World Cup: Record-chasing Messi back in action as Argentina, France resume campaigns
By Luke Oluoch, June 22, 2026The scramble for points and early places in the coveted knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup continues this Monday, June 22, 2026, as six nations battle it out in their second-round group ties.
Defending champions Argentina return to Group J action to host European opposition Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. La Albiceleste currently lead the group following Lionel Messi’s historic hat-trick in their 3-0 opening win over Algeria.
The spectacular performance saw Messi tie Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals, placing the legendary forward on the cusp of history.
All eyes will be on the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winner as he embarks on yet another record-breaking milestone in tonight’s 8:00 pm kickoff.
The Inter Miami ace is now just a single goal away from setting the outright, all-time scoring record in global football’s biggest tournament, which he is contesting for a record-breaking sixth time.
Meanwhile, French superstar Kylian Mbappé will lead the 2022 finalists into their second match of Group I. Fresh from becoming France’s all-time leading goal scorer, the Real Madrid marksman is back in action for fans staying up late for the midnight kickoff.
Mbappé, who grabbed a brace in their comprehensive opening victory over Senegal, will anchor Les Bleus’ quest to maintain their unbeaten streak and secure early qualification into the Round of 32.
The Group I encounter will see Didier Deschamps’ side take the pitch in Philadelphia against Asian representatives Iraq, who will be desperate to bounce back and keep their own World Cup hopes alive.
Upcoming Matches
| Match | Group | Kickoff Time (EAT) | Venue |
| Argentina vs. Austria | Group J | 8:00 PM | AT&T Stadium (Dallas), Texas |
| France vs. Iraq | Group I | 12:00 AM (Midnight) | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
Already, the United States, Mexico, and Germany have punched their tickets to the next rounds after back-to-back wins in the groups.
Mauricio Pochettino’s United States’ back-to-back wins in their group saw the USMNT break a 96-year wait to seal progression to the next rounds.
Eliminated teams
Haiti, Tunisia, and Turkey became the first casualties of the tournament, becoming the first trio to be officially eliminated from the World Cup.