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# World Cup 2026: Records Fall as Messi, Germany, and USA Shine in Opening Week
The 2026 FIFA World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — is just 10 days old, and it’s already rewriting the history books. From Lionel Messi equaling the all-time World Cup goals record to Germany booking their spot in the knockout rounds and the USA advancing to the Round of 32, here’s everything you need to know.
## Record-Breaking Start
The tournament has been the fastest to reach 100 goals since 1958, with a staggering 6 red cards already shown (more than the last two tournaments combined). Goals are flying in at an incredible rate, and the expanded 48-team format is delivering drama from matchday one.
## Lionel Messi Equals All-Time World Cup Goals Record
| Stat | Detail |
|——|——–|
| **Player** | Lionel Messi (Argentina) |
| **Record** | 16 World Cup goals — tied with Miroslav Klose |
| **Match** | Argentina 3-0 Algeria (Group J) |
| **Performance** | Hat-trick, 3 goals |
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered a vintage performance, scoring a stunning hat-trick against Algeria to move level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time World Cup scoring chart. With Austria up next for Argentina, Messi is poised to claim the record outright.
Close behind him: Kylian Mbappe (14 goals) and Harry Kane (10 goals — now level with Gary Lineker as England’s top World Cup scorer).
## Germany First to Reach Last 32
Germany became the first team to book their place in the knockout rounds, coming from behind to beat their opponents 2-1 thanks to a brace from substitute **Deniz Undav**. The Stuttgart forward, who was publicly called out by manager Julian Nagelsmann not long ago, has become Germany’s unlikely hero.
## USA Advance After Dominant Win Over Australia
The United States secured their spot in the Round of 32 with a commanding **2-0 victory over Australia**. American fans erupted as the co-hosts delivered a polished performance to advance from their group with a game to spare.
Giovanni Reyna — son of former US captain Claudio Reyna — also made history, scoring in the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay earlier in the tournament, continuing the father-son World Cup legacy.
## Japan Knock Out Tunisia
Japan took a giant step toward the last 32 with a convincing victory over Tunisia, sending the African side out of the tournament. The Samurai Blue now sit on 4 points from two games and look strong contenders to advance.
## Other Key Results
| Match | Score | Highlights |
|——-|——-|————|
| Netherlands vs Sweden | 4-0 | Premier League stars shine in thrashing |
| England vs Croatia | 4-2 | Kane double, Tuchel half-time speech turned the game |
| Norway vs Iraq | 4-1 | Haaland double on World Cup debut (just 20 touches) |
| Portugal vs DR Congo | 1-1 | Ronaldo starts at record 41 years old |
| Spain vs Cape Verde | 0-0 | 40-year-old Vozinha makes 7 saves in Cape Verde’s debut |
| Curacao vs Ecuador | 1-1 | Curacao earn first-ever World Cup point |
| Turkey vs [Opponent] | 0-0 (eliminated) | 62 shots, 0 goals — Turkey out after two games |
## Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History Too
At **41 years and 132 days**, Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match when he took the pitch for Portugal against DR Congo. It was his record-extending **sixth World Cup** — a feat only Messi has matched.
## What’s Coming Up Today (June 21)
| Match | Group | Time (ET) |
|——-|——-|———–|
| Spain vs Saudi Arabia | H | 12:00 PM |
| Belgium vs Iran | G | 3:00 PM |
| Uruguay vs Cape Verde | H | 6:00 PM |
## Looking Ahead
All eyes are on Group G, where Belgium face Iran in a must-win situation — all four teams are level on one point. And over in Group H, Spain will look to bounce back after their shock 0-0 draw with debutants Cape Verde.
Can Messi break Klose’s record against Austria? Will Mbappe close the gap? And can Haaland become Norway’s all-time leading World Cup scorer when they face Senegal?
Stay tuned — the 2026 World Cup is just getting started, and it’s already delivering unforgettable moments.
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