--- title: "Messi hat trick, Mbappé magic light up World Cup Day 5" description: "Argentina and France flex muscle with three-goal hauls, while Norway stuns with a statement win. The knockout stage bracket starts to take shape." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/world-cup-2026-scores-live-updates-messi-nets-hat-trick-fo-7e32c188 published: 2026-07-01T23:14:46.356+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T23:14:46.356+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # Messi hat trick, Mbappé magic light up World Cup Day 5 > Argentina and France flex muscle with three-goal hauls, while Norway stuns with a statement win. The knockout stage bracket starts to take shape. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé reminded the world why they’re among the game’s elite on Day 5 of the 2026 World Cup, each delivering masterclasses to keep their teams on track. Messi’s clinical hat trick powered Argentina past Haiti 4-1 in Group A, while Mbappé orchestrated a 3-0 dismantling of South Korea in Group B. Argentina’s opener came in the 12th minute when Messi curled a free kick past the South Korean wall. Haiti clawed back to 1-1 in the 35th, but Messi restored the lead before halftime and added two more in the second half, capping a 72-minute strike with a trademark left-footed finish. The final was Argentina’s most convincing performance since the tournament began. France’s win was more methodical. Mbappé set up Ousmane Dembélé for the opener in the 28th minute, then doubled the lead before halftime with a low drive from outside the box. A third in the 79th completed the rout, with Mbappé assisting two and controlling midfield traffic throughout. South Korea managed just two shots on target all match. Norway, meanwhile, continued their early surge with a 3-0 blanking of Bulgaria in Group C. Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, then doubled the lead before halftime. A third in the 67th sealed the win, sending a clear message that the Scandinavians are serious contenders. Bulgaria managed only one shot on target. The performances of Messi and Mbappé highlight a growing trend in this tournament: the dominance of established stars in critical moments. Both players not only scored but also dictated the pace and flow of their respective matches. Messi's ability to bounce back after Haiti's equalizer showcased his mental fortitude, while Mbappé’s versatility as a scorer and playmaker underlines his importance to France's title defense. With both players in form, Argentina and France appear poised to make deep runs in the tournament. As the group stages progress, the implications of these results extend beyond mere victories. Argentina’s convincing win solidifies their status as favorites, while France’s tactical prowess signals they are not to be underestimated. Norway’s emergence as a competitive force adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting that the knockout stage could see unexpected matchups. The landscape of the tournament is shifting, and teams will need to adapt quickly to avoid being left behind. The matchday also underscored the tactical acumen of both Argentina and France. Argentina’s fluid attacking play, led by Messi, was complemented by a solid defensive structure that limited Haiti's chances. Meanwhile, France’s ability to transition from defense to attack with speed was evident, showcasing a team that is not only talented but also well-coached. This blend of strategy and skill could prove pivotal as they face tougher opponents in the knockout rounds. Moreover, the performances of Norway cannot be overlooked. Their decisive win over Bulgaria indicates they are not just participants but serious contenders in this tournament. With Haaland in form and a cohesive team unit, Norway is poised to disrupt the traditional powerhouses. As they continue to build momentum, they could very well become the dark horse of the World Cup, challenging expectations and creating thrilling narratives in the knockout stage. Reaction poured in quickly. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s “unreal” composure under pressure, while France boss Didier Deschamps labeled Mbappé’s performance “complete.” Norway captain Joshua King called the victory a “step forward” for a team aiming to surpass past disappointments. What’s next: Austria and Jordan face off in Group I, a match that could shape the knockout stage picture. A win for either side would tighten the group race, while a draw could leave the door ajar for late drama. The knockout brackets begin to crystallize after today’s results, with the top two in each group poised to advance. ## Why this matters Day 5 of the 2026 World Cup set the tone for the knockout stage. Messi’s hat trick reaffirms Argentina as favorites, Mbappé’s dominance keeps France’s title defense alive, and Norway’s surge introduces a dangerous wildcard. These results don’t just shape group standings—they dictate who will face whom in the Round of 16, turning every upcoming fixture into a potential bracket-altering clash. ## Frequently asked ### How many goals did Lionel Messi score in Argentina's match? Lionel Messi scored a hat trick, netting three goals in Argentina's 4-1 win over Haiti. ### Who did France play in their Day 5 World Cup match? France defeated South Korea 3-0 in their Group B match on Day 5 of the 2026 World Cup. ### Which team did Norway defeat on Day 5? Norway beat Bulgaria 3-0 in their Group C encounter, continuing their strong start to the tournament. ### What’s next for Argentina, France, and Norway after Day 5? Argentina, France, and Norway all secured wins, keeping them on track for the knockout stage. Austria and Jordan face off in the next set of fixtures, which could further shape the tournament’s bracket. ### Who scored the goals for Norway in their match against Bulgaria? Erling Haaland scored twice and assisted the third goal in Norway’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria. ## Sources & Citations - [World Cup 2026 scores, live updates: Messi nets hat trick for Argentina; Norway rolls; Mbappé lifts France; Austria vs. Jordan on tap - Yahoo Sports](https://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/live/world-cup-2026-scores-results-schedule-live-updates-135432982.html) — NewsAPI.org (2026-06-17) --- Cite: Messi hat trick, Mbappé magic light up World Cup Day 5. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/world-cup-2026-scores-live-updates-messi-nets-hat-trick-fo-7e32c188