World Cup LIVE: Arnautovic nets from spot to earn Austria win over Jordan

[h2]Today's matches:[/h2][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/france-QkGeVG1n/senegal-hOIsJLJr/?mid=ALxYcMw2"]France 3-1 Senegal - FT[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/iraq-K8aAGt6r/norway-8rP6JO0H/?mid=n9TEVLhA"]Iraq 1-4 Norway - FT[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/algeria-nc87N1BR/argentina-f9OppQjp/?mid=UP9bEsOr"]Argentina 3-0 Algeria - FT[/a][/b][/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/austria-naHiWdnt/jordan-vNcmJoU2/?mid=OO27CLhe"]Austria 3-1 Jordan - FT[/a][/b][/p][h2]Live updates:[/h2][p][b]13:05 CET - [/b]Be sure to follow all the action with us again today - we are now [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-fifa-world-cup-2026-day-6-live-updates/d4VrdE2E/"]LIVE until the early hours of tomorrow morning[/a].[/p][p][b]08:10 CET - [/b]That's all from us today on day five at the World Cup. We will back later on for day six where England and Croatia headline proceedings, whilst Colombia and Portugal are also in action.[/p][p]That's not all we will have, though. Look out for our daily highlights dropping in an hour, whilst [b][i]Flashscore[/i]'s Jason Pettigrove[/b] has taken a look at how Lionel Messi dismantled Algeria on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-how-lionel-messi-dismantled-algeria-as-argentina-begin-their-world-cup-defence/SQ8cWPTa/"]a historic night[/a] for the Argentine.[/p][image alt="Lionel Messi waves to the crowd following his hat-trick" id="d2bbdd4c-8e84-47a2-ab56-b20d1f64eec8" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff" guid="164a00f5-2614-4402-abdb-b6b711cc4976" original-width="1732" original-height="1249" /][p][b]08:07 CET -[/b] It's not been the easiest of evenings for Austria, but after a VAR check for handball decides it is a penalty, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arnautovic-marko/WvR2ASLR/"]Marko Arnautovic[/a] has the chance to end this contest against Jordan. He makes no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way to make it 3-1.[/p][p]That's the final action of the game, Austria go level on points with Argentina at the top of Group J.[/p][image alt="Austria - Jordan match momentum" id="d77a06fe-b104-4a0d-8cc2-6d7b86d6274b" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="4ce69b22-252c-41a6-8664-be5e3fe489bb" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]08:04 CET - [/b]Austria are ending the game stronger - Marko Arnautovic has a shot blocked one minute from time as they search for a goal to kill this game off. Could they have a penalty from that effort?[/p][p][b]07:56 CET - [/b]Just the 10 minutes of added time at the end of this game...[/p][p][b]07:50 CET - [/b]Into the final few minutes, barring a bunch of stoppage time, and Jordan are pushing for another leveller. Austria seem happy to hold what they have - it's a big test of the Jordanians to see whether they can mix it on this stage.[/p][p][b]07:42 CET - Austria back in front! [/b][/p][p]It's a corner again, which proves Jordan's downfall. A vicious inswinger from Marcel Sabitzer finds the head of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-arab-yazan/OWRzPGGg/"]Yazan Al Arab,[/a] and the ball flies into the corner. Austria will feel that the goal is deserved after the previous corner was chalked off. Tempers flare after the goal; it's getting spicy.[/p][p][b]07:33 CET - [/b] A let-off for Jordan's goalkeeper, as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arnautovic-marko/WvR2ASLR/"]Marko Arnautovic[/a] has the ball in the net, only for VAR to see a handball in the build-up.[/p][p]Yazeed Abulaila makes a real hash of a punch from a corner; the ball falls to [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/posch-stefan/nsVWqZE2/"]Stefan Posch[/a], who does not try to handle the ball, but it does brush his arm. It falls to Arnautovic, who slams it home. But VAR rules it out for handball - a contentious decision, and one of our first real VAR controversies at this World Cup.[/p][p][b]07:27 CET -[/b] Chances at both ends as Austria and Jordan chase a goal to put them in the lead. Goalkeeper [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/abulaila-yazeed/fiGcd9Ht/"]Yazeed Abulaila[/a] gets a hand to the face, but we play on and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/chukwuemeka-carney/tpQg2gso/"]Carney Chukwuemeka[/a], on off the bench, has a golden chance to score, only to see his shot blocked.[/p][p][b]07:15 CET -[/b] You have to say, they deserve it! [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/olwan-ali/jw8gA2n0/"]Ali Olwan[/a] has scored Jordan's maiden World Cup goal, with a lovely finish on his right foot. The stadium erupts in the Bay Area - history made for the nation of Jordan. Another day of goals at the World Cup, we've had 12 and counting.[/p][image alt="Ali Olwan's goal for Jordan" id="c9f0509e-b97d-4388-8505-ac93f0e3e16c" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform / Eloisa Lopez / Reuters" guid="f4a8d8eb-29e6-439b-8559-780dbf8c337e" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]07:08 CET - [/b]A change at the break for Austria, with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/kalajdzic-sasa/8Wq79aVu/"]Sasa Kalajdzic[/a], who looked to be struggling with the pace of the game, off for Austrian veteran [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/arnautovic-marko/WvR2ASLR/"]Marko Arnautovic[/a]. Jordan get us back underway.[/p][p][b]06:53 CET -[/b] Half-time in the Bay Area, and Austria lead this thoroughly entertaining affair 1-0 over Jordan - that Romano Schmid effort the difference at the break.[/p][p]Positives to be taken for both sides, but Jordan are giving a good showing on their World Cup debut. Having reached the final of the last Asian and Arab Cups, they have tournament pedigree - expect them to show that resilience and character as we head into the second half.[/p][image alt="Austra - Jordan match momentum" id="1ee43423-0198-433e-8a44-6551feb5ed35" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="4dad87f2-f85f-4d19-9b8c-72d0688136c2" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]06:48 CET - [/b]Jordan have been on top for the past 10 minutes, penning Austria back - they look well set to keep challenging in the second half.[/p][p][b]06:37 CET - [/b]Still, given how attacking Austria are being, Jordan are finding openings. Alex Schlager makes a good stop from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-rashdan-nizar/YqDXtApr/"]Nizar Al Rashdan[/a] as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-tamari-mousa-suleiman/Y7pbUJA4/"]Mousa Tamari[/a]'s follow-up is blocked.[/p][p][b]06:35 CET - [/b]Wave after wave of Austrian pressure is seeing Jordan battling desperately to keep the score at 1-0. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/posch-stefan/nsVWqZE2/"]Stefan Posch[/a] looks set to get a shot on goal, but [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-arab-yazan/OWRzPGGg/"]Yazan Al Arab[/a] gets across to cover. [/p][p][b]06:23 CET - Pick that one out! [/b]Austria have been swarming, and they have their reward. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/schmid-romano/lGA7E78J/"]Romano Schmid[/a] receives the ball 20 yards out, and fires an effort into the corner. A sumptuous goal in their first World Cup game since 1998.[/p][image alt="Romano Schmid's goal for Austria" id="e66bad22-a29b-4545-a1f1-56bcd0725aa7" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="74fe8518-dd88-4495-8847-794c66500274" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]06:20 CET - [/b]This game refuses to slow down and it's Jordan's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-fakhouri-odeh/xpxB9was/"]Odeh Al Fakhouri[/a] with the first shot in anger, forcing Austria's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/schlager-alexander/l6a12jEC/"]Alex Schlager[/a] into a decent save.[/p][p][b]06:12 CET -[/b] This may be billed as the least exciting of a magical bunch of games today, but Austria and Jordan have started at a lightning pace.[/p][p]Both are trying to get forward in a hurry, and Austria, with Ralf Rangnick's patented pressing system, are leaving gaps at the back to exploit.[/p][p]This could be very entertaining.[/p][p][b]06:02 CET -[/b] We've had goals from Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi on day five of the World Cup - who will be the hero under the lights in the Bay Area as we round off day five?[/p][p]Austria and Jordan are underway![/p][p]Remember, we have live audio coverage of this game, along with every match at the World Cup. Just click the link above to listen.[/p][p][b]05:15 CET - [/b]We will have plenty more reaction from Lionel Messi's historic outing, but let's move over to the other game in Group J today, as Austria and Jordan get their World Cup campaigns started.[/p][p]It's a debut game for Jordan, against Ralf Ragnick's Austria - who were a good side to watch at the Euros two years ago.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/sabitzer-marcel/8UkK3Y37/"]Marcel Sabitzer[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/laimer-konrad/GlHWqQKJ/"]Konrad Laimer[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/alaba-david/hKx3nCTp/"]David Alaba[/a] all start for the Austrians, whilst Jordan's only European-based player, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-tamari-mousa-suleiman/Y7pbUJA4/"]Mousa Tamari[/a], gets the nod on the right flank.[/p][image alt="Austria - Jordan lineups" id="f742d9b0-4324-4822-a886-d6d89993cd60" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="407451bf-b73c-4ee1-8f4d-15dad297b9ac" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]05:00 CET -[/b] It's been a perfect night for Argentina and Lionel Messi. They have beaten Algeria 3-0 to start their defence off in stunning fashion, and Messi was at the heart of it. Records tumbled for him in Kansas City. In his 200th appearance for the national side, 20 years on from his first World Cup start, he made history, scoring his first hat-trick in World Cups, whilst also joining Miroslav Klose as the tournament's all-time leading scorer on 16.[/p][p]An incredible evening for him - [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/algeria-nc87N1BR/argentina-f9OppQjp/report/?mid=UP9bEsOr"]read the report now.[/a][/p][image alt="Argentina - Algeria match momentum" id="660fe60c-7d02-41e5-912e-c9e7ac34e700" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="799e29c9-7c3b-408f-886d-58dcfa5da77a" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]04:51 CET -[/b] Into the final stages, and the game has got quieter after the substitution of Lionel Messi. Algeria are controlling possession, with the Argentines sitting in a low block looking to keep their clean sheet intact.[/p][p][b]04:42 CET - [/b]That's it for Lionel Messi tonight. He receives a standing ovation as he exits the field, and for Algeria, their torment is over. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/paz-martinez-nicolas/GG6EYRT0/"]Nico Paz[/a], his heir apparent, is on with 12 minutes to play.[/p][p][b]04:40 CET -[/b] There it is, there's his first World Cup hat-trick to equal Miroslav Klose's World Cup goals record with 16.[/p][p]It's all him once again. He pings the ball out to Nico Gonzalez, gets the return and picks his spot to finish into the bottom corner.[/p][image alt="Lionel Messi celebrates" id="ab18d49e-9ad4-442f-9931-6b890259f398" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Jay Biggerstaff" guid="4ca7b478-118c-44ee-aa57-d829bc040352" original-width="6248" original-height="4303" /][p][b]04:37 CET -[/b] The little master is involved in everything for Argentina tonight, and he goes down under pressure, but the referee waves away his protests. VAR checks it too, and they agree. [/p][p][b]04:30 CET - [/b]He's through again, but this time [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/zidane-luca/jPxdddKn/"]Luca Zidane[/a] is on hand to deny him.[/p][p]Lionel Messi is smiling, two goals on the night and nearly a third, he is having a party out there as Argentina's supporters sing his name from the stands.[/p][image alt="Lionel Messi's current heat map against Algeria" id="6a3b4422-d453-424e-ae67-7f6a6371a146" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="96337881-ce30-464c-9abb-429858576026" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]04:24 CET -[/b] Right place, right time, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a] makes it 2-0 to Argentina![/p][p]Alexis Mac Allister drives one towards goal, which Luca Zidane can't handle and Messi is on hand to tap it into the corner. He may be turning 39 soon, but he is still quick as a flash. He is now one shy of Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record of 16 now, could he break it tonight?[/p][image alt="Lionel Messi scores his second of the night" id="bbea55ad-4436-4f0b-94fb-bc1a7604e013" credit-line="Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters" guid="6e097854-3d2c-44c3-89c2-79232a4d55cd" original-width="2957" original-height="1908" /][p][b]04:14 CET - [/b]Lionel Messi in the thick of the action once more, as he sets up to shoot from 20 yards, but, this time, he can only fire over. [/p][p][b]04:08 CET - [/b]One change at the break for Argentina with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/montiel-gonzalo/rN9tdN16/"]Gonzalo Montiel[/a] off for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/molina-nahuel/M3TzoLot/"]Nahuel Molina[/a]. We're back underway in Kansas City.[/p][p][b]03:52 CET -[/b] Algeria growing into the game as we reach half-time with Argentina leading 1-0.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/moussa-anis-hadj/0vqEKboE/"]Anis Hadj Moussa[/a] dances through defenders and nearly creates a leveller, but Amine Gouiri can't control.[/p][p]Something to build on for Vladimir Petkovic's men as they go take a breather.[/p][image alt="Argentina - Algeria match stats" id="b7018826-f11d-414b-996a-786d5e907e74" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="3aa78d40-2de7-4e0d-a580-c68c061f0a32" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]03:44 CET - [/b]Creeping towards half-time in this Group J clash and Argentina well in control, but Emi Martinez is forced to put the ball behind for a corner after Algeria get in behind for the first time. They work a chance for Fares Chaibi, but his header goes wide.[/p][p][b]03:34 CET - [/b]Still waiting for Algeria to register a shot on target, and they will want [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/maza-ibrahim/zPa6aAD8/"]Ibrahim Maza[/a] on the ball. At 20, he's been christened 'Mazadona', but he's having a tough time finding space with Alexis Mac Allister doing a nice man-marking job on him so far.[/p][p][b]03:27 CET - [/b]At the hydration break, it's a good time for Algeria to regroup, as we have seen throughout this tournament, as they have struggled to muster themselves after falling behind.[/p][image alt="Vladimir Petkovic speaks to his Algeria side during the break" id="ea1b6630-f472-4adb-a7e2-96f7b5732ad6" credit-line="Claudia Greco / Reuters" guid="a285177f-288d-4233-8c17-989e86d3b792" original-width="1393" original-height="986" /][p][b]03:20 CET - [/b]Argentina have lift off in Kansas City, and it's their talisman who gives them the lead in the 17th minute.[/p][p]On the 20th anniversary of his first World Cup game, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a] picks the ball up on the half-turn, and like we have seen so many times across the years, he picks out the top corner to put his side in front.[/p][p]It's his 14th goal at a World Cup finals, and he is the second man to score at five of them. [/p][image alt="Lionel Messi celebrates" id="0818ab7c-00ca-41d5-bdf8-0b1ca82739c6" credit-line="Thomas Mukoya / Reuters" guid="55442b52-f796-468c-ba0f-5c253448a734" original-width="1848" original-height="1280" /][p][b]03:12 CET -[/b] Now it's Algeria's turn to be devastated by the flag - [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/fares-chaibi/IusyCIkS/"]Fares Chaibi[/a] believes he has given his side a stunning lead over Argentina, but he, like Lionel Messi, has not timed his run to perfection. It's a lovely finish, mind, wrong-footing Emi Martinez.[/p][p]As the decision is revealed, the fans in blue and white erupt - it's been a great start to this encounter.[/p][image alt="Fares Chaibi nets for Algeria before it's disallowed" id="f5f7b488-78e8-479f-8f78-38846caca5ea" credit-line="Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters" guid="2e7b787c-5de1-4d0c-aed7-ae149977502a" original-width="2367" original-height="1510" /][p][b]03:10 CET - [/b]Almost an opener for Argentina from you-know-who...[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a] puts the ball into the back of the net on his 200th appearance for the national side, but he strays offside in the build-up. Warning signs for Algeria.[/p][p][b]03:06 CET - [/b]These two sides have met once before back in 2007, where Argentina won 4-3 and a young Lionel Messi scored twice.[/p][p]That would do tonight...[/p][p][b]03:00 CET -[/b] The anthems have been sung, it's a sea of blue and white in Algeria for this game in Kansas City, which looks more like Buenos Aires under the fading sun.[/p][p]Can Argentina get their campaign off to the perfect start, something they could not do three-and-a-half years ago?[/p][p]Let's find out![/p][image alt="Argentina fans pack the Kansas City stadium" id="46c4cb92-f3a1-41ba-9928-352708f371ce" credit-line="Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters" guid="3e1adaa8-b27d-4c3c-b955-639f96ebdb84" original-width="5907" original-height="3911" /][p][b]02:30 CET - [/b]One player to keep an eye out for tonight is [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/medina-facundo/tEuOUQT3/"]Facundo Medina[/a]. The 27-year-old may not be the most well-known player in Argentina's lineup, but he has a backstory that inspires.[/p][p][b][i]Flashscore[/i]'s Antonio Moschella[/b] charts his rise [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-medina-following-in-maradona-s-footsteps-to-represent-villa-fiorito-on-world-stage/f1Qs0Xfd/"]here[/a].[/p][image alt="Facundo Medina in training with Argentina" id="1c9f9445-1b2a-492f-a8fe-a7845e6dd5c1" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Maria Lysaker" guid="5eab34a4-f585-4757-a1c0-d8211949ba1d" original-width="2359" original-height="3117" /][p][b]02:06 CET -[/b] You can read the report from Norway's win by clicking on the link above, but now it's time to head to Kansas City, where Argentina start their campaign in the quest to go back-to-back against Algeria.[/p][p]Despite an injury scare pre-World Cup, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/messi-lionel/vgOOdZbd/"]Lionel Messi[/a] has been passed fit to start for Lionel Scaloni's side. He will partner [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/martinez-lautaro/QHk1CXUh/"]Lautaro Martinez[/a] up front in a 4-4-2 system.[/p][p]For Algeria, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/gouiri-amine/K0zFVdU8/"]Amine Gouiri[/a] will lead the line as the African side looks to keep the continent's momentum going in what has been an encouraging start. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mahrez-riyad/AkzHA2kB/"]Riyad Mahrez[/a], Algeria's star man, is only on the bench.[/p][image alt="Argentina - Algeria match lineups" id="5a3a3cf7-ed31-45ee-a5ff-c4384617bb93" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="5ac906bd-3daf-4b2f-a56b-d4cef62fd3a7" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]02:00 CET - [/b]It's all over at the Boston Stadium, and Norway mark their return to the tournament for the first time since 1998 with a 4-1 win over Iraq. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a] has made his mark, scoring twice to see his side move top of the group.[/p][p]He also grabbed an assist in the dying seconds, with an Iraq's Aymen Hussein putting it over his own line.[/p][image alt="Iraq - Norway match momentum" id="55afb957-f3a5-430e-98bd-59f0708e6cc6" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="4942edf8-b0bb-460f-9b26-4b7ba6c172b3" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]01:53 CET - [/b]Into six minutes of stoppage time, and Norway nearly make it 4-1 as Kristian Thorstvedt snaps a shot towards goal, only for it to hit the side netting. [/p][p][b]01:39 CET - [/b]Time to exhale for Norway's fans, as they have a 3-1 lead. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/ostigard-leo/lIN7BM8b/"]Leo Ostigard[/a], straight off the bench, heads in a corner at the near post to give them the breathing room against Iraq with 13 minutes to play.[/p][image alt="Leo Ostigard scores for Norway" id="f17e53be-8b29-4dc3-8ce0-82f3eef6485a" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters / Winslow Townson" guid="584cc6ff-38ea-4e95-a3cf-c11b215f044e" original-width="2466" original-height="1640" /][p][b]01:37 CET -[/b] A plethora of changes after the hydration break for both teams - we have 16 minutes left, can Iraq find an equaliser?[/p][p][b]01:28 CET -[/b] Norway have struggled to get out of their own half for much of this period, but they do force a corner as Iraq continue to pressure them.[/p][p]Nothing doing from the set piece, this game could still go either way.[/p][p][b]01:14 CET -[/b] Iraq are not sitting back at all to start this second half, keeping hold of the ball and probing Norway's defence. A reminder that this team played 21 matches just to get to the finals, so they are very familiar with their own style - they are arguably the most club-like side in this tournament.[/p][image alt="Aymen Hussein heads wide for Iraq" id="853f26a1-760f-45a7-a5b8-fdef1db8d731" credit-line="Peter Cziborra / Reuters" guid="fede7b5a-77bb-42c8-be9a-f3bcd2234c81" original-width="3564" original-height="2488" /][p][b]01:08 CET -[/b] Back underway for the second half with Iraq looking to get a second leveller against Norway. Can they do it?[/p][p][b]00:52 CET -[/b] What a game we have here at the Boston Stadium - Norway lead 2-1 over Iraq, but it could have been so different.[/p][p]On the stroke of half-time, centre-back [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hashem-akam/QPpFZeuK/"]Akam Hashem[/a] lets fly with a vicious volley that just goes over the bar, rippling the roof of the net.[/p][p]It's been a pulsating last 10 minutes of the first half, and Iraq are in this game.[/p][image alt="Iraq - Norway match momentum" id="c99f4cbc-5f1a-4c19-95de-fe000e113da2" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="00c3c7ed-dd64-4bf9-b02b-6ab045a97053" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]00:44 CET - [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hachim-jalal/8AvSMuAq/"]Jalal Hassan[/a] will not want to see that again, as he gifts Norway their second lead of the game.[/p][p]The goalkeeper takes far too long to clear the ball, and hits it straight off the onrushing Erling Haaland and into the net.[/p][p]Haaland won't have scored too many easier than that, and now he is chasing a hat-trick on his World Cup finals debut.[/p][image alt="Erling Haaland's second of the game" id="c766f18c-f036-4af4-a322-1d5ce0621787" credit-line="Peter Cziborra / Reuters" guid="de1f1564-4695-4f3c-ac3c-0ab7a8ecef9a" original-width="2290" original-height="1403" /][p][b]00:40 CET - Iraq are level! [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/hussein-ayman/Aq6AX0QC/"]Aymen Hussein[/a] booked their place at the World Cup, and now he has a huge goal against Norway. Rising highest, he heads in a wonderful cross from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/al-ammari-amir/fwaJHIba/"]Amir Al Ammari[/a] to make it 1-1 six minutes before the break. Game on![/p][image alt="Aymen Hussein's goal for Iraq" id="8ecc9a5d-a65e-4a1e-aa4a-74919286c5da" credit-line="Reuters / Brian Snyder / Opta by StatsPerform" guid="7b996860-8bff-46bb-8603-feb630444d2d" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]00:30 CET -[/b] [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a] has arrived at the World Cup as Norway lead Iraq! [/b]The Manchester City striker uses his pace to get onto the end of a cross from [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/wolfe-moller-david/MLvBwPN0/"]David Wolfe[/a] to tap in and make it 56 goals in 51 games for this country.[/p][image alt="Erling Haaland's goal for Norway" id="480b5c99-2f15-4aea-aded-dd8262464a20" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Paul Rutherford / Opta by StatsPerform" guid="125f6ba7-785f-46a8-8dd1-156f7b296671" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]00:25 CET -[/b] Into the hydration break, and we are short of chances in this Group I clash. Just before the intermission, Alexander Sorloth is found from a free-kick; however, his connection wasn't clean, and it's caught by Iraq's goalkeeper.[/p][p][b]00:20 CET - [/b]Norwegian fans' version of the thunder clap - the viking row - starts as their side have a corner, and it finds the head of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a], but he can't keep it down as it flies over the bar. A warning for Iraq there.[/p][p][b]00:12 CET -[/b] A slow start in Massachusetts as Iraq look to contain Norway's attacking threats. All eyes are on Erling Haaland, and he has got in behind once already, only for his cross to be cut out.[/p][p][b]00:01 CET -[/b] The Group I match between [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/norway/8rP6JO0H/"]Norway[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a] is underway at Gillette Stadium.[/p][p][b]Follow every kick of the action with our LIVE audio commentarty via the link above![/b][/p][image alt="Norway players pose for a team group photo before the match" id="7335707c-2077-4bfc-b9d4-11f19131742e" credit-line="Reuters / Peter Cziborra" guid="4f201548-fbf2-421b-aee4-a160f4ed4d2f" original-width="5473" original-height="3636" /][p][b]23:45 CET - [/b]Next up, we move to Boston, where [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/norway/8rP6JO0H/"]Norway[/a] are taking on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a] in the second Group I fixture of the day.[/p][p]This will be the second match at Gillette Stadium at the World Cup, with the first being [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/haiti-nk4v10Z1/scotland-fZRU25WH/?mid=QBBoaW63"]Scotland's 1-0 win over Haiti[/a] on Saturday.[/p][image alt="Iraq fans inside the stadium before the match" id="1a8e3a20-be19-4d33-bced-d1e229af99f5" credit-line="Reuters / Brian Snyder" guid="8af60aa9-b4da-48e5-be3f-84ea054b91c8" original-width="7756" original-height="5062" /][p][b]23:25 CET - [/b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a] may hog the headlines this evening for his brace and record-breaking achievements, but according to Flashscore's player-rating tool, the Man of the Match against Senegal was[b] [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/olise-michael/E5pvwqkK/"]Michael Olise[/a][/b], who notched a rating of [b]9.0[/b] thanks largely to his assist, two shots on target and four key passes.[/p][image alt="France's Michael Olise was the star of the show" id="0651dcec-a798-4be2-8406-8b0881de220c" credit-line="Reuters / Jeenah Moon" guid="f4bd3903-870f-4ca4-8a7f-c00561caa4bf" original-width="2840" original-height="1933" /][p]Olise was simply superb, particularly in the second half, as he began to really pull the strings as Les Bleus lit up MetLife Stadium.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/rating/WtG2SIIU/"]Read more about how our player rating tool works here![/a][/b][/p][image alt="Olise's final third passes against Senegal" id="30287362-838f-4209-a4da-a05c9991949b" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="6b6c91ad-6076-4679-beae-58e4043a96c2" original-width="768" original-height="576" /][p][b]23:04 CET -[/b] That's all she wrote at the MetLife Stadium, and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/france-QkGeVG1n/senegal-hOIsJLJr/?mid=ALxYcMw2"]France have beaten Senegal 3-1[/a] to kick-start their World Cup campaign, and in some style.[/p][image alt="Match momentum" id="5ac2f6f7-cbf3-4317-b95d-f59f50513b36" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="ccea39bd-6fc2-4637-b3a8-9d45787dab6b" original-width="1920" original-height="1080" /][p]Les Blues looked a bit ponderous and plodding in the first half, and really should have gone into the break trailing, but Senegal didn't take their chances and were duly punished later on, with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a], then [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/barcola-bradley/lhGD3RgS/"]Bradley Barcola[/a], both scoring to give France a 2-0 lead.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbaye-ibrahim/nkxtcGo7/"]Ibrahim Mbaye[/a] pulled one back for the Lions of Teranga in injury time, before Mbappe utterly stole the show with a cracker to wrap things up at the death.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-france-senegal-group-i-report-june-16/vB5OqQID/"]Read our full match report here![/a][/b][/p][image alt="Key match stats" id="b092dac6-2334-400a-820c-6118c17c1375" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="301eb419-ae12-4025-9edf-5ec9e0324efb" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]23:00 CET -[/b] [b]Within a minute, France and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a] have scored again! [/b]And my word, it's a stunner as Mbappe hammers the ball into the top corner from about 30 yards out! That has stolen the show and surely ended the contest.[/p][p][b]That goal makes Mbappe France's all-time top scorer both in World Cups (14 goals) and ever (58 goals)![/b][/p][image alt="Kylian Mbappe celebrates scoring their third goal with Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde and Rayan Cherki" id="e6963b9d-cb53-4013-825a-c48445c26756" credit-line="Reuters / Dylan Martinez" guid="8d204800-cfe5-41e9-bb1b-1170606b201c" original-width="4155" original-height="3008" /][p][b]22:59 CET -[/b] It might be too little, too late, but Senegal have a goal and it's a brilliant one too, from PSG player [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbaye-ibrahim/nkxtcGo7/"]Ibrahim Mbaye[/a]. Is there time here?[/p][p][b]22:46 CET - Back to the New York area, and France have a second goal! [/b]This time, it's substitute [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/barcola-bradley/lhGD3RgS/"]Bradley Barcola[/a] who is played through by Adrien Rabiot and dinks the Senegalese keeper, [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mendy-edouard/8zpLkf6p/"]Edouard Mendy[/a], delightfully.[/p][p]2-0 to France with less than 10 minutes to go: That feels like the game dead and buried now.[/p][image alt="France's Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring their second goal" id="c066a24a-5142-482e-bcb0-b2008bbe26fc" credit-line="Reuters / Dylan Martinez" guid="098b2866-6780-4b3b-9d44-24c3f27699a6" original-width="2258" original-height="1499" /][p][b]22:45 CET - [/b]The second game of the day is another Group I affair, with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/norway/8rP6JO0H/"]Norway[/a] taking on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a]. Both countries are returning to World Cup action after long breaks, and so the excitement will be huge among the respective fans. [/p][p]The teams are in, with Premier League stars [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/haaland-erling/UmV9iQmE/"]Erling Haaland[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/odegaard-martin/ID32TGhp/"]Martin Odegaard[/a] both starting for the Norwegians in Massachusetts.[/p][image alt="Starting lineups for Norway vs Iraq" id="de802a0a-b3e4-45f8-8af0-b046beab6811" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="e8f431a3-622f-4258-aee1-6f84a130d875" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]22:30 CET - Now they have their goal! [/b]And you could say, justice has been served at MetLife Stadium as [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a] opens his and France's account for the tournament with a neat finish after being denied what looked like a certain penalty just minutes ago.[/p][p]That puts Mbappe level with Olivier Giroud on 57 goals for France, the equal most scored by anyone! And it's his 13th World Cup goal, too. He is now tied with ⁠Just Fontaine for the most World Cup goals in French history.[/p][image alt="Mbappe's goal for France" id="d6b145fc-8257-426e-b6f4-4aafbeea50a6" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform (Dylan Martinez / Reuters)" guid="ce482458-a528-420d-a1d6-2f14a94ae531" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]22:25 CET - [/b]Big, big moment here as France have NOT been awarded a penalty after a VAR review for a tackle on [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a] by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mane-sadio/xxskxOU0/"]Sadio Mane[/a], which looked like a stone-wall foul on the replays. That will be discussed and dissected to bits, you can expect![/p][image alt="Senegal's Sadio Mane challenges France's Kylian Mbappe in the penalty area leading to a VAR review" id="60f8d97e-f2ff-4207-8558-ea2e6fc0b6a2" credit-line="Reuters / Dylan Martinez" guid="f2ab0967-be56-47eb-beb3-ef3f6303c55a" original-width="5099" original-height="3203" /][p][b]22:12 CET - [/b]The second half is underway between [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal.[/a] Follow every kick with our LIVE audio commentary via the link above![/p][image alt="France's Kylian Mbappe" id="0412018f-008c-4657-953d-184b58cf4a4e" credit-line="IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters / Caean Couto" guid="0828e2c5-2f61-4b81-9a3d-ea9548b1f65b" original-width="1869" original-height="1307" /][p][b]21:54 CET - [/b]That’s half-time at MetLife Stadium, and it’s been an interesting contest so far, despite still being goalless. [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] dominated the ball for large chunks of the early stages, but [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal[/a] have turned it over and countered a few times very well, looking to drive at the slightly exposed French defence.[/p][image alt="First-half stats" id="624b35ab-d76a-47bb-a4ba-73e44897c9e2" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="a311874f-2e39-410d-8cdb-2c99cb3df395" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p]Les Bleus might have the more fearsome attacking outlets, but the Lions of Teranga got on top of the game as it wore on and began to look the more threatening side, ending the half with a huge chance missed by [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/sarr-ismaila/ll2uTDkB/"]Ismaila Sarr[/a]. A fascinating second period awaits![/p][image alt="Senegal's Ismaila Sarr shoots over the crossbar" id="4a65181f-ccd0-4090-802d-2ecfb31ad35d" credit-line="Reuters / Dylan Martinez" guid="5776e4a0-7788-40ed-b1c6-341541c55455" original-width="5054" original-height="3169" /][p][b]21:30 CET -[/b] Coming into the hydration break, it is still goalless at MetLife Stadium between [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal[/a]. The French have dominated the ball, with around 60 per cent possession, but the Senegalese have had the best chance so far with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/jackson-nicolas/jXg8d5RJ/"]Nicolas Jackson[/a] forcing a corner with a sharp shot after a dangerous counterattack.[/p][image alt="France's attacking thirds in the first 25 minutes" id="be204dda-5163-4dd3-a0a2-2b0095415f85" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="5c165a2f-40a7-4d68-a362-de34874f4370" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]21:15 CET - [/b]Many people were wondering when they saw [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a]'s team today exactly how they would set up with the attacking quartet of [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/dembele-ousmane/zsMC2Ec0/"]Ousmane Dembele[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/olise-michael/E5pvwqkK/"]Michael Olise[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/doue-desire/KIUWH2Jq/"]Desire Doue[/a] all selected.[/p][p]It seems from the opening stages, as you can see below, that the full-backs are providing a lot of the width for Les Bleus, with Mbappe clearly the outlet over the top and the other attackers floating in behind him.[/p][image alt="France's average positions in the early stages" id="84b0ddf3-77c9-46fa-9cb1-614db9231c22" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="61052cad-2785-4996-b6ba-d20147035ddb" original-width="1080" original-height="1080" /][p][b]20:55 CET - [/b]The players are coming out at MetLife Stadium, and that means we aren't far at all from kick-off between [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal[/a] in the Group I opener at the World Cup.[/p][image alt="France players pose for a team group photo before the match" id="643fc08b-d712-4006-8aa1-941b5854615f" credit-line="Reuters / John Sibley" guid="4e7b1aba-436f-427d-8a26-06384586db94" original-width="4680" original-height="3219" /][p][b]As always, we will have the major updates and some insights for you here, but you can also follow every kick with our LIVE audio commentary via the link above![/b][/p][image alt="Winning probabilities" id="0958c927-b68c-4069-acf3-4efff9fe40b2" credit-line="Opta by StatsPerform" guid="9b1e62a7-a05b-4fa0-8f33-439a12ef1b78" original-width="1920" original-height="1080" /][p][b]20:20 CET - [/b]We're back at the colossal MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, for the first match of the day, between [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal[/a]. There's been just one match at this venue so far at the World Cup, and that was [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/soccer/brazil-I9l9aqLq/morocco-IDKYO3R8/?mid=b5JayTEd"]Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco[/a] over the weekend. Here's hope for a few more goals today! With France's fearsome attacking line, you would expect it, too.[/p][image alt="General view as the US flag is seen on the big screen inside the stadium before the match" id="f556f6ac-29ca-43fb-a936-6e2eb4e512db" credit-line="Reuters / Jeenah Moon" guid="db08be82-fab2-4479-87fb-ec02a1df8054" original-width="6000" original-height="4000" /][p][b]19:49 CET - [/b]The team news has dropped for today's opening match, as Group I heavyweights [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal[/a] prepare to lock horns at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.[/p][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mbappe-kylian/Wn6E2SED/"]Kylian Mbappe[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/dembele-ousmane/zsMC2Ec0/"]Ousmane Dembele[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/olise-michael/E5pvwqkK/"]Michael Olise[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/doue-desire/KIUWH2Jq/"]Desire Doue[/a] all start in a fearsome attack for Didier Deschamps' side, while [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/jackson-nicolas/jXg8d5RJ/"]Nicolas Jackson[/a] leads the line for the Lions of Teranga, alongside [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/mane-sadio/xxskxOU0/"]Sadio Mane[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/sarr-ismaila/ll2uTDkB/"]Ismaila Sarr[/a].[/p][image alt="France vs Senegal lineups" id="7947dc44-c5a4-4e33-8c67-aad1f694e974" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="657577d9-ae8a-49a2-8164-c86222cd08e7" original-width="1200" original-height="1200" /][p][b]18:00 CET -[/b] If you ever wanted success for a player at the World Cup, [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/yakob-kevin/lhhG4WaC/"]Kevin Yakob[/a][/b] would probably fit the bill. The playmaker, who chose to represent [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a] over [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/sweden/OQyqbHWB/"]Sweden[/a], has clawed himself back to full fitness following two serious ACL injuries and is now ready to play a crucial role for the Iraq national team, who have qualified for the World Cup for the first time in 40 years and kick off their campaign this evening.[/p][p][b]Flashscore's [i]Svend Bertil Frandsen[/i] took a closer look at his inspiring story in our latest feature - [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-how-iraq-s-kevin-yakob-turned-down-sweden-and-overcame-two-acl-injuries/6BGWeD7M/"]read more here![/a][/b][/p][image alt="Kevin Yakob in action against Spain in a pre-World Cup friendly" id="bf841bf2-b186-4555-81c3-abca23057edd" credit-line="Mutsu Kawamori / AFLO / Profimedia" guid="f1f42abb-2f91-4133-9ff9-3c36063a70ee" original-width="1400" original-height="933" /][p][b]17:00 CET - [/b]We've got another huge evening of football ahead of us today with [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a], [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/argentina/f9OppQjp/"]Argentina[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/norway/8rP6JO0H/"]Norway[/a] all kicking off their campaigns.[/p][p]The first match of the day sees Les Blues taking on Senegal in what is the most eagerly awaited match on the slate.[/p][p][b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-deschamps-and-france-aiming-for-world-cup-history-as-senegal-look-for-2002-repeat/nDzJIfdn/"]Get primed for that fixture with our data-driven preview here![/a][/b][/p][p]If you're looking for some more content to get stuck into, we've got loads! Today, we published exclusive interviews with [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-exclusive-henning-berg-on-norway-s-world-cup-hopes-haaland-man-utd-memories/Q1rR2Khm/"]Henning Berg[/a][/b], [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-exclusive-srna-backs-spurs-vuskovic-for-stardom-as-croatia-prepare-for-england/YueZ2FTQ/"]Darijo Srna[/a][/b] and [b][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-exclusive-austria-s-kevin-danso-relishing-biggest-dream-of-playing-at-world-cup/YczW0eed/"]Kevin Danso[/a][/b]. You can read all those by following the links.[/p][p][b]And if you're looking for some cool multimedia content, [a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Flashscoreofficial"]why not take a look at our YouTube channel[/a]![/b][/p][video alt="France vs Senegal (video preview)" credit-line="Flashscore" guid="07b3402b-3064-423c-8907-07496654ea23" id="c85e6990-3b3d-47df-8b9c-a6e7ca7cd69f" /][p][b]13:00 CET - [/b]Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of day six at the 2026 FIFA World Cup![/p][p]Today we'll see reigning champions [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/argentina/f9OppQjp/"]Argentina[/a] and 2018 winners [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/france/QkGeVG1n/"]France[/a] take to the field for the first time in the tournament, as they face tricky opening games against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/algeria/nc87N1BR/"]Algeria[/a] and [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/senegal/hOIsJLJr/"]Senegal[/a], respectively.[/p][p]Erling Haaland's [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/norway/8rP6JO0H/"]Norway[/a] are also in action against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/iraq/K8aAGt6r/"]Iraq[/a], while [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/austria/naHiWdnt/"]Austria[/a] open their Group J campaign against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/jordan/vNcmJoU2/"]Jordan[/a].[/p][p][b]Catch up on all of yesterday's action with our [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-world-championship-world-cup-highlights-saudi-arabia-miss-out-on-shock-as-iran-produce-crucial-fightback/ENEN8LH0/"]daily highlights[/a], or relive all of the drama as it unfolded in the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/news/soccer-fifa-world-cup-2026-day-5-live-updates/Uuhhkn6c/"]day five live tracker[/a].[/b][/p][embed guid="7b103bff-cfd7-4abe-b61d-93b0f12479f9" url="https://x.com/FIFAWorldCup/status/2066823095948861919" social-type="twitter" /][infobox id="4ccc1b10-d68f-4c97-bcf4-5e613c17c2e3" /]