Messi Hat-Trick, Mbappé Brace and England’s 4-2 Win Light Up FIFA World Cup 2026
The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage has begun with major drama as England defeated Croatia 4-2, Portugal were held by DR Congo, Ghana stunned Panama with a stoppage-time winner, Messi scored a hat-trick and Mbappé netted twice.
Key Highlights:
- England defeated Croatia 4-2 in a high-scoring Group L clash, making a powerful opening statement in the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage.
- Portugal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, making it one of the early surprise results of the tournament.
- Ghana stunned Panama 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal, earning three crucial points and setting up an exciting Group L battle with England.
- Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina, while Kylian Mbappé scored twice for France, proving once again why they remain among football’s biggest global stars.
- With 48 teams, 12 groups and a Round of 32, every result, goal difference and third-place position could play a major role in deciding qualification.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has moved into full swing, and the opening phase of the group stage has already delivered the kind of drama, goals, shocks and superstar moments that make the tournament the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet.
From England’s statement win over Croatia to Portugal being held by DR Congo, Ghana’s stoppage-time victory over Panama, Germany’s goal-fest, Argentina’s commanding start and France’s attacking firepower, the tournament is already generating massive global buzz.
England Beat Croatia 4-2 in Group L Thriller
One of the biggest talking points so far has been England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Group L. The match lived up to its billing as a high-intensity contest between two strong European sides. England’s attack looked sharp, decisive and full of intent, while Croatia showed flashes of their trademark resilience but struggled to contain England’s pace and directness in key moments.
The result gives England an ideal start to their campaign, placing them at the top end of Group L with three points and a healthy goal return. However, the two goals conceded will remain a concern for the English camp. While the win sends a strong message to rivals, England will know that defensive lapses can prove costly in a tournament where margins become thinner with every round.
Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026; Mexico Beat South Africa, South Korea Defeat Czechia
Ghana Shock Panama With Late Winner
Ghana produced one of the most dramatic results of the tournament so far, defeating Panama 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal. The match appeared to be heading towards a goalless draw before Ghana found a late breakthrough, sparking celebrations among fans and giving the African side a crucial three points.
The win has immediately changed the complexion of Group L. Ghana now sit level on points with England, making their upcoming clash one of the most anticipated fixtures of the next round of group matches. For Panama, the defeat is a major blow, especially because the match was within reach until the final moments. They will now need a strong response in their remaining fixtures to stay alive in the qualification race.
Portugal Held by DR Congo in Group K
Portugal’s campaign began with frustration as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Group K. On paper, Portugal entered the match as the stronger and more experienced side, but DR Congo showed discipline, physicality and tactical maturity to earn a valuable point.
The result is one of the early reminders that the expanded World Cup does not mean easy matches for traditional football powers. DR Congo’s performance has been widely discussed as one of the most impressive underdog displays so far. For Portugal, the draw raises immediate questions about finishing, tempo and control in midfield.
Messi Hat-Trick Headlines Argentina’s Strong Start
Argentina opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Algeria, and Lionel Messi once again became the centre of global attention with a hat-trick performance. Even at this stage of his career, Messi’s ability to influence the biggest games remains unmatched, and his latest World Cup display has instantly become one of the defining moments of the tournament’s early phase.
The result gives Argentina the perfect start in Group J. With three points, three goals scored and none conceded, the defending champions have shown early signs of balance, control and attacking precision. Their performance also sends a clear message to the rest of the competition: Argentina remain serious contenders.
Mbappé Scores Twice as France Begin With Authority
France also made a strong statement in Group I with a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, reaffirming his status as one of the tournament’s biggest stars and one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.
France’s performance was built on speed, direct attacking transitions and clinical finishing. Senegal competed with intensity and managed to get on the scoresheet, but France’s attacking quality ultimately proved decisive.
Germany’s 7-1 Win Makes Early Statement
Germany delivered one of the most dominant performances of the tournament so far, defeating Curacao 7-1 in Group E. The result immediately boosted Germany’s goal difference and sent a strong warning to the rest of the field.
While Curacao’s participation itself is part of the wider story of the expanded World Cup, Germany’s ruthless display showed the gap that can still exist between established football powers and emerging teams at this level. However, Curacao’s goal was still a memorable moment and a reminder of the pride smaller nations bring to the tournament.
Other Key Results So Far
The opening week has produced several notable results across the groups. Mexico began strongly with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in Group A. Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina played out a 1-1 draw, and Qatar also drew 1-1 with Switzerland in Group B.
In Group C, Scotland earned an important 1-0 win over Haiti, while Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1. The United States started their home campaign with a commanding 4-1 win over Paraguay in Group D, while Australia beat Turkey 2-0.
The Netherlands and Japan played an entertaining 2-2 draw in Group F, while Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1. Belgium and Egypt drew 1-1 in Group G, while Iran and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw. Spain were held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in Group H, while Saudi Arabia and Uruguay drew 1-1.
What Is Trending at FIFA World Cup 2026?
1. Expanded Format: The 48-team format is one of the biggest talking points. With 12 groups and eight third-placed teams also advancing, the group stage has become more layered. Even teams that lose their opening match may still have a realistic route to the knockouts, while teams with early wins still need to push for better goal difference and group position.
2. Superstar Performances Driving Global Buzz: Messi’s hat-trick and Mbappé’s brace have dominated conversations across football platforms. The World Cup thrives on iconic individual performances, and both players have already delivered headline moments.
3. Underdogs Making an Impact: DR Congo holding Portugal, Ghana beating Panama late, Cape Verde holding Spain, and Curacao scoring against Germany are among the early reminders that this World Cup is not just about the traditional giants. The expanded field has given more nations the chance to create history.
4. Goal-Heavy Matches Grabbing Attention: Germany’s 7-1 win, Sweden’s 5-1 victory, USA’s 4-1 result, England’s 4-2 thriller and Norway’s 4-1 performance have made this a high-scoring start to the tournament. Goal difference could become extremely important in deciding group rankings and best third-place qualifiers.
5. Group L Emerging as a Must-Watch Group: England and Ghana both winning their opening matches has made Group L especially interesting. Croatia and Panama are under pressure, while England vs Ghana could become one of the defining matches of the second round of group fixtures.
FIFA Matches to Watch Next
Several upcoming fixtures could shape the tournament’s early narrative. England vs Ghana in Group L is one of the biggest games to watch, with both teams entering after opening victories. Portugal’s next match is also crucial after their draw with DR Congo, as they cannot afford another slip-up in Group K.
Argentina’s next performance will be closely followed after Messi’s hat-trick, while France will look to build on Mbappé’s strong start. Germany’s follow-up match will also show whether their 7-1 win was a one-off dominant result or the beginning of a serious title charge.