The opening week of the FIFA World Cup 2026 began at a cautious, stuttering pace — until four of the sport's greatest forwards took charge in rapid succession, transforming a sluggish tournament start into a parade of individual brilliance.

Mbappe breaks France's all-time record

Kylian Mbappe moved first. France were largely uninspired against Senegal in the first half, managing a single shot, but Mbappe turned the game around after the break. He struck twice in a 3-1 victory, his second goal a thunderous effort from around 30 yards that took his international tally to 58 goals — making him France's all-time leading scorer.

The brace also pushed Mbappe to 14 World Cup goals, closing in on the all-time record. He has now found the net at three consecutive World Cups, having scored in the 2018 final and the 2022 final, which France lost to Argentina.

Haaland makes his World Cup debut count

Erling Haaland had waited his entire career for this moment. Norway had been absent from the World Cup since 1998, and at 25, Haaland finally had his stage. He wasted no time, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq — opening his account inside 30 minutes and capitalising on a goalkeeping error before half-time.

On the same day Mbappe set the bar, Haaland matched it. The moment carried extra resonance given that his father, Alfie Haaland, had represented Norway at the 1994 World Cup. Norway have announced themselves as one of the early surprises in North America.

Messi surpasses them all with a hat-trick

Lionel Messi then raised the stakes for everyone. The Argentina captain scored a hat-trick against Algeria, becoming, at 38, the oldest player ever to achieve that feat at a World Cup. The treble lifted him to 16 World Cup goals — drawing level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose at the top of the all-time scoring chart.

Three standout displays from three of the world's greatest forwards in the opening days of the tournament — Messi had ensured this opening week would not be forgotten.

Kane equals England record as Ronaldo goes missing

Cristiano Ronaldo could not follow suit, drawing a blank as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo. Harry Kane made sure England seized the moment instead. He scored twice in a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas — a penalty and a header from a corner — to equal Gary Lineker's England record of 10 World Cup goals.

Kane also became only the second England player after David Beckham to score at three separate World Cups. With England having topped Group L and set to face DR Congo on Wednesday, attention now turns to whether Kane can extend that tally further and mount a serious challenge for the Golden Boot.

A week that revived a tournament

Four elite forwards, four defining performances, delivered within days of each other. Together, Mbappe, Haaland, Messi, and Kane lifted the FIFA World Cup 2026 out of a cautious opening and reminded the world why these players remain the ones who ultimately shape major tournaments. With the knockout rounds still ahead, this early burst of brilliance sets an exhilarating tone for what is to come.