World Cup 2026: Argentina/Algeria (3-0) and Norway/Iraq (4-1), match highlights and goals in video

The Algerian team suffered a heavy defeat against Argentina (3-0) in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup. The game took place at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City as part of the first round of the group stage.

Delivering a sensational performance, Lionel Messi was the undisputed architect of Argentina's victory, netting a hat-trick in the 7th, 60th, and 76th minutes, giving the reigning world champions a perfect start to their campaign.

Despite several attacking attempts from the Fennecs, the Argentine defense managed to keep a clean sheet right up to the final whistle.

Algeria will now need to bounce back in their next two matches against Jordan on June 23 and Austria on June 28 to keep their hopes alive for a spot in the knockout stage.

Highlights and goals: Algeria vs Argentina

Iraq stumble on their World Cup return against Norway

In the other game of the evening, Iraq's long-awaited return to the World Cup after forty years ended in disappointment. The Lions of Mesopotamia were defeated 4-1 by Norway at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, near Boston.

The Scandinavian side relied on their star striker Erling Haaland, who bagged a brace and delivered a top-class performance. Aymen Hussein kept Iraqi hopes alive with his team's lone goal, but Norway continued to dominate proceedings.

Leo Østigård added a third before a fourth goal in stoppage time sealed Norway's emphatic victory.

Highlights and goals: Norway vs Iraq

2026 World Cup: Messi's hat-trick powers Argentina to 3-0 victory over Algeria!

Mohamed Rek |

Editorfr, ar, en

Mohamed Rek- sports content writer with over 10 years of experience creating football content in Arabic and French for platforms such as Foot Africa and Starafrica, combining accuracy, creativity, and audience engagement.

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Argentina

Algeria

Iraq

Norway

World Cup