Day six of the World Cup 2026 showcased thrilling performances and controversies that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Kylian Mbappe struggled initially in France's Group I opener against Senegal, facing a missed penalty call and a lackluster first touch. However, he turned the game around, scoring two stunning goals and becoming France’s all-time record goalscorer. The match ended with France securing a 2-0 victory, while Senegal’s strong performance added pressure on Norway to win against Iraq.

Erling Haaland rose to the occasion, scoring twice in Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq, demonstrating his prowess in his World Cup debut. With this performance, he established himself as a contender for the tournament's Golden Boot.

In a highly anticipated clash, Argentina and Lionel Messi faced Algeria. After two disallowed goals, Messi netted a stunning opener and added two more, leading Argentina to a decisive 3-1 victory and equaling Miroslav Klose’s record for World Cup goals.

Key highlights include:

• VAR controversy: A penalty decision against Mbappe sparked debate among officials.
• Thomas Partey missed Ghana’s match against Panama due to a denied Canadian visa.
• Trevoh Chalobah replaced the injured Tino Livramento in England's squad just before their opener against Croatia.

With thrilling performances and dramatic moments, day six set the stage for an exhilarating tournament ahead.