Records, exits and red cards shape World Cup group stage
Al Jazeera reported a busy second set of group matches, with Ronaldo and Messi setting marks and several teams advancing or going out.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
The 2026 World Cup’s second round of group matches sharpened the tournament picture, with records for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, early knockout places for several teams and Turkiye’s elimination. Al Jazeera reported that the round also brought off-field complications for Iran and the tournament’s first red card under a new rule on players covering their mouths.
Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal beat Uzbekistan 5-0 on Tuesday, Al Jazeera reported. The goals made the 41-year-old the first player to score at six World Cups and moved him to the top of Portugal’s World Cup scoring list, according to the report.
Messi also changed the record book. Al Jazeera reported that the Argentina forward, who turned 39 on Wednesday, reached 18 World Cup goals after scoring against Austria, putting him at the top of the all-time list.
Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals at the tournament, Al Jazeera reported. The Analyst’s prediction model listed Argentina as the leading favourite to win the World Cup, while Messi led the Golden Boot race by one goal over France forward Kylian Mbappe, according to Al Jazeera.
Star forwards set the pace
Al Jazeera reported that Monday produced another run of goals from three of the tournament’s biggest names. Messi scored twice for Argentina, Mbappe scored twice for France and Erling Haaland added two goals for Norway, the report said.
Norway then secured a place in the round of 32 after a 3-2 win over Senegal, Al Jazeera reported. After the match, Norway’s players celebrated with what the outlet described as their “Viking row,” with captain Martin Odegaard leading the routine as supporters joined in from the stands.
Egypt also had a landmark win. Al Jazeera reported that Egypt beat New Zealand 3-1 on Sunday for the country’s first World Cup victory in 92 years, after which Mohamed Salah and teammates celebrated with fans on the streets of Vancouver.
Japan and Iran remain alive
Japan emerged as the strongest Asian side through two matches, according to Al Jazeera. After drawing 2-2 with the Netherlands, Japan beat Tunisia 4-0 and moved to four points, the most by an Asian team at that stage.
Opta’s supercomputer gave Japan a 20.8 percent chance of reaching the quarterfinals and a 9.41 percent chance of reaching the semifinals, Al Jazeera reported. The figures were cited after Japan’s win over Tunisia.
Iran stayed unbeaten with two draws despite travel restrictions imposed by the United States for the team’s first two matches, Al Jazeera reported. Iran were later permitted to fly from Mexico into the United States two days before their next game against Egypt in Seattle, rather than one day before, according to the outlet.
Al Jazeera reported that Iran can qualify with a win over Egypt on Saturday. A draw could also be enough, depending on results elsewhere.
Turkiye out, US through
Turkiye’s tournament ended after a loss to Paraguay, Al Jazeera reported. The exit came in the country’s first World Cup appearance in 24 years, despite a squad featuring Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz, Hakan Calhanoglu and Merih Demiral.
The United States advanced without Christian Pulisic, who was unavailable because of a calf injury, Al Jazeera reported. Alex Freeman scored and the US also benefited from a Cameron Burgess own goal in a 2-0 win over Australia.
Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off at the 2026 World Cup for covering his mouth during a confrontation, according to Al Jazeera. The outlet reported that Almiron received a one-match ban under a new rule that bars players from covering their mouths to hide what they are saying during confrontations.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.