Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi became the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 18 goals, also topping the 2026 Golden Boot race with five.
- Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland each netted four times, firing France and Norway into the Round of 32 after just two matches.
- Day 13 promises high drama with England vs Ghana in a Group L showdown, plus Portugal against Uzbekistan and Colombia taking on DR Congo.
- Argentina, France, and Norway became the latest nations to secure early qualification.
Quick Facts: Day 12 Recap
Messi goals (all-time): 18
Messi 2026 goals: 5
Mbappé 2026 goals: 4
Haaland 2026 goals: 4
Teams through to Round of 32: Argentina, France, Norway + others
Messi’s Record-Breaking Night
The FIFA World Cup 2026 witnessed history on Day 12 as Lionel Messi wrote another golden chapter. The Argentine maestro struck twice to surpass the previous all-time World Cup goalscoring record, moving to 18 tournament goals. It was a performance that underlined his enduring genius and helped Argentina secure a 3-1 victory over their opponents, guaranteeing a spot in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Messi, who now sits alone atop the historical charts, also leads the 2026 Golden Boot race with five goals in two matches. At 39, he continues to defy expectations, orchestrating play with his customary vision while displaying the ruthless finishing that has defined his career. The Guardian described his outing as "another iconic shift," a sentiment echoed by fans and pundits worldwide.
Mbappé and Haaland Join the Party
Not to be outdone, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland also delivered match-winning displays. Mbappé’s brace powered France into the last 32 with a 4-0 rout, taking his personal tally to four goals—just one behind Messi. The French captain’s blend of pace and precision remains a defining feature of this tournament.
Meanwhile, Haaland continued his remarkable World Cup debut, scoring twice in Norway’s 3-1 win to also reach four goals. The towering striker has been a revelation, and his partnership with Martin Ødegaard has given Norway their most potent attacking threat in decades. With both superstars breathing down Messi’s neck, the Golden Boot race is shaping up to be a classic.
Day 13: England vs Ghana Takes Centre Stage
All eyes now turn to Day 13, where England face Ghana in a mouth-watering Group L clash. England, led by their record scorer Harry Kane, need a result to top the group, but Ghana’s resurgence—fuelled by memories of their 2010 heartbreak—makes them dangerous opponents. The Black Stars are reportedly embracing a "curse" narrative, though England’s blend of youth and experience will be confident.
Elsewhere, Portugal take on Uzbekistan in what could be Cristiano Ronaldo’s final World Cup appearance, adding emotional weight to the contest. The late fixtures feature Panama vs Croatia and a fascinating encounter between DR Congo and Colombia, with both sides chasing qualification. With so much at stake, Day 13 promises to be another unmissable chapter in this unforgettable tournament.
Stay tuned for live updates and analysis from across the World Cup.
