Monday's World Cup schedule lines up Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé on the same day, with four group-stage matches spread across Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and California. Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé combined for seven goals in their opening matches, and Monday brings a rematch of heavyweight storylines in Groups I and J.
Erling Haaland and Norway face a tough test against Senegal on Monday. The day includes an intriguing meeting between Norway and Senegal, plus games featuring Argentina and France.
Monday's four World Cup matches:
- Argentina vs. Austria (Group J) . Standings: Argentina (3 points, 1st), Austria (3 points, 2nd). TV: Fox (English), Telemundo (Spanish). Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas.
- France vs. Iraq (Group I) . Standings: France (3 points, 2nd), Iraq (0 points, 4th). Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.
- Norway vs. Senegal (Group I) . Standings: Norway (3 points, 1st), Senegal (0 points, 3rd). Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
- Jordan vs. Algeria (Group J) . Standings: Jordan (0 points, 3rd), Algeria (0 points, 4th). TV: FS1 (English), Telemundo (Spanish). Venue: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif.
Argentina vs. Austria
Messi waited until he was 38 to score a hat trick in a World Cup. After years of wondering whether he would ever win one with Argentina, the question now is whether Messi is playing with no pressure.
In a tournament that has seen some of the favored teams have disappointing first matches (Spain, Portugal) or unimpressive first halves before clicking (France, England), Argentina did not take long to get going. A 3-0 win and a hat trick from Messi against Algeria should not be overstated, but there were no signs in that game that Argentina will not once again be one of the top contenders.
Austria should represent stiffer opposition than Algeria, but La Albiceleste are still clear favorites. With three points in hand, Austria could be motivated to play defensively.
France vs. Iraq
France is the biggest favorite of the day. With respect to Messi and Haaland, the French front three has arguably the three best attackers on the planet in Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise. Mbappé had two goals and arguably the goal of the tournament against Senegal, while Olise had one of the prettier assists to set up Mbappé's first goal.
Iraq gave up four goals to Norway, so this one could get ugly. The French attack is different than the hulking size of Haaland, so it is a different matchup to defend. The speed, athleticism and skill on the ball is a nightmare for any defense.
The Iraqis are still seeking a first World Cup point, but this is probably not the match to find it from. There have been some surprise results so far, but an Iraq result here would rank with the Spain-Cape Verde draw, and might even top it.
Norway vs. Senegal
On a day featuring Argentina and France, the best match on paper features Norway and Senegal. While both national teams have had their moments on the international stage, they are both on the upswing.
Norway features one of the best players on the planet in Erling Haaland, and he showcased his ability with two goals against Iraq. However, there is a big jump in quality from Iraq to Senegal.
The African side showed well against France for a half. Then France took it up a gear or two with two second-half goals in a 3-1 win. There is not much reprieve for Senegal, which has what is almost certainly the toughest opening two matches of anyone at the World Cup (along with Iraq, which has the same two teams in opposite order).
Norway has Haaland and some other talented players, but probably does not have the same top gear the French do. This game should be relatively even. The Norwegians are favored, but at plus money.
Jordan vs. Algeria
Jordan and Algeria meet in a late kickoff between two lesser-known and less accomplished teams in the international game. Both lost their opening matches.
