Lionel Messi has made history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, breaking the men’s World Cup goals record with five goals in two games — Argentina opened their campaign with two wins, with Messi scoring all five goals and surpassing both the men’s and women’s World Cup goal records. Erling Haaland of Norway and Kylian Mbappé of France are close behind with four goals each, while Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first two goals of the tournament against Uzbekistan, becoming the first player to score in six different World Cup editions, according to ESPN.

Power Rankings and Contenders

After two games. ESPN’s panel of 19 reporters ranked their top 15 favorites based on current form and potential; Argentina leads the pack, with France, Portugal, and Norway also in the top tier. Cape Verde, the underdog, remains in contention for a spot in the round of 32 after drawing with world No. 1 Spain and Uruguay in group play.

OneFootball’s FIFA Power Rankings, a new system launched for the 2026 World Cup, provides a data-driven assessment of player performance. The system scores players in three categories: attacking, creativity, and defending. Goalkeepers are evaluated in possession and goal defense. After Matchday 12, Argentina’s captain earned the highest Attacking Score at 9.1, narrowly edging out Austria’s Marcel Sabitzer, who had the top Creativity Score of 7.6.

Third-Place Standings and Tiebreakers

With 48 teams in the 2026 World Cup, eight third-place finishers will advance to the knockout stage. The top two teams in each of the 12 groups automatically qualify, with the remaining eight spots going to the highest-ranked third-place teams based on points, goal difference, and tiebreakers. FOX Sports notes that 12 teams are vying for the eight remaining spots, making the final days of the group stage highly competitive.

According to the tiebreaker rules, teams are first ranked by points obtained in head-to-head matches. If still tied, goal difference and goals scored in those matches are used. This format has led to intense scrutiny of each match, with fans and analysts closely tracking the standings as the group stage nears its conclusion.

Player Performances and Key Stats

Kylian Mbappé continued his strong form, netting a goal in each half and earning an Attacking Score of 9.1, according to OneFootball. His left-footed goal from outside the penalty area and a second-half finish following a defensive error were key moments in France’s victory. Norway’s Erling Haaland also made a strong impression with four goals in two games, showcasing his scoring prowess in his first World Cup.

Defensively, Tottenham Hotspur’s Cristian Romero earned an impressive 7.8 Defending Score. Despite playing only part of the match, he made six possessions, seven blocks, and four clearances to limit Austria’s attacking influence. His performance highlighted his effectiveness in high-pressure situations. Argentina’s overall defensive effort, combined with Messi’s attacking brilliance, has positioned them as a top contender for the title.

The FIFA Power Rankings system is considered a measure of both match and tournament performance, with each player receiving a score for every game. This system aims to provide a more objective view of player contributions, moving beyond traditional metrics like goals and assists. The rankings are updated after each match round, providing real-time insights into player form and team dynamics.