Messi Makes History as Germany Stunned: World Cup 2026 Week 2

The expanded 48-team World Cup roared through its group stage this week, and the headlines wrote themselves - a record falling in Dallas, holders Germany humbled, and the first-ever Round of 32 bracket snapping into shape across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Let’s get right into all the action, as well as into who’s been ruling the roost in Roshtein’s World Cup event.

The Record: Messi Stands Alone

The defining moment came in Arlington. Lionel Messi broke the World Cup's all-time scoring record with his 17th goal, then added an 18th in stoppage time in defending champion Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria. Two days shy of his 39th birthday, Messi moved clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose - who had stood on 16 for over a decade - and, with the second goal, also passed Brazilian women's legend Marta (17) to stand alone in FIFA World Cup history with 18 tournament goals.

He'd already matched Klose with a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opener, so the record only took him two matches. Fittingly, the milestone strike wasn't a penalty (he'd actually skied one earlier in the Austria game) but a vintage low finish into the near corner. It was the sixth consecutive World Cup game in which Messi has scored - joining France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho as the only players to do so. Argentina are through with a game to spare and face Jordan next on Sunday, June 28, in their final Group J game.

The Shocker: Ecuador Sink Germany

If Messi was the script, Germany was the rip-up. Gonzalo Plata poked the ball past Manuel Neuer in the 77th minute, and Ecuador advanced to the knockout stage by rallying for a 2-1 win over Germany. The twist: Germany had already secured top spot in Group E, so the defeat didn't cost them the group - but it sent Ecuador through as one of the best third-placed teams. A backs-against-the-wall upset that's the standout giant-killing of the round so far.

There was a smaller jolt in Group A too, where South Africa beat South Korea 1-0 to clinch second spot behind a flawless Mexico.

The Biggest Wins

A few sides made statements. Portugal hammered Uzbekistan 5-0, and Brazil saw out Scotland 3-0 in their final Group C match to take top spot on goal difference.

Co-hosts Canada produced the most lopsided scoreline of the group stage earlier on, crushing Qatar 6-0, while Norway edged a five-goal thriller, beating Senegal 3-2 with an Erling Haaland brace to reach back-to-back World Cup wins for the first time.

READ MORE:
Recap of Week 1 At FIFA World Cup 2026
Prediction Markets And How To Use Them For The WC

Group Stage Fallout

Mexico were imperious - El Tri finished top of Group A with a full nine points after a 3-0 win over Czechia. The USA topped Group D: they became the second host nation to progress after beating Australia 2-0, and kept top spot despite a last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Türkiye, with Australia grabbing second via a 0-0 draw with Paraguay. In Group B, Canada slipped to runners-up after a 2-1 loss to Switzerland. And there was history's other end too: Haiti became the first team eliminated from the tournament.

Group I is the live drama as I write - France and Norway, both already through, are meeting in Boston with first place on the line; a draw is enough for France to top the group. France played the match under interim charge, with head coach Didier Deschamps having left camp to attend his mother's funeral.

Who’s Facing Who In The Round Of 32?

The knockouts - a brand-new round in the 48-team format - begin Sunday, June 28. Confirmed matchups so far:

South Africa vs Canada — June 28, Los Angeles (the round's solo opener; neither side has ever won a World Cup knockout match)
Brazil vs Japan — June 29, Houston (Japan booked the date after a 1-1 draw with Sweden sealed runners-up in Group F)
Netherlands vs Morocco — June 30
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina — July 1, San Francisco Bay
Germany vs a best third-placed team (opponent still TBD), June 29
Ivory Coast vs the Group I runner-up, June 30

Mexico, France, Norway, Argentina and Colombia are also confirmed in the Round of 32 but waiting on their opponents, with the final eight spots hinging on the third-placed rankings once the last group games wrap up Saturday, June 27. What a show it’s been so far, and it’s only gonna get better from here!

Roshtein World Cup Event Standings & Stats

To finish off, let’s see who’s at the top of the Roshtein leaderboards in the FIFA World Cup 2026 event, as well as how many of you have been taking part.

Like last week, here is the top 3: