Day six of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was defined by a full-scale assault on the history books, as multiple records were rewritten on an afternoon that will go down as one of the most memorable ones in recent history. 

Lionel Messi’s hattrick during Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria, as well as Kylian Mbappe cementing his status as France’s all-time leading goalscorer were the headlines on the day, although many more records were also set.

Striver.Football breaks down the definitive talking points from a historic day of football.

Mbappe Becomes France's All-Time Leading Goalscorer

France 3-1 Senegal

Kylian Mbappe officially solidified his status as France's ultimate modern icon, eclipsing Olivier Giroud to become Les Bleus' greatest-ever goalscorer. 

His masterclass double during the 3-1 victory over an energetic Senegal outfit proved that Didier Deschamps' side remains the absolute benchmark for tournament football. 

After a frankly underwhelming first half which saw Senegal outrun France’s midfield, a tactical adjustment by Deschamps that saw Michael Olise drop into midfield set the tone for a much better second half.

The Real Madrid star got on the end of Olise’s assist to net his 57th goal for France to put them into the lead, before Bradley Barcola came off the bench to make it two.

Senegal reduced the deficit through Ibrahim Mbaye, but Mbappe netted the third goal for France, his 58th for the country to win the game for them.

His two strikes also meant he is just two goals shy of the all-time World Cup goalscoring record, now shared by Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi. And speaking of Messi...

Messi Draws Level With Klose's World Cup Goals Record

Argentina 3-0 Algeria

In front of a roaring Kansas City crowd, Messi added the final missing piece to his World Cup canvas. 

Netting his first-ever career World Cup hat-trick during Argentina's clinical 3-0 demolition of Algeria, the maestro brought his tournament career tally to 16 goals. In doing so, he ties German legend  Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record. 

La Albiceleste looked flawless, utilising their technical midfield to isolate Algeria's low block and feed Messi in positions where historical inevitability felt guaranteed.

Haaland Announces Himself On The World Cup Stage

Norway 4-1 Iraq

Playing in Norway's first World Cup fixture since 1998, Erling Haaland wasted absolutely no time proving that his domestic dominance translates seamlessly to the grandest international stage. 

His clinical brace during a 4-1 rout of Iraq sent a definitive warning shot across Group I. 

More impressively, Norway proved they are not just a one-man team. They proved they are a deeply organised juggernaut designed to maximize high-value chances transition after transition.

VAR Controversy Overshadows Jordan's Defeat To Austria

Austria 3-1 Jordan

The high-stakes clash between Austria and Jordan in Santa Clara quickly turned into a high-octane referendum on technological intervention. Jordan, playing with fearless confidence, saw a potential go-ahead goal dramatically rescinded by VAR following a razor-thin offside review.

The decision completely fractured their emotional momentum, leading to a late tactical collapse and a cruel own-goal that sealed a harsh 3-1 defeat. 

FIFA World Cup Day 6 by the Numbers

58: The historic goal tally reached by Kylian Mbappe after his masterclass double against Senegal. The brace officially crowned him as France's all-time greatest goalscorer, breaking the previous record held by Olivier Giroud.

16: The total number of World Cup career goals now scored by Lionel Messi. His breathtaking, first-ever tournament hat-trick against Algeria brings him level with German striker Miroslav Klose's legendary all-time World Cup scoring record.

1998: The last year Norway featured in a FIFA World Cup fixture prior to yesterday. Erling Haaland marked the country's 28-year return to the grandest stage in style by punishing Iraq with a clinical debut brace.

1: The number of razor-thin offside calls by VAR that completely altered Jordan's destiny in Santa Clara. The rescinded go-ahead goal broke their tactical momentum, triggering a late collapse to Austria.