No shocks last night as Argentina, France and Norway progress but debutants Jordan exit

Lots of talk before Argentina’s match with Austria as to whether Lionel Messi would become the new overall top goal scorer in World Cup Finals tournaments. The answer ultimately was yes as he scored both goals in the Albiceleste’s 2-0 victory but we had to wait for Messi’s moment a bit longer than expected after he missed a penalty after just 8 minutes, firing his spot kick wide. That could have given him back-to-back hat-tricks but he had to settle for just the 5 goals in 2 matches. Argentina qualify for the Last 32 courtesy of that win. Austria face Algeria in their final match with both sides knowing that a draw will likely see both qualify. It kicks off at 3.00 am BST. Probably not one to stay up for!

Algeria themselves recovered from a one goal deficit at half-time to debutants Jordan to score twice in the second half, the winner on 82 minutes to keep their hopes alive but ensure that Jordan will go home following their final match versus Argentina.

The weather intervened in the match between France and Iraq last night with the match suspended for 2 hours at half-time. It is the first time a match has been impacted by weather in the tournament despite fears beforehand that it may be a common occurrence. The break did not seem to hinder the French though as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners to secure passage into the Last 32.

Norway duly did the same later as they beat Senegal 3-2 leaving both them and France on 6 points. The two meet to decide who will win the group. Senegal and Iraq also meet to see if either can get a win and sneak through as one of the best 3rd placed teams.

World Cup Prediction Competition 2026

Argentina 2 Austria 0; France 3 Iraq 0; Norway 3 Senegal 2; Jordan 1 Algeria 2

We have our first confirmed bonus prize winner this morning. With Lionel Messi putting his spot kick wide, Argentina became the first side to miss a penalty (that did not have to be re-taken that is). Only one person predicted Argentina to be that team and that was Jamie Russell. Jamie wins £20. Congratulations.

Overall we have a change as well with Alan Dadswell taking top spot from overnight leader Peter Sarfas who drops to second place. Peter scored well enough but Alan scored better. Alan has 161 points, Peter 157. Peter Sage remains 3rd on 156, Adam Wootton now sits 4th on 154, Jamie Faulkner 5th on 153 and Dean Russell 6th on 146. The final two prize places are now held by Simon Freeland and Amanda Freeland on 144 and 142 points respectively. Lots of jostling behind them as the battle for a top 8 continues.

Honourable mentions today go to Danny Clark, Marcus Hards, Peter Sage and Mark Lander for all getting 3 of the 4 matches played last night spot on. Indeed, Mark now has 4 of the past 5. Quite an achievement.

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World Cup 2026 Fixtures (all times UK (BST))
World Cup 2026 Group Tables