Belgium have now drawn back-to-back matches at this World Cup and face the prospect of a second successive group-stage exit. But it could have been a very different story had Romelu Lukaku connected with Kevin de Bruyne's inviting cross inside the opening five minutes. The Napoli striker - his country's all-time leading scorer - was handed his first start since June 2025 and was expected to spearhead Belgium's bid for a much-needed victory, but looked off the pace. Instead, a string of outstanding saves from Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand, coupled with a costly red card for Belgium's young defender Nathan Ngoy, condemned the Red Devils to another frustrating night on the international stage. The result leaves the 2018 semi-finalists in danger of failing to progress from Group G. Belgium will still go through if they beat New Zealand in their final group game, but any other result would leave their progress in doubt. For Iran, meanwhile - who have only been allowed to fly into the United States a day before each match - the draw means it is the first time they have avoided defeat in their opening two matches of a World Cup.

The Barcelona teenager had been a second-half substitute in Spain's opening Group H game against Cape Verde, but he was unable to inspire his side to victory as the 2010 winners laboured to a deeply frustrating goalless draw. As expected, the 18-year-old was restored to manager Luis de la Fuente's starting line-up against Saudi Arabia – and he wasted little time in making his mark. Mikel Oyarzabal's low cross from the left evaded Saudi Arabia defender Hassan Al Tambakti before being tapped in at the far post by Lamine Yamal, who became only the second player aged 18 or younger – after Pele in 1958 – to open the scoring in a World Cup match. Reluctant to rest on their laurels, Spain continued to swarm forward and doubled their lead through Oyarzabal, who finished low past goalkeeper Mohammad Al-Owais after Saudi Arabia had failed to clear a corner. The Real Sociedad forward scored his second just three minutes later, sweeping home Dani Olmo's flick-on at the far post to all but end the game as a contest. Oyarzabal nearly completed his hat-trick with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, but he could only strike the crossbar after intercepting Al-Owais' stray pass. Lamine Yamal and Oyarzabal were both taken off at the interval, but their withdrawals did little to disrupt Spain's rhythm as De la Fuente's team continued to pin Saudi Arabia back in the second half. Al-Owais was equal to Marc Cucurella's powerful effort three minutes after the restart, only for the ball to rebound off Al Tambakti and into the back of the net to make it 4-0. Spain took their foot off the gas a little after that, although half-time substitute Ferran Torres almost extended their advantage when he dragged a shot wide after being played through on goal. Abdullah Al Hamdan registered Saudi Arabia's only effort on target with 10 minutes remaining, before Torres had a goal disallowed for offside - following a lengthy check by the video assistant referee - deep into stoppage time.

The forward, who turns 39 on Wednesday, got his 17th and 18th goals at tournaments to move two clear of Germany striker Miroslav Klose, whose tally came between 2002 and 2014. Messi's milestone moment came in the 38th minute of the Group J encounter in Dallas, sweeping home a first-time finish from just inside the penalty area after Thiago Almada had cleverly let Facundo Medina's pull-back go through his legs to tee up his team-mate. The talismanic frontman's second came in second-half injury-time as he fired home from a tight angle past two Austrian defenders after Julian Alvarez had been denied by keeper Alexander Schlager. However, Messi could have broken the record earlier in the match. After only eight minutes, Argentina were awarded a penalty following Stefan Posch's foul on Lautaro Martinez, with Austrian defender Xaver Schlager also making a challenge, but Messi fired the spot-kick wide. That disappointment soon turned to celebration, though, in another display of his class on a historic night. He is now the top scorer in the 2026 competition, with five goals in two matches following a hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria in their opening group game. Before Messi's second, Austria - managed by former Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick - had a chance to make it 1-1. But Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez pushed away a powerful free-kick from Marcel Sabitzer, who was making his 100th international appearance. Argentina, with six points, now join Mexico, the United States and Germany in having qualified for the last 32, and they will be confirmed as Group J winners if Jordan do not beat Algeria in the later game (Tuesday, 04:00 BST). Having beaten Jordan in their opener, Austria still remain in contention on three points.

Miami FC keeper Room pulled off a record-equalling 15 saves to keep out the South Americans in Group E. The 37-year-old was in stunning form to match USA goalkeeper Tim Howard's record for the most saves in a World Cup game. Howard made 15 saves against Belgium in 2014 in a match that went to extra time (also conceding twice in a 2-1 defeat) - but Room's clean sheet earned Dick Advocaat's side a historic draw. His first save came after just three minutes and was arguably the best of the night as he kept out Enner Valencia from close range. John Yeboah was next to be denied before Room saved again from Valencia among six first-half stops. Room was even busier after the break as he denied Moises Caicedo, Pedro Vite, Kevin Rodriguez, Nilson Angulo, Gonzalo Plata and others. Curacao did have a great opportunity of their own on the hour mark but Leandro Bacuna's strike was saved before Liviana Comenencia had an effort turned away. Ecuador will rue their missed chances - with 27 attempts in total - and must beat group winners Germany in their final game to progress to the knockout stages, having lost to Ivory Coast in their opener. Curacao - who lost 7-1 to Germany in their first game - could also qualify for the last 32 if they beat Ivory Coast in their final match.

After a tumultuous week in which they suffered a 5-1 defeat by Sweden, sacked Sabri Lamouchi and appointed ex-Saudi Arabia boss Herve Renard as head coach, it took less than four minutes for them to go behind in Guadalupe, Mexico. An impressive Japan, who were well drilled throughout, broke the deadlock with a quick counter-attack which ended in Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada prodding home from close range at Monterrey Stadium. It did not take long for a dominant Japan side to inflict a second blow as Ayase Ueda produced a lovely finish to arrow the ball through the legs of a defender and into the far corner from the edge of the box. Tunisia looked devoid of ideas for much of the game and gifted Japan ample space, which they used to display their free-flowing possession-based style. Junya Ito added another when he rolled a simple finish past Tunisia goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen after being threaded through one-on-one. Ueda wrapped up victory when he tucked a looping header into the far corner. Japan were constantly a cut above and were never threatened by a Tunisia side who were pedestrian and had every attack easily neutralised. Japan have four points and are likely at least to progress as one of the best third-placed sides, but they will hope to earn a guaranteed spot in the last 32 when they take on Sweden on Friday in their final group game. Tunisia play the Netherlands, who are top of the group, at the same time.