Haaland brace powers Norway past Senegal into World Cup knockouts
Erling Haaland scored twice to lead Norway to a 3-2 victory over Senegal, securing their place in the World Cup Round of 32. Manager and fans praised the in-form striker as 'on fire' as he continues his dominant run on the international stage. Martin Odegaard also played a key role, orchestrating play from midfield and earning comparisons to a Viking leader. The win keeps Norway's World Cup campaign alive as expectations grow for a deep run.
Algeria mounted a dramatic second-half rally to defeat Jordan 2-1, eliminating the World Cup debutants from the tournament. Jordan had taken an early lead and held firm for much of the match, but Algeria's late surge proved too much to handle. The result keeps Algeria's hopes of advancing alive while ending Jordan's historic first World Cup appearance. Arab News highlighted the bittersweet moment for Arab football, with Algeria progressing but Jordan exiting with pride.
Despite losses on the pitch, Arab nations have captured global attention with their spirited performances at the 2026 World Cup. Iraqi fans expressed pride in their team even after a defeat to France, calling the experience a 'dream come true.' Jordan's coach praised his players' effort despite their early exit. A piece from Arab News celebrated the diaspora-rich squads as a testament to diversity over division, noting the pride felt across the Arab world.
Lionel Messi scored twice against Austria to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, surpassing the previous record. The Argentina captain's achievement was met with widespread acclaim as he continues to cement his legacy. However, Kylian Mbappe responded in kind with a brace of his own, narrowing the gap and setting up a compelling race for the record. France coach Didier Deschamps has backed Mbappe to eventually overtake Messi's tally, adding intrigue to the remainder of the tournament.