KANSAS CITY — Lionel Messi’s pursuit of a second World Cup title and Argentina’s bid to become the first back-to-back champions in more than six decades headline Tuesday’s action at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Argentina opens its title defense against Algeria in Kansas City, with the match expected to mark the beginning of Messi’s final World Cup campaign.
The 38-year-old captain, who guided Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago, is chasing another piece of history.
Messi needs four more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record of 16 goals, although concerns remain over his fitness after recent muscle fatigue and a hamstring strain.
Argentina enters the tournament seeking to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup crown.
Earlier in the day, fellow title contender France launches its campaign against Senegal in East Rutherford.
Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé and rising star Désiré Doué, France is among the favorites to lift the trophy after reaching the 2022 final and winning the 2018 World Cup.
However, Les Bleus will be wary of Senegal, which famously stunned defending champion France in the opening match of the 2002 World Cup.
The day’s schedule also includes Norway’s return to the World Cup against Iraq in Foxborough. The Norwegians are back on football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998, with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland carrying the nation’s hopes after scoring 16 goals during qualifying.
Austria and Jordan complete Tuesday’s lineup in Santa Clara, with Jordan making its World Cup debut and Austria seeking to continue its resurgence under coach Ralf Rangnick.
Tuesday’s matches follow one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far after World Cup debutant Cape Verde held European champion Spain to a stunning 0-0 draw on Monday.
Source: Saudi Gazette