World Cup 2026, June 16: Messi Matches Klose’s Record
Updated 17 June 2026.
World Cup 2026 results on June 16 belonged to the stars: Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to equal the all-time World Cup goal record, Erling Haaland struck twice on his tournament debut, and Kylian Mbappé’s double sent France top of Group I. Argentina, Norway and France all won, leaving Groups I and J taking early shape after the opening round.
| Match | Result | Group | Scorers |
|---|---|---|---|
| France v Senegal | 3-1 | I | Mbappé 66′, 90+6′; Barcola 82′; Mbaye 90+5′ |
| Iraq v Norway | 1-4 | I | Haaland 29′, 43′; Østigård 76′; Hussein 39′, og 90+6′ |
| Argentina v Algeria | 3-0 | J | Messi 17′, 60′, 76′ |
Messi matches Klose’s record
The headline of the day came from Kansas City, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick to beat Algeria 3-0 and pull level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals. At 38, in what may be his last tournament, Messi’s third goal capped a near-perfect personal night and an ominously comfortable one for Argentina, who now top Group J. Read the full story in our Argentina 3-0 Algeria report.
Haaland announces himself in Norway’s rout
Norway have waited since 1998 to return to a World Cup, and Erling Haaland made it worth the wait with two goals as they beat Iraq 4-1. Aymen Hussein had briefly levelled for Iraq with a debut World Cup goal of his own, but Norway pulled clear through Leo Østigård and a late own goal to move top of Group I. See the detail in our Iraq 1-4 Norway report.
France finally find their rhythm against Senegal
France needed an hour to break Senegal down, but two goals from Kylian Mbappé and one from Bradley Barcola eventually settled a 3-1 win that sent Les Bleus level on points with Norway at the top of Group I. Ibrahim Mbaye’s late consolation could not take the shine off another big night for Mbappé. Catch up in our France 3-1 Senegal report.
Where the World Cup 2026 June 16 results leave Groups I and J
Norway and France share top spot in Group I on goal difference, both unbeaten, with Senegal and Iraq still to register a point. In Group J, Argentina and Austria are level on three points after Austria’s own dramatic 3-1 win over Jordan, with Algeria and Jordan both still searching for their first points. Track every table on our standings page, with live goals on live scores. The format is explained in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What were the World Cup 2026 results on June 16?
On 16 June 2026: France 3-1 Senegal, Iraq 1-4 Norway, and Argentina 3-0 Algeria. Lionel Messi’s hat-trick and Erling Haaland’s double were the standout individual performances.
How many World Cup goals does Messi have after the hat-trick?
Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria took him to 16 World Cup goals, level with Miroslav Klose’s all-time record.
Who scored twice for Norway against Iraq?
Erling Haaland scored twice, on 29 and 43 minutes, on his World Cup debut as Norway won 4-1.
