Messi and Mbappe shine in World Cup 2026 opening matches

Sky Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 18, 2026, 10:38 AM

Last updated Jun 18, 2026

Messi and Mbappe shine in World Cup 2026 opening matches

Summary

Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi delivered standout performances during the first round of group stage fixtures at the 2026 World Cup. Their goalscoring efforts came alongside notable displays from players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. England secured a 4-2 victory over Croatia, with Kane scoring twice and earning the highest performance rating among his teammates. Norway's Erling Haaland and Sweden's Alexander Isak also made significant contributions, ranking above Kane in performance metrics. The tournament continues to unfold as teams vie for advancement in the group stage.

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Key Details

•Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe starred in World Cup 2026 openers.
•England defeated Croatia 4-2, with Harry Kane scoring twice.
•Kane achieved a performance score of 92.0, trailing behind Haaland and Isak.
•New players shone, including Jude Bellingham with a score of 90.0.
•Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha gained massive social media following after his performance.

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