Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi Combine for Nine Goals in World Cup 2026 Openers
Football's leading stars, including Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, collectively scored nine goals across Tuesday and Wednesday in their respective 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. Each player delivered significant performances, contributing to their teams' initial three points in the competition. These goals highlighted key moments and individual brilliance from the sport's prominent figures.
Four of football's most prominent players – Norway's Erling Haaland, England's Harry Kane, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Argentina's Lionel Messi – combined to score nine goals in less than 48 hours during their teams' 2026 World Cup opening matches.
Harry Kane scored two goals for England in their 4-2 victory against Croatia. His first goal, in the 12th minute, was a re-taken penalty kick after the Croatian goalkeeper was judged to have moved early. Kane's second goal, a powerful header in the 42nd minute from a Declan Rice corner, marked his 10th World Cup goal for England, matching Gary Lineker's record.
Erling Haaland scored two goals for Norway against Iraq. His first World Cup goal came in the 29th minute with a run to the back post, resulting in a tap-in from a cross. Haaland added his second in the 43rd minute by intercepting a lazy back pass before it reached the Iraqi goalkeeper.
Lionel Messi scored three goals for Argentina against Algeria, achieving his first World Cup hat-trick. His first goal in the 17th minute followed an incisive pass from Rodrigo de Paul. Messi scored again in the 60th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Alexis Mac Allister’s shot. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute with a shot that went through four defenders.
Kylian Mbappé scored two goals for France against Senegal. In the 66th minute, Mbappé made a run into the penalty box and executed a one-touch finish towards the far post. His second goal, scored in the 90+6 minute, was a decisive strike from outside the box.
According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, these performances helped their respective teams secure victories and three points in their initial 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
