LOS ANGELES: The 2026 World Cup’s heavyweights enter the fray on Tuesday. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, faces Algeria in Kansas City, while Kylian Mbappe’s France takes on Senegal in New Jersey.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the 38-year-old Messi is fit to play in his sixth World Cup despite a late-May hamstring injury. Messi scored in a warm-up match against Iceland last week.
“Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people,” Scaloni said. Centre-back Nicolas Otamendi added, “He’s a competitive animal. He makes you keep trying, he doesn't let you relax.”
France, featuring a potent attack of Mbappe, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise, must avoid a repeat of their 2002 opening-day defeat to Senegal that saw them exit in the group stage.
“The first match is very important, but it's not decisive,” said coach Didier Deschamps. “Starting with a win in a four-team group is always the objective. But the one thing we can't measure is the emotional aspect.”
Elsewhere, Erling Haaland makes his World Cup finals debut for Norway against Iraq. Norway is competing for the first time since 1998. Haaland, with 55 goals in 50 caps, presents a significant threat. Iraq’s coach, Graham Arnold, stated his team is ready “to shock the world.”
On Monday, Spain was held to a shock goalless draw by debutants Cape Verde, while Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand. Iran’s coach called his squad the “most oppressed team” amid a logistical and diplomatic crisis forcing a last-minute relocation to Mexico. Belgium salvaged a draw against Egypt, and Uruguay came from behind against Saudi Arabia.