LIVE | FIFA World Cup 2026, Day 12: Argentina face Austria, France take on Iraq in crucial group-stage clashes

Victory over Austria would put Argentina on the cusp of the last 32 as Group L winners with a game to go, giving Messi the chance to recharge for the knockout rounds.

World Cup duties no barrier to players' pursuit of lucrative moves

World Cups are a renowned showcase for players to earn a money-spinning transfer, but many at this tournament are pressing ahead with moves on their club future while still on international duty.

Spain's Marc Cucurella was officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player just hours before he took the field for the European champions in a shock 0-0 draw against tournament debutants Cape Verde.

A few days later Liverpool won the race for his international team-mate Victor Munoz in a 40 million euro deal ($46 million, £35 million).

Alex Grimaldo is also set to swap Bayer Leverkusen for Atletico Madrid, while Pedro Porro signed a contract extension with Tottenham since the tournament began.

The flurry of transfers, allied to a disappointing start, has led to questions back home whether La Roja have been distracted by focusing too much on their club careers, an accusation firmly denied by coach Luis de la Fuente.

Timeless Messi eyes World Cup record as Argentina face Austria

The Lionel Messi show rolls into Dallas with the Argentine maestro on the cusp of more footballing history when the World Cup holders face Austria today.

Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, scored a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria to pull level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup record of 16 goals.

Victory over Austria would put Lionel Scaloni's side on the cusp of the last 32 as Group L winners with a game to go, giving Messi the chance to recharge for the knockout rounds.

Summary

Day 12 features a heavyweight clash between Argentina and Austria, while France take on Iraq looking to strengthen their position in Group I. Norway face Senegal in a key qualification battle, before Jordan and Algeria wrap up the day's action in Group J.

Below are Day 12's fixtures, with all times in IST:

Argentina vs Austria - 10:30 pm

France vs Iraq - 2:30 am

Norway vs Senegal - 5:30 am

Jordan vs Algeria - 8:30 am

Day 11 saw Egypt register the first World Cup victory in their history with a 3-1 win over New Zealand, while Spain returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion by crushing Saudi Arabia 4-0. Belgium's struggles continued with a goalless draw against Iran, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance, as debutants Cape Verde maintained their dream unbeaten run by battling back to earn a 2-2 draw against Uruguay.