Mbappe, Haaland and Messi deliver stunning World Cup week — but Ronaldo can’t follow suit

Three superstars delivered stunning performances at the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday — and made it look effortless. Kylian Mbappe scored twice against Senegal to become France’s all-time leading scorer. Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals against Iraq. Lionel Messi went one better, netting a hat-trick against Algeria to equal Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals — the most in the competition’s history. On Wednesday, Cristiano Ronaldo had his chance to join them. He missed it. Twice. Portugal were held to a shock draw by DR Congo.

Mbappe makes history: France’s all-time scoring record broken

Two goals against Senegal. One all-time record shattered. Kylian Mbappe is now France’s leading scorer of all time after surpassing Thierry Henry at the 2026 World Cup. At 27, he looks as sharp as ever — clinical, explosive and completely unplayable when in full flow.

For England, this is both an inspiration and a warning. If the Three Lions want to go deep in this tournament, they will need their own stars to hit that same level of ruthlessness in front of goal.

Haaland’s perfect debut and Messi’s record-equalling hat-trick

Erling Haaland had never played in a World Cup before Tuesday night. Against Iraq, he scored twice on debut. The Norway striker has arrived on football’s biggest stage — and the rest of the tournament will have taken notice.

Lionel Messi, at 38 years old, was even more astonishing. A hat-trick against Algeria took him to 16 World Cup goals, equalling Miroslav Klose’s all-time record. This may be his last World Cup. He shows absolutely no sign of slowing down.

Ronaldo struggles: Portugal held to shock draw by DR Congo

Cristiano Ronaldo had the stage set for him on Wednesday — and he couldn’t deliver. Two second-half chances missed. Portugal, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were held to a draw by DR Congo in one of the biggest shocks of the competition so far.

His manager admitted he was ‘scared to take him off’. At 41, Ronaldo remains an untouchable figure inside the Portugal dressing room — but the questions about whether he can still be the match-winner they need are growing louder by the day.

What England must learn from this extraordinary week

England have Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and a squad capable of competing with anyone. Thomas Tuchel’s side will need their key men to deliver the kind of clinical performances Mbappe, Haaland and Messi produced this week if the Three Lions are to win their first World Cup since 1966.

This week has been a reminder that World Cups are ultimately decided by individuals in inspired form. England have those individuals. The question is whether they can peak at exactly the right moment — and avoid the kind of flat display Ronaldo produced against DR Congo.

FAQ