World Cup Day 12: Messi, Mbappe and Haaland All Return as Ar

Superstar Monday at the World Cup Day 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivers one of the most star-studded matchdays of the tournament, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland all returning

Superstar Monday at the World Cup

Day 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivers one of the most star-studded matchdays of the tournament, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland all returning to action for their respective nations. The second round of group-stage matches kicks off across North America, with several teams looking to secure knockout qualification after strong opening performances.

The highlight fixture sees defending champions Argentina face Austria at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas — a venue famous for its retractable roof and 80,000-seat capacity. Argentina opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Algeria in which Messi scored a hat-trick, sending a clear message that the defending champions intend to retain their crown.

Argentina vs Austria: Messi's Pursuit of History

Lionel Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament, needs one more goal to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Having already presided over Argentina's 2022 triumph and delivered a hat-trick on opening day, the Inter Miami forward shows no signs of slowing down. Austria, drawn in the same group as Argentina, have been competitive but are clear underdogs against the world's top-ranked team.

Austria's disciplined defensive organisation — honed under manager Ralf Rangnick's system — will be tested by Argentina's fluid attack, which features Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, and the creative midfield of Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister behind Messi. Argentina's victory would secure early qualification for the knockout rounds with a match to spare.

France vs Iraq: Mbappe Leads Les Bleus

France, runners-up at the 2022 World Cup, take on Iraq in what is expected to be a one-sided contest. Kylian Mbappe scored twice in France's opening match and has been in electrifying form throughout 2026. The French squad, deeper than perhaps any other nation, features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talent like Warren Zaire-Emery and Mathys Tel.

Iraq, appearing in their first World Cup since 1986, qualified as one of Asia's representatives and gave a spirited account in their opening defeat. The match is less about the result — France are overwhelming favourites — and more about whether Les Bleus can build momentum heading into the knockout phase.

Norway's Haaland Watch

Erling Haaland's Norway face a must-win group-stage match after an inconsistent opening performance. The Manchester City striker, who scored twice on his World Cup debut, is central to Norway's hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time. Fitness concerns around Haaland's ankle — which kept him out of Manchester City's final Premier League matches — continue to be monitored, though he played the full 90 minutes in Norway's opener.

How Third-Place Teams Can Still Advance

With the expanded 48-team format, 16 of the 32 third-placed teams across the tournament's 16 groups will advance to the knockout rounds. The complex qualification system — based on points, then goal difference, then goals scored — means many teams still have realistic pathways to the Round of 32 even after a loss. At least two groups currently have all four teams within one point of each other, promising dramatic final matchdays.