Both Argentina and France began their World Cup campaigns with convincing victories, according to The Athletic. Argentina, the reigning champions, and France, the runners-up from Qatar 2022, showcased their talent on June 17, 2026, highlighting their strong positions in the tournament.
What happened
Argentina and France kicked off their World Cup journeys with noteworthy performances. According to the report, Argentina secured a 3-1 win against Algeria, propelled by Lionel Messi’s first World Cup hat-trick at age 38. “Watching him score his first hat-trick at the tournament was goosebump-inducing,” the article highlighted.
France, meanwhile, defeated Senegal 3-1, with Kylian Mbappe’s long-range goal making him the all-time top scorer for the team. “France’s litmus test provided positive results,” the report stated. Substitute Bradley Barcola also scored, emphasizing the depth in their squad. Alongside these victories, Norway and Austria also achieved wins, marking a competitive sixth day of the tournament.
Why it matters
The strong starts by Argentina and France set a tone for the tournament, enhancing their status as frontrunners. Belgium and Spain, previously considered potential champions, stumbled, with Spain drawing 0-0 against Cape Verde. It raises questions about their capabilities, which further heightens the importance of Argentina and France maintaining their momentum.[1]
Background
On May 20, 2026, the excitement for the World Cup escalated as teams prepared for the opening matches. Argentina and France were among the favorites, with their solid performances from previous tournaments underscoring their potential challenges in the current World Cup. The expectations were also set high, given they met in the final of Qatar 2022.[2]
What’s next
On June 18, 2026, England will face Croatia, aiming to replicate the impressive starts of Argentina and France. This match will be crucial for England to establish their own standing in the tournament early on.[3]
