The 2026 World Cup began with dominant performances from top stars. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Algeria, tying the all-time men's World Cup scoring record with 16 goals. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland each scored twice as France beat Senegal 3-1 and Norway beat Iraq 4-1, respectively. The opening matches also saw a controversial VAR decision in France's game and a historic first goal for Jordan.
Opening Match Results
- ▪Austria defeated World Cup debutants Jordan 3-1 in Santa Clara in their opening Group J match
- ▪France defeated Senegal 3-1 at MetLife Stadium in their opening Group I match on June 16, 2026
- ▪Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening Group J match of the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City
- ▪Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in their opening Group I match on June 16, 2026
Star Player Performances
- ▪Kylian Mbappé scored two goals for France in their victory over Senegal
- ▪Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick for Argentina against Algeria, his first in a World Cup
- ▪Erling Haaland scored two goals for Norway in his World Cup debut against Iraq
Key Match Incidents
- ▪In the first half against France, Senegal missed key chances, with Nicolas Jackson hitting the post and Ismaila Sarr missing from point-blank range
- ▪Ali Olwan scored Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal in their 3-1 loss to Austria
- ▪France attempted only one shot in the first half against Senegal but improved significantly in the second half to win
- ▪Algeria failed to register a single shot on target against Argentina, a first in the team's World Cup history
Controversies and Key Moments
- ▪A penalty was not awarded to France after a VAR review for a challenge on Kylian Mbappé in the match against Senegal
- ▪Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic criticized a tackle by Lionel Messi that did not result in a red card, stating "everyone saw it, including me."
Records and Tournament Context
- ▪Lionel Messi also became the first man to play in six different World Cup tournaments
- ▪Lionel Messi's hat-trick tied him with Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading men's World Cup goalscorer with 16 goals
- ▪Norway's match against Iraq marked the country's return to the World Cup after a 28-year absence
- ▪The next round of matches on June 22 will see Argentina play Austria, France play Iraq, and Norway face Senegal
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