Monday, June 22, 2026: France and Norway advance, Messi writes history, Algeria revive their campaign

June 22 placed the biggest names at the centre of the tournament, but not all in the same way. France needed to confirm their opening win over Senegal, Norway wanted to prove their 4-1 against Iraq was not just a perfect start, Argentina were looking to lock down their group, and Algeria were already playing a form of survival.

France against Iraq was a very unusual match. Les Bleus won 3-0 in Philadelphia, but the evening was split by a long weather delay at half-time because of thunderstorms and lightning around the stadium. On the pitch, Kylian Mbappe quickly set the direction with a goal in the 14th minute. After the restart, he scored again, before Ousmane Dembele completed the scoring in the 66th minute.

Norway against Senegal was much more spectacular. Norway won 3-2, carried again by Erling Haaland, who scored twice. Marcus Pedersen also scored after taking advantage of a Senegal defensive mistake. Senegal reacted late, especially through Ismaila Sarr, but it was not enough. Norway join France on six points and also secure qualification.

In Group J, Argentina beat Austria 2-0 thanks to Lionel Messi. The match became historic because Messi scored his 17th and 18th World Cup goals, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer. He had missed an early penalty, but he answered as the very greatest do: by deciding the match.

The final fixture, Jordan against Algeria, was a tense match. Jordan led first, but Algeria turned the game around to win 2-1. Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri completed the Algerian comeback. For Algeria, it was a first World Cup win since 2014 and a result that fully revives their tournament.

Group I is now split in two. France and Norway have six points, are qualified, and will play for first place in their final match. France beat the stronger opponent on paper in Senegal and then controlled Iraq. Norway have scored seven goals in two matches and carry a powerful attacking rhythm.

Senegal are in a very difficult position. Two defeats from two matches, but a goal difference that is not completely impossible to repair because of the two goals scored against Norway. Their match against Iraq becomes an absolute obligation. Iraq have no points and no margin, but they can still act as disruptors.

In Group J, Argentina are qualified and already have one hand on first place. Austria remain on three points, Algeria move back to three, and their direct meeting becomes almost a play-off for qualification. Jordan are eliminated.

France did exactly what they had to do. After the 3-1 against Senegal, they had to beat Iraq without opening a debate. The 3-0 is clean, qualification is secured, and Kylian Mbappe keeps adding historical weight to his tournament.

The most reassuring point is not only the score. It is the management. A weather interruption of almost two hours can break a team, pull it out of the match and create a strange context. Les Bleus resumed seriously, accelerated, then closed the game.

The next match against Norway will be far more revealing. France are qualified, but they must not treat it as a formality. Norway have Haaland, a clear attacking dynamic and a favourable goal difference.

Argentina continue to move forward with a special authority. They do not need to be spectacular across the whole pitch to be dangerous. They have Messi, a stable collective frame and the efficiency of defending champions.

France and Argentina now belong to the category of major nations already qualified. That changes the tone of their tournament. They can manage, protect some players if needed, but they must also avoid breaking their rhythm.

Norway do not have the historic status of a global giant, but they are currently playing with the authority of a major team. Two wins, seven goals, Haaland on fire and qualification secured before the final group game.

Norway are the major outsider of the day. They confirmed they did not come simply to accompany France in Group I, but to challenge them for first place.

Algeria revived themselves through character. After the opening defeat against Argentina, losing to Jordan would have almost closed the tournament. Instead, Algeria turned around a badly started match and gave themselves a final against Austria.

Senegal are in a paradoxical situation. Zero points means maximum danger. But their two goals against Norway show there is still life. The problem is that at a World Cup, life is not enough. You need points, quickly, and probably goals.

The following day will put Groups K and L at the centre. Portugal against Uzbekistan is already a pressure match for Portugal after their draw with DR Congo.

Colombia against DR Congo will be just as important. Colombia began with a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan and can take a huge step. DR Congo, after their point against Portugal, can turn a surprise into a real trajectory if they confirm.

In Group L, England against Ghana is a major fixture. England beat Croatia 4-2 and can almost lock down qualification. Ghana, winners against Panama, can also take a huge step. Panama against Croatia will be a survival match.