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World Cup 2026: England, Colombia, Ghana win; Messi, Bellingham shine; hydration breaks debated

The World Cup 2026 group stage saw thrilling victories for England, Colombia, and Ghana, stellar performances from Messi and Bellingham, and ongoing debate over mid-half hydration breaks.

By World Brief · 2026-06-18

Video and images are AI-generated illustrations, not real footage.

The ongoing World Cup has seen a spectacular start, captivating fans with historic performances. Lionel Messi delivered an unforgettable display for Argentina, achieving his first-ever World Cup hat trick in a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria. This remarkable feat not only made him the oldest player to score a hat trick in the tournament's history but also saw him equal the all-time World Cup goal-scoring record with 16 goals.

Meanwhile, England also commenced their campaign with a strong showing, defeating Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling encounter. Captain Harry Kane contributed two goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with second-half strikes, demonstrating England's potent offensive capabilities. The opening matches have set an electrifying tone for the tournament, promising more excitement for football enthusiasts worldwide.

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