Hello and welcome to Daily Mail Sport‘s World Cup Breakfast from day 13 at the tournament – your one-stop shop for everything you’ve missed overnight in North America.

For all the latest news, viral moments and what to look out for, stay right here.

OVERNIGHT ACTION 

This is what happened while you were asleep…

Argentina 2-0 Austria (Group J)

On their quest to retain the World Cup, Argentina have scored five goals in two games on American soil. The scorer of all five? A 38-year-old Lionel Messi. 

The little magician’s brace against Austria in Dallas last night secured his country’s place in the knockout phase – and saw him surpass Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s highest ever goalscorer.

But, before the euphoria which was to come, Messi’s night got off to a nightmare start when he skewed a penalty wide with just nine minutes on the clock.

The great man soon composed himself and, on 38 minutes, bagged the game’s opener with a delightfully curled effort from the edge of the box.

Chances for Ralf Rangnick’s Austria were few and far between and, as they pushed for an equaliser in the dying embers, Messi and Julian Alvarez broke away. Messi switched the ball to Alvarez, who soon gave it back in the area. The Argentinian captain dropped the shoulder and rounded the goalkeeper, but saw his effort blocked before, as if by fate, the ball dropped back to his feet and he smashed it home. 

That secured Argentina’s victory and, two days before his 39th birthday, gave Messi further cause for celebration. There’s certainly life in the little man’s legs yet. 

READ IAN HERBERT’S MATCH REPORT HERE. 

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Lionel Messi celebrates scoring Argentina’s first against Austria in Dallas on Monday night

France 3-0 Iraq (Group I)

The wind swirled, the rain thrashed, and Kylian Mbappe starred again as France swept aside Iraq to make it two-out-of-two on American soil.

After Messi surpassed Klose’s record a couple of hours earlier, the 27-year-old French captain equalled the great German’s tally of 16 with a brace in Philadelphia.

It took just 14 minutes for Mbappe to find the back of the net with what was one of the strikes of the tournament. Having picked up the ball some 30 yards out, the Real Madrid man cut inside and unleashed an unsavable curler into the top corner.

The French dominated the first-half without extending their lead and, then, as the players headed down the tunnel, a storm hit Pennsylvania and the match was suspended.

For more than an hour supporters hid under umbrellas and ponchos before Mbappe, Michael Olise and Co re-emerged but, when they did, it was worth the wait.

Just nine minutes after the interval, Dembele capitalised on some calamitous Iraqi defending to tee up Mbappe with a chance he simply couldn’t miss for his second. 

That came before Dembele added his name to the scoresheet a little more than 10 minutes later with a side-footed effort that put the clash out of Iraq’s reach.

The French played with a swagger of a side expecting to reach the latter stages of this summer’s showpiece event. This was a win which secured Les Bleus’ place in the knockouts and, by the looks of it, they’re going to take some stopping when they get there.   

READ OLIVER HOLT’S MATCH REPORT HERE. 

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Kylian Mbappe starred in a rain-affected game against Iraq in Philadelphia

Norway 3-2 Senegal (Group I) 

Erling Haaland set up a showdown for top spot in Group I between France and Norway after bagging two in a 3-2 victory against Senegal. 

It took 42 minutes for the deadlock to be broken in difficult conditions at the MetLife Stadium, but when Marcus Holmgren Pedersen took advantage of some lax Senegal defending to fire home, the floodgates opened. 

Haaland made it two not long after the interval before, only moments later, Senegal were offered a lifeline through a scrappy Ismaila Sarr finish. 

That glimmer of hope was however soon taken away from the Africans when the ruthless Haaland turned home a cross with his right foot to make it 3-1 less than five minutes later. Senegal’s standout Sarr managed to pull another back in added time but it was merely a consolation. 

The victory secured Norway’s place in the knockout phase of the country’s first World Cup in almost 30 years, sparking jubilant scenes after the final whistle. 

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard led the celebrations as his side performed the ‘Viking Row’ with the thousands of Norwegians packed into the ground. 

READ OLIVER SALT’S MATCH REPORT HERE.

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Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard led the celebrations as his side performed the ‘Viking Row’ with the thousands of Norwegians packed into the ground

Jordan 1-2 Algeria (Group J)

World Cup debutants Jordan were eliminated from the tournament with a game to play after Algeria staged a crucial second-half comeback to go level on points with Austria in Group J.

Jordan took the lead through Nizar Al-Rashdan in the 36th minute to give the minnows a surprise 1-0 advantage at the break, leaving Algeria on the brink of a World Cup exit.

Capitalising on set-pieces in the second half, Algeria clawed themselves back into the game thanks to a header from Nadhir Benbouali in the 69th-minute equaliser, before then rallying to take the lead in the 82nd minute from another corner.

Amine Gouiri netted the crucial winner for Algeria from close range, though celebrations were briefly put on hold due to a lengthy VAR check, which eventually adjudged that the Marseille star had not scored from an offside position.

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World Cup debutants Jordan were eliminated after Algeria came from behind to win 2-1

VIEW FROM THE GROUND – IAN HERBERT IN DALLAS

This superb image of former Texas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, a giant of the team in the 1990s, is one of many adorning the walls of the Dallas Stadium, the NFL team’s home, currently serving as the World Cup venue where Argentina beat Austria. 

To see it on the wall near the press box was to be reminded of how the depiction of sport is an art form here in the US, both in words and pictures. ‘Friday Night Lights,’ HG Bissinger’s portrayal of a year following a high school American football team, five hours out of Dallas, is one of the great sports books of the past decade. David Remnick’s ‘King of the World’, the 1981 biography of Muhammad Ali is for me the greatest sports book ever. 

I’ve seen images of some of Mauricio Pochettino’s USA soccer team on advertising spots in Dallas but a glorious World Cup could see men’s soccer elevated in status to become another sport of kings, with all that flows from it.  

This superb image of former Texas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, a giant of the team in the 1990s, is one of many adorning the walls of the Dallas Stadium

TEAM OF THE DAY 

Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe all shone in superb displays for their teams

CELEBRITY WATCH 

It seemed as though all of the 80,000 fans packed into the AT&T Stadium on Monday had their eyes fixated on Lionel Messi – until the one and only Shakira was displayed on the big screen. 

The South American pop star travelled to Dallas to watch Messi’s record-breaking occasion, and incited huge cheers from the Argentinian portion of the crowd.

But World Cup fans were left concerned by what they believed to be an uncomfortable incident for the singer, as the person in the seat to her left leaned over, wrapped their arm around her and kissed her on the cheek.

Fans on social media were shocked at the moment with some claiming Shakira appeared reluctant to lean in and uncomfortable.

Shakira, who recorded the official anthem of the 2026 World Cup with rapper Burna Boy, has a long affiliation with the tournament and has become a figure of increasing popularity in football across her singing career.

In 2010, her ‘Waka Waka’ single was the official song of the South African tournament and she was in an 11-year relationship with former World Cup winner and Spain star Gerard Pique before their messy break-up in June 2022.

Shakira travelled to Dallas to watch Argentina take on Austria on Monday night

World Cup fans were concerned by a moment involving Shakira during Monday’s game 

Supporters breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was revealed that the admirer was in fact one of Shakira’s sons merely showing affection to his famous mother. 

Her two sons Milan, 13, and Sasha, 11, whom she shares with ex-partner Pique, joined her in the VIP suite in Dallas.

Milan was wearing a black polo top and a white cap, which concealed his face, leading to the confusion among fans. 

He animatedly leaned over and appeared to slightly pull on his mom’s long locks, which may have caused the uncomfortable reaction from Shakira. 

VIRAL MOMENT OF THE DAY

After helping Egypt to their first ever World Cup victory on Sunday night, this footage of Mo Salah singing and dancing on the streets of Vancouver took the internet by storm.

The Liverpool legend, 34, scored one of three goals as the Pharaohs romped to a 3-1 win against New Zealand. One which almost certainly seals their place in the Round of 32. 

PICTURE OF THE DAY

How could our picture of the day be of anyone but him? Lionel Messi after scoring the goal which saw him become the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history.

Leo Messi bagged a brace against Austria to become the greatest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup

STAT OF THE DAY 

It may have been a triumphant day for Messi at the AT&T Stadium on Monday night but, amongst all the joy, there was just one downside. 

The 38-year-old’s penalty miss, which came inside the first 10 minutes against Austria, made him the first player in history to miss from the spot in three consecutive World Cups. 

I think we can just about forgive the great man who, after the early disappointment, bounced back emphatically to all but secure Argentina’s top spot in Group J. 

The brace also saw Messi (five goals) stay clear of Haaland and Mbappe (both with four) as the tournament’s top scorer. 

THREE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR TODAY

1) Ronaldo to end his major tournament nightmare?

Unsurprisingly, many a column inch has been spared for the debate surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo in the wake of Portugal’s dire 1-1 draw with DR Congo last week.

Against a Congo back four featuring Newcastle United flop Chancel Mbemba, the Al Nassr forward failed to register a single shot on target – and only managed 25 touches of the ball.  

It’s now 10 major tournament matches without a goal for Ronaldo on a run which stretches back as far as Qatar 2022. His sole goal at that tournament being a group stage penalty against Morocco. 

If there’s one thing CR7 has taught us over the years, it’s that he’s not to be written off. But, at the age of 41, all the signs suggest this is one World Cup too many for the Madeira-born star.

Whether Cristiano Ronaldo will start for Portugal against Uzbekistan on Tuesday remains to be seen

2) Could Thomas Tuchel make changes for Ghana?

Thomas Tuchel’s men have travelled to Boston, Massachusetts, ahead of their crucial second group stage match against Ghana this evening. 

‘Don’t change a winning team,’ the saying goes, but we know England’s German boss liked to rotate during his days at Chelsea. So, who might miss out? 

Declan Rice was withdrawn just after the hour against the Croatians and has this week complained of fatigue after a gruelling season with Arsenal. Whether Tuchel would leave out the 27-year-old remains unlikely, but it’s one to monitor. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford could be set to step in for Anthony Gordon after the Barcelona winger failed to make an impact on the left-wing in Dallas.

And, speaking on the Overlap, Gary Neville urged the England boss to hand defenders Marc Guehi and Djed Spence starting berths.

Tuchel, however, was tight-lipped while speaking to the BBC yesterday. 

‘Everyone is ready to go, so there’s no need,’ he said about the possibility of rotation. ‘But, of course, there’s the possibility.’ 

3) Wissa finding form? 

For those of a Newcastle United persuasion, Yoane Wissa’s performance against Portugal was hugely encouraging. 

The Congolese forward has been hampered by injuries and struggled for form since signing for the Magpies last summer, but showed glimpses of his best against Roberto Martinez’s side. 

Playing as a lone striker, the 29-year-old was a huge threat on the break and secured his country’s first ever World Cup point with an accurate header past Diogo Costa on the brink of half-time. 

He’s back in action against Colombia today – and no doubt hungry for another goal.

Yoane Wissa looked as if he had discovered some form during DR Congo’s clash with Portugal

TODAY’S GAMES  

Portugal vs Uzbekistan (6pm, Houston, ITV)

After being held to a 1-1 draw by World Cup minnows DR Congo, Portugal and Ronaldo will be looking for their first victory of the tournament against Uzbekistan at the NRG Stadium today. 

The build-up to the match has been marred by reports of infighting in the Portuguese camp, sparked – almost incredibly – by Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro. 

Ms Aveiro liked an Instagram post last week accusing Man United captain Bruno Fernandes of failing to perform for the national team amid a wave of criticism which had been aimed at her brother in the wake of the draw with Congo. 

Could Ronaldo be left on the bench in Houston today? It seems a real possibility, though you can only imagine how the 41-year-old would take that news after Messi’s heroics last night.

For Uzbekistan, competing at their first World Cup, a loss would likely see their hopes of reaching the Round of 32 crushed. 

Managed by Fabio Cannavaro, and boasting Man City centre-half Abdukodir Khusanov, the Asian nation are no slouches. They posed Colombia problems on matchday one, and bagged a goal through Abbosbek Fayzullaev, but were ultimately outdone by the quality of Luis Diaz and James Rodriguez in a 3-1 loss.

Prediction: Portugal win  

England vs Ghana (9pm, Philadelphia, BBC)

The Three Lions are back in action this evening against Ghana after their confidence-boosting opening day defeat of Croatia.

England triumphed against Luka Modric and Co thanks to a brace from the inevitable Harry Kane, as well as goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford, and have spent the week back at their Kansas City base before travelling to the east coast.

Ghana come into the clash on the back of a 1-0 victory over basement boys Panama thanks to a late strike from young Caleb Yirenkyi. 

The African nation will be boosted by the return of Thomas Partey, who is able to play on US soil after the Canadian authorities denied him a visa last week. Star man Antoine Semenyo will also almost certainly start in the Ghanaians’ front three.

A win for either side would guarantee their place in the Round of 32. 

Prediction: England win

Thomas Tuchel was in good spirits ahead of England’s clash with Ghana tonight

Panama vs Croatia (12am, Toronto, BBC) 

Panama saw their hearts broken against Ghana in Toronto when Yirenkyi fired home for the Africans in the fifth minute of added time. Had the Panamanians held on for just another minute or so, they’d have secured their country’s first ever World Cup point. 

Eight years ago in Russia, Panama lost all three of their group stage matches. A loss to Croatia today would extend their winless World Cup run to five. 

But this is not the same quality of Croatian side which reached the semi-final four years ago in Qatar and the 2018 final. 

Luka Modric, who turns 41 in September, appeared a shadow of his former self against the Three Lions and Mateo Kovacic, the Croatians’ other talisman, is way short of full fitness.

But, still, you’d expect Croatia to have too much for a Panama side which may well be overawed by the occasion.

Prediction: Croatia win 

Colombia vs DR Congo (3am, Guadalajara, ITV)

For those of our readers living in the United Kingdom, it’s quite the shame that both of Colombia’s opening two World Cup matches this summer have been played during the early hours. 

The Colombians are nothing if not entertaining and, with James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz in their ranks, could be dark horses to go deep in North America. 

A victory against Congo would secure the South Americans’ place in the Round of 32 and could even be enough to seal them top spot in Group K should Portugal fail to beat Uzbekistan. 

But Nestor Lorenzo’s men will face a supremely well-organised Congolese side boasting a frontline which could be dangerous on the break.

At the other end, Premier League-experienced Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will do their utmost to keep the Colombians out. 

‘Congo play more in transition, with long balls and quick breaks. ​It’s going to be a ​very difficult match for ⁠us,’ said the Colombian boss yesterday.

Prediction: Draw 

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