rout of Iraq. The European side was clinical in transition, unleashing world-class scoring options to pick apart Iraq’s defense. Having cruised through UEFA qualifying with a perfect 8W-0D-0L record, their opening tournament statement proved that their offensive potency has translated seamlessly despite the entire squad making their World Cup debut. Norway enters this continental clash in position to seize control of Group I before a highly anticipated group finale against France. Senegal enters this match with immense pressure after suffering a defeat to two-time World Cup champion, France. Norway will enter as favorites, but Senegal will look to salvage their tournament ambitions. In order to do so, Senegal will likely need a flawless defensive display, but dealing with Norway’s physical frontline for a full 90 minutes will test their squad’s depth. Player to Watch Prior to the tournament, one question surrounding the 25-year-old Manchester City striker was whether his success at the club level would translate on the biggest stage. After his two-goal performance against Iraq, the world can consider that question answered. If Senegal cannot deny Haaland service, he will be in prime position to lead Norway into the Round of 32. When: Monday, June 22, 11 p.m. ET Where: San Francisco Bay Area TV: FS1 Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One After an incredibly decisive opening round of fixtures in Group J, Jordan and Algeria meet at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for Monday’s nightcap. With both sides sitting on zero points, a winner of this matchup will resurrect their knockout stage dreams while a loser faces near-certain elimination. Jordan proved they can compete on the world stage, even briefly equalizing in the second half, in a 3-1 opening loss to Austria. Jordan’s defensive lapses late in the second half ultimately were the difference as Austria’s next two goals came from an own goal and a penalty. If Jordan can clean up their mistakes from the opener, they could earn the nation’s first three points in tournament history. However, they also need their offense to take the next step in order to have a chance to escape the group stage. Algeria enters on the receiving end of a 3-0 defeat against reigning world champions Argentina. Despite the side’s best efforts, Algeria was completely dismantled by Lionel Messi’s timeless masterclass. Despite the big loss, Algeria’s experienced, European-based squad knows they must immediately flush the loss in order to give themselves a chance to advance. Algeria could present a much more physical defensive challenge for Jordan’s frontline than Austria provided. With both sides’ entire tournament lives hanging in the balance, expect a highly emotional and aggressive battle where a single mistake could decide who stays alive. Player to Watch The forward, who plays for Qatari club Al-Sailiya SC, etched his name forever into Jordanian sporting folklore by scoring the nation’s debut World Cup goal against Austria. Olwan’s off-the-ball movement, work rate, and direct running will be tested heavily against a highly motivated Algerian backline. If his midfield can provide clean service, Olwan has the form and can provide the confidence to lead Jordan to its first win in tournament history.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

On Sunday in Los Angeles, 10-man Belgium huffed and puffed and just about managed to escape with a 1-1 draw against a defiant Iran, as both of these teams met in their first encounter on the international stage. And once again, it was a goalkeeper who stole the headlines. But it’s not the one you think. The beginning of the match saw relentless pressure from the Red Devils, but Iran held on, and every so often it even created counter-attacking opportunities, especially from set pieces. In fact, it was only the offside call that took away a smart Iranian free kick after catching Belgium napping. The warning signs were definitely there for Rudy Garcia’s men, and it turned into desperation after Nathan Ngoy received a red card in the 65th minute after fouling Iran’s captain Mehdi Taremi. After that, a less-than-par performance turned into a calamitous one as the European side fought to salvage a draw. For Iran, it was a magnificent display of defensive will and resilience and, at time of writing, it is the west Asian side who leads Group G until at least later in the evening when New Zealand faces Egypt. For Belgium, its disappointing World Cup campaign continues. 1. Heroic Defense From Beiranvand And Iran Iran’s strategy was to form a low-block tactic, placing five men at the back. Aside from that, there was protection from its midfield, so at any Belgian opportunity in the final third that Belgium, Amir Ghalenoei’s team was there to shut it down. It also did a smart thing by only limiting Belgium to crossing from deep areas and by the time the ball reached Iran’s box, there was plenty of protection to clear it. It even had a fantastic chance in the 53rd minute after Alireza Jahanbakhsh launched a throw-in to captain Mehdi Taremi, who delivered a tremendous volley, forcing Thibaut Courtois to make a quintessential stop. Then, in the 58th minute, Alireza Beiranvand made a ridiculously impressive save of his own from close range to deny a close effort from Maxim De Cuyper. He did it again from the same player in the 85th minute. He was simply tremendous throughout the game. A brave, deserved point from Iran, which probably should have been three after Ngoy’s sending off. 2. Lukaku Can’t Lead This Line From The Start Romelu Lukaku, limited this past season with Napoli but returned to the national team’s starting XI after playing a pivotal factor in his team’s 1-1 draw against Egypt, was caught up in a controversial decision early on. The 33-year-old forward aggressively collided with Beiranvand after attempting to score inside the box. Lukaku missed and ended up hurting the keeper, but the argument here is that it was a 50-50 battle, and he had every right to go for the ball, despite hurting the stopper. As a result, he only received a yellow, but some thought that it should have been a sending off. Regardless, he stayed on and, quite honestly, he provided very little. You can just see that his lack of mobility hurt Belgium because it was easier to mark him or protect the goal. He had a great opportunity in the second half but was too slow to turn and finish. Belgium needs a mobile attacker. Someone who can create more problems for Iran—or any opponent. Lukaku, the legendary Belgian forward, sadly isn’t it right now. 3. Belgian Fans Should Be Worried Belgium once again produced a flat performance. In fact, it is probably one of the most uninspiring teams at this World Cup when you consider the players at Garcia’s disposal. It was hopeful rather than clinical. Nervous rather than willing. Part of it was also the strategy, where Kevin de Bruyne is asked to do so much, playing right behind the striker but with no cohesion. Youri Tielemans, who had a magnificent season with Aston Villa, was very quiet and the disconnected lines between midfield and attack were very evident. 4. Jeremy Doku’s Absence Was Obvious The Manchester City winger did not play due to illness (it was not because of the other talking point where he was unjustly criticized for aiming to leave camp in order to be present at the birth of his first child) and when he is not in the lineup, Belgium is extremely one dimensional. Doku is wonderful when going forward, causing headaches against his opposing defenders due to his direct runs and Belgium just don’t have enough of those weapons. When he doesn’t play, the drop in attacking quality is severely noticeable. 4 ½. What’s Next There is all to play for on the final match day of Group G as Belgium will head to Vancouver for a massive match against New Zealand on Friday night at 11 p.m. ET, whilst Iran faces Egypt at the same time.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

Lamine Yamal has arrived on the FIFA World Cup stage. Spain’s superstar winger, who turns 19 next month, scored a goal in the 10th minute of his country’s 4-0 Group H victory over Saudi Arabia on Sunday. It was Yamal’s first career World Cup goal in what was also his first World Cup start and second appearance in the tournament altogether. Yamal came off the bench in Spain’s shock June 15 draw against Cape Verde, as he was dealing with a hamstring injury. While he only played one half against Saudi Arabia for the same reason, it was all that Spain needed from him. “The difference from the first game and today was, I would say, Yamal because he brings something that I think nobody else has, they creativity,” Zlatan Ibrahimović opined after Spain’s win. “He only played 45 minutes, but everybody knows that when you play against Spain, you have to watch out; they’re the European champions.” But what is it that makes Yamal special? “The creativity,” World Cup winner Thierry Henry said of Yamal, who plays at Barcelona just as Henry did. “He’s the sort of guy that thinks the game. He does things differently. He will attract different people, find different ways with his dribbling, passing and the aura that he has. He knows when to go and when not to go and stop the rhythm of the game sometimes, assisting goals.”To talk about him, we know we’re talking about Spain today, obviously, but also at Barcelona, when he doesn’t play, it’s on the same team. When you have Lamine Yamal on your team, anything can happen.” Yamal has spent the last four seasons playing for Barcelona in LaLiga, with whom he finished first in the league in three of those seasons (2022-23, 2024-25 and 2025-26). Last season (2025-26), Yamal totaled 16 goals, 11 assists and knocked through three penalty kicks, which were all career highs. Prior to becoming a fixture for Barcelona, Yamal was part of La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy, since 2014; Yamal ultimately made his debut for the club in April 2023, when he was just 15. Next up for Yamal and Spain (1W-1D-0L) is a June 26 showdown against Uruguay (0W-1D-0L), which is both countries’ final match of the group stage.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports

It came down to a last-lap shootout at the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America. When the dust had settled following a hectic final lap, it was Christian Lundgaard outlasting the field to take the checkered flag following 55 laps and 223 miles of high-octane action in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The Winner Is … Christian Lundgaard, who took the lead with four laps remaining and didn’t look back, despite a late caution giving the field one final shot at trying to catch up to him. Alas, Lundgaard was too strong and was in the first stop when one final caution came out to end the race. It was the No. 7 Arrow McLaren driver’s second win of the season — the first time in his career he has multiple wins in the same season. How The Race Was Won Marcus Armstrong appeared to be in the driver’s seat for the victory with four laps remaining. But then trouble happened. With Lundgaard trying to make up ground on the first-place driver, Armstrong suffered an engine issue, allowing Lundgaard to pass into the top spot, which he would not relinquish. Top 10 Results What’s Next? The INDYCAR Series takes a week off before hitting the track again Sunday, July 5 for the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The race takes place at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX.​Latest Sports News from FOX Sports