Messi, Mbappé and Haaland set for high-profile World Cup action

Messi’s Argentina will face Austria in their second Group J encounter, while France, led by Mbappé, take on Iraq in Group I. Norway’s Erling Haaland is also in action as his side meets Senegal, with Jordan playing Algeria in the day’s other Group J fixture.

Argentina enter the match in strong form after Messi’s hat-trick powered a 3–0 win over Algeria in their opening game as they aim to defend their World Cup title. Messi, who turns 39 this week, now shares the record for most men’s World Cup goals (16) with Germany legend Miroslav Klose, while Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo sits just behind on 15.

France also made a winning start to their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Senegal, in which Mbappé scored twice. The French side are looking to go one step further after finishing runners-up to Argentina in the 2022 final.

Haaland continued his strong form with two goals in Norway’s 4–1 win over Iraq in their opening match. The Manchester City striker, who scored 27 Premier League goals last season, remains one of the tournament’s most dangerous forwards.

Jordan, meanwhile, are still searching for their first point after losing their opening game against Austria. Algeria, their next opponents, have had mixed World Cup history, reaching the round of 16 only once in four previous appearances.

Matches on June 22
Argentina vs Austria — Arlington, Texas (1 p.m. EDT)
France vs Iraq — Philadelphia (5 p.m. EDT)
Norway vs Senegal — East Rutherford, New Jersey (8 p.m. EDT)
Jordan vs Algeria — Santa Clara, California (11 p.m. EDT)

Posch Cleared to Play for Austria

Austria defender Stefan Posch has been declared fit for the match against Argentina despite suffering a broken jaw in the team’s opening game. Coach Ralf Rangnick said Posch, who has trained in a protective brace, could feature either as a starter or substitute.

Posch sustained the injury during Austria’s 3–1 win over Jordan in their Group J opener but was initially expected to miss the remainder of the tournament.

Senegal Weighing Tactical Changes
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has remained tight-lipped over possible lineup changes ahead of the clash with Norway. He acknowledged his team’s difficult situation after the opening defeat to France but insisted there is still everything to play for in the group.

Senegal, who also face Iraq in their final group match, are treating the Norway fixture as a must-win encounter. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy conceded three goals in their previous match, but Thiaw refused to confirm whether he would retain his place in the starting XI, reports UNB.