Argentina and France Post Strong World Cup Openers

Argentina and France launched their World Cup campaigns on June 17, 2026, with impressive victories over Algeria and Senegal, respectively. These results positioned both teams strongly in the tournament.

What happened

Argentina started its World Cup journey by defeating Algeria 3-1. Lionel Messi, at age 38, marked the occasion with a hat trick, his first in World Cup history. One source described the moment as “goosebump-inducing.” France claimed a similar victory, overcoming Senegal 3-1, with Kylian Mbappe scoring from long-range. His goal elevated him to the status of France’s all-time top scorer. Substitute Bradley Barcola also found the net, showcasing the depth of France’s squad. Along with these matches, Norway and Austria also secured wins, indicating a competitive sixth day of the tournament.

Why it matters

The strong performances by Argentina and France establish them as early frontrunners in the tournament. Previous favorites Belgium and Spain faced challenges, with Spain drawing 0-0 against Cape Verde, raising concerns about their potential. This situation emphasizes the importance of Argentina and France maintaining their early momentum.

Background

As of May 20, 2026, anticipation for the World Cup was high as teams prepared for their opening matches. Argentina and France, following successful runs in earlier tournaments, faced significant expectations, particularly since they met in the finals of Qatar 2022.

What's next

On June 18, 2026, England will confront Croatia, aiming to mirror the strong starts of Argentina and France. This match is crucial for England as they seek to establish themselves in the tournament early.