- 2026 FIFA World Cup: Defending Champions Argentina Begin Title Defence Today; France, Norway Also Launch Campaigns
Defending champions Argentina will begin their quest for back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles on Tuesday as Lionel Messi leads La Albiceleste into their opening Group stage clash against Algeria in Kansas City.
The South Americans arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the weight of expectation after their dramatic triumph over France in the unforgettable 2022 final in Doha. Argentina edged France on penalties after a pulsating 3-3 draw following extra time, with Messi cementing his legendary status by finally lifting football’s biggest prize.
Now 38, Messi is preparing for a record-extending sixth World Cup appearance and remains central to Argentina’s hopes despite concerns over fitness after suffering a hamstring injury while playing for Inter Miami CF in late May.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni reassured supporters ahead of the clash, insisting the captain is ready to lead once again.
“Everyone wants to see him out on the pitch, not just Argentinians, because of the impact he has on people,” Scaloni said during his pre-match press conference.
“He has always been crucial for us and now he will be even more so. He looks good.”
Messi eased fears over his condition by scoring after coming off the bench in Argentina’s warm-up match against Iceland last week.
Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi also praised Messi’s relentless mentality. “He’s a competitive animal. He makes you keep trying, he doesn’t let you relax,” Otamendi said.
Meanwhile, beaten finalists France also begin another World Cup journey when they face African giants Senegal in New Jersey.
Led by superstar forward Kylian Mbappé, France boast one of the tournament’s most feared attacking units, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and winger Michael Olise adding further firepower.
However, Didier Deschamps’ side will be wary of history repeating itself. Senegal famously stunned reigning champions France 1-0 in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup, a defeat that contributed to Les Bleus crashing out in the group stage.
France coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged the importance of starting strongly. “The first match is very important but it’s not decisive. Starting with a win in a four-team group is ideal and always the objective,” Deschamps said.
“But the one thing we can’t measure or quantify is the emotional aspect. Some players might tense up with the atmosphere around the match.”
France have become one of the modern era’s dominant World Cup nations, reaching four finals in the last seven editions and winning the trophy twice during that period.
Elsewhere, Norway striker Erling Haaland is set to make his FIFA World Cup debut when Norway take on Iraq.
Norway are appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and much attention will be on Haaland, who recently finished as the Premier League’s top scorer for the third time in four seasons with Manchester City F.C..
The prolific striker has already scored 55 goals in just 50 appearances for his country.
Norway coach Ståle Solbakken is hoping his star forward can inspire a memorable return to the global stage. “Hopefully he’ll have a very big impact,” Solbakken said.
Iraq coach Graham Arnold, however, believes his side can spring a surprise. “We’ve got to perform to our best and try to shock the world,” Arnold said.
“Qualification is not enough. I want more. We’ve only got everything to win and not to lose.”
Monday’s action at the tournament already delivered major drama and surprises. Spain were shockingly held to a goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde, with even teenage sensation Lamine Yamal unable to break the deadlock after coming on in the second half.
Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in Los Angeles amid logistical and diplomatic tensions surrounding the Iranian squad.
In Seattle, Belgium needed a second-half rescue act from veteran striker Romelu Lukaku to secure a 1-1 draw against Egypt after an own goal from Mohamed Hany cancelled out Emam Ashour’s opener. Meanwhile, Uruguay also had to fight back from behind to salvage a point against Saudi Arabia in Group H.
