Messi chases sole World Cup scoring record as Argentina face Austria in Dallas

Day 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brings four matches, with the headline fixture pitting Argentina against Austria in Dallas. Lionel Messi, who claimed the all-time World Cup goals record with a hat-trick in the opener, could extend his lead further. Meanwhile, Germany suffered a major blow as defender Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for months after injuring his ankle against Ivory Coast.

Day 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States brings four group-stage matches on June 22, 2026, headlined by the Argentina vs. Austria clash at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 local time, with France vs. Iraq, Norway vs. Senegal, and Jordan vs. Algeria following later in the evening and early morning hours.

Messi Targets Outright Record

Lionel Messi entered today's match sharing the all-time World Cup goals record with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at 16 goals, a mark Messi matched with a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match of the tournament. A goal against Austria would give the Argentine icon the record outright. France star Kylian Mbappé, also on the pitch tonight, sits two goals behind the record.

Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick spoke candidly ahead of the match, acknowledging the scale of the challenge his side faces. «We found very few weaknesses, if any, in the Argentine squad. Their team is individually extraordinarily well-stocked and in their ranks is the best player who has ever existed,» he said. «We probably need to play the best match of my tenure tomorrow.»

German Injury Blow

Germany received a significant setback on Day 12 as central defender Nico Schlotterbeck was confirmed to have sustained a serious ligament injury in his left ankle during the second group-stage match against Ivory Coast. His club, Borussia Dortmund, announced that Schlotterbeck faces several months on the sidelines, ending his World Cup campaign prematurely.

Iran's Emotional Locker Room Message

Iran, who have picked up two points from draws against New Zealand and Belgium, both played in Los Angeles, left a handwritten message on the locker room board after departing the city under strict visa conditions that required the delegation to leave the United States immediately following their match. The note read: «From ancient Persia, thousands of years old, to today's civilised Iran, the spirit of Iran does not break and remains unshaken. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and left with dignity. Thank all of you, Los Angeles, for your hospitality. May peace, respect and friendship reign between all peoples.» Iran's third group match against Egypt will be played in Seattle.

Scenes Off the Pitch

Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah joined jubilant fans on the streets of Vancouver after Egypt secured a 3-1 victory over New Zealand, the country's first ever World Cup win. Egyptian supporters flooded Vancouver's Granville Street in celebration, with some also waving Palestinian flags and chanting political slogans.

Norway's fans meanwhile made international headlines after taking over New York's Times Square, their Viking-rowing supporter ritual drawing comparisons to the iconic Icelandic thunderclap from Euro 2016.

Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who left the tournament to be present for the birth of his first child, was at the centre of a media controversy. According to French journalist Clément Garin, presenter France Pierron was removed from her position following criticism she directed at Doku for his decision to prioritise the birth over the competition.

England and Ghana are set to meet in the upcoming round, with both sides having won their opening matches, England 4-2 against Croatia and Ghana 1-0 against Panama. Ghanaian witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam attracted attention by claiming he intends to place a curse on England striker Harry Kane ahead of the fixture. «I am working on Harry Kane. I have shown what I am capable of before, so I know what work I must do to stop him. I am not wishing him serious injury, it is just something that will put the brakes on him against my country,» Bonsam said.