World Cup 2026 Results: Messi Makes History as Argentina, France & Norway Reach Knockouts
Archive: World Cup 2026 results June 22. This dated report covers a completed matchday. Use the final group standings and knockout bracket for the complete tournament context.
Quick summary: On June 22, Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer with a brace as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 to win Group J and qualify. France beat Iraq 3-0 — after a two-hour weather delay — and Norway edged Senegal 3-2, with both reaching the Round of 32. Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1, eliminating the debutants.
A star-studded Matchday 2 in Groups I and J belonged to the game’s biggest names. Here is the full recap.
Argentina 2-0 Austria
Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into World Cup history as Argentina beat Austria 2-0 in Arlington to win Group J. Messi broke the deadlock just before half-time, sliding home a Facundo Medina cutback for his 17th career World Cup goal — overtaking Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. He added his 18th in second-half stoppage time, following up a blocked Julián Álvarez effort to settle a hard-fought contest. The holders, now with two wins from two, are through to the Round of 32 as group winners and will play their last-16 tie in Miami.
France 3-0 Iraq
France booked their place in the knockout stage with a 3-0 win over Iraq in a match disrupted by a dramatic two-hour weather delay, as a severe thunderstorm forced fans to take shelter in Philadelphia. Kylian Mbappé, on his 100th cap, opened the scoring with a brilliant 14th-minute goal, then added a second after the resumption, before Ousmane Dembélé scored his first of the tournament. For the second match running, Iraq were undone by a costly defensive error, but Didier Deschamps’ side were comfortable winners.
Norway 3-2 Senegal
Norway survived a late scare to beat Senegal 3-2 at MetLife Stadium and reach the Round of 32 for the first time since 1998. Erling Haaland scored twice, with Marcus Pedersen also on target, as Norway punished a series of Senegalese defensive errors. Senegal rallied late, Ismaïla Sarr striking deep in stoppage time, but it wasn’t enough. Crucially, Sarr’s goal trimmed Norway’s goal difference, leaving France top of Group I ahead of Friday’s showdown between the two qualified sides.
Algeria 2-1 Jordan
Algeria produced a battling comeback to beat Jordan 2-1 in Santa Clara, keeping their knockout hopes alive while eliminating the debutants. Jordan led through Nizar Al-Rashdan’s 36th-minute strike, but half-time substitute Benbouali equalised with a header from a corner, and Amine Gouiri pounced from another corner in the 82nd minute for the winner — Algeria’s first World Cup victory since 2014. The result also confirmed Argentina as Group J winners.
World Cup 2026 results June 22
In Group I, France and Norway have both qualified on six points, and meet on Friday to decide top spot (France lead on goal difference), while Senegal and Iraq are left fighting for a possible best-third-placed berth. In Group J, Argentina are through as winners on six points, Austria and Algeria are level on three in the race for second, and Jordan are eliminated. See the full Live Standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the World Cup 2026 results on June 22? Argentina 2-0 Austria, France 3-0 Iraq, Norway 3-2 Senegal, and Algeria 2-1 Jordan.
Is Lionel Messi the all-time World Cup top scorer? Yes — his brace against Austria took him to 18 career World Cup goals, overtaking Miroslav Klose’s 16 as the men’s World Cup all-time record.
Have France and Norway qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts? Yes — both reached the Round of 32 from Group I and meet on Friday to decide who finishes top.
Which team was eliminated on June 22? Jordan were eliminated after a 2-1 defeat to Algeria left the debutants without a point from two games.
Related Football coverage
Football news and guides
Browse competition coverage, club stories and the Football article directory.
FIFA World Cup 2026 guide
Start with the tournament format, then follow the standings, scorers and knockout references.
For the competition’s own record, cross-check the relevant fixture, team or group against FIFA’s official World Cup 2026 coverage. Use the match date and round to distinguish a preview, a match report and a final tournament table.
