Heavyweights Argentina and France start World Cup quests

Argentina and France, the two teams who contested the 2022 World Cup final in Doha — which Argentina won on penalties after a 3-3 draw — both begin their 2026 World Cup campaigns on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Argentina face Algeria in Kansas City, with 38-year-old Lionel Messi set to appear in his record sixth World Cup despite a hamstring injury sustained with Inter Miami in late May. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi 'looks good' ahead of the tournament opener.