Argentina and France begin World Cup campaigns against Algeria and Senegal
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 16, 2026, 12:41 PM
Last updated Jun 16, 2026
Lionel Messi's Argentina faces Algeria in Kansas City, while Kylian Mbappe's France takes on Senegal in New Jersey as the 2026 World Cup kicks off today. Messi, participating in his sixth World Cup, rebounded from a late-May hamstring injury and is expected to play a crucial role for Argentina. For France, the match is significant as they aim to avoid a repeat of their disappointing opening loss to Senegal in 2002. The day also marks the World Cup debut of Erling Haaland, leading Norway against Iraq.
- •Messi plays in his sixth World Cup for Argentina.
- •Argentina faces Algeria after their 2022 final victory.
- •France seeks redemption against Senegal after 2002 upset.
- •Haaland debuts for Norway against Iraq in group stage.
- •The tournament is co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
- 12:41 PMCBS Sports — 2026 World Cup's biggest starts take the field as Lional Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappe's France debut
- 12:23 PMYahoo Sports — Heavyweights Argentina and France start World Cup quests
"Lionel Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappe's France, the two teams who contested a thrilling World Cup final four years ago, roar into the 2026 tournament on Tuesday.Messi is set to play in a sixth World Cup and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the 38-year-old linchpin of his team "looks good" despite suffering a hamstring injury playing for club side Inter Miami in late May.
"From Lionel Messi's latest quest for glory to Kylian Mbappe's defensive challenges, it's a massive day of World Cup action
Sources
External links- CBS SportsJun 16, 2026, 12:41 PM2026 World Cup's biggest starts take the field as Lional Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappe's France debut
From Lionel Messi's latest quest for glory to Kylian Mbappe's defensive challenges, it's a massive day of World Cup action
- Yahoo SportsJun 16, 2026, 12:23 PMHeavyweights Argentina and France start World Cup quests
Lionel Messi's Argentina and Kylian Mbappe's France, the two teams who contested a thrilling World Cup final four years ago, roar into the 2026 tournament on Tuesday.Messi is set to play in a sixth World Cup and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said the 38-year-old linchpin of his team "looks good" despite suffering a hamstring injury playing for club side Inter Miami in late May.
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