The night belonged to three global superstars: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland. Each played a decisive role in securing victory for his team and sent an early warning to fellow title contenders.
In Group I, France and Norway opened with important wins over Senegal and Iraq, while in Group J, Argentina showcased its strength with a commanding victory against Algeria. The common thread across all three matches was the brilliance of players who have defined world football for years and are now chasing new World Cup glory.
Mbappé Leads France Past Senegal
France faced a difficult opening test against Senegal. The African champions were arguably the more dangerous side in the first half, with Nicolas Jackson striking the post and Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr repeatedly threatening the French goal.
The second half belonged to France. Michael Olise's creativity troubled Senegal’s defense, and in the 66th minute he set up Mbappé, who broke the deadlock with a precise finish past Edouard Mendy.
Substitute Bradley Barcola added a second goal from Adrien Rabiot’s pass, giving France breathing room. Although Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in stoppage time, Mbappé responded a minute later with a stunning strike to seal a 3-1 victory. Olise was named Man of the Match for his influential performance.
The match also featured controversy, as referee Alireza Faghani reviewed a challenge involving Mané and Mbappé but declined to award France a penalty, a decision that sparked debate.
Haaland Answers Mbappé as Norway Overpowers Iraq
Only hours after Mbappé’s display, Erling Haaland sent his own message in the Golden Boot race. In his World Cup debut, the Norwegian star looked as ruthless as ever.
Norway started aggressively and took the lead in the 29th minute when Haaland finished a move involving Antonio Nusa and David Wolfe. Iraq quickly equalized through Aymen Hussein, but a costly error by goalkeeper Jalal Hassan gifted Haaland another opportunity, allowing him to complete his brace.
Norway maintained control after the break. Leo Østigård scored from a corner just three minutes after coming on, and continued Norwegian pressure forced Aymen Hussein into an own goal in stoppage time.
The 4-1 victory lifted Norway above France to the top of Group I on goal difference. Despite the defeat, Hussein’s goal marked the first by an Iraqi player at a World Cup in 40 years, recalling Ahmed Radhi’s historic strike at the 1986 World Cup. Norway also handed Asia its first defeat of the tournament.
Messi’s Historic Night and an Enduring Record
If Mbappé and Haaland shone, Lionel Messi stood above them all. The Argentina captain delivered a memorable performance against Algeria, scoring all three goals in a dominant victory.
Messi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, doubled the lead in the 60th, and completed his hat-trick with a superb finish in the 76th. Overcome with emotion after his third goal, the Argentine star was seen in tears, creating one of the most memorable images of the tournament so far.
The hat-trick did more than secure a convincing win. Messi’s 16th World Cup goal drew him level with Miroslav Klose atop the competition’s all-time scoring chart, bringing him another step closer to football immortality.
Race for Golden Boot and Trophy Begins
More than anything, the night offered a glimpse of what could be an unforgettable World Cup. Mbappé scored twice, Haaland struck a brace, and Messi delivered a hat-trick, immediately placing themselves among the leading Golden Boot contenders.
At the same time, France, Norway, and Argentina produced performances that reinforced their credentials as serious title challengers.
Attention now turns to the rest of the group stage, where the battle among football’s biggest stars, the race for top scorer, and the pursuit of World Cup glory promise to become even more compelling. If the opening nights are any indication, World Cup 2026 is only beginning a remarkable and unforgettable story.