The 2026 World Cup reached its sixth day on June 17 with strong performances from two favorites, Argentina and France. Both teams earned clear wins in their first matches, showing they are serious contenders. Cape Verde surprised fans by drawing Spain, showing how unpredictable the tournament can be.
Argentina started their title defense with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City, Missouri. Lionel Messi, playing his sixth World Cup at 38, scored a hat-trick. According to the New York Times, Messi’s goals against Algeria showed his lasting skill and leadership on the field. Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, son of French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane and playing despite a fractured jaw, struggled to stop Messi’s shots. Argentina used many players from their 2022 World Cup winning team. Their strong start shows they want to win again.
France opened Group E against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. France won 3-1, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice, the New York Times reported. One of Mbappé’s goals was a long-range shot that made him France’s top scorer, passing Olivier Giroud. Substitute Bradley Barcola scored France’s other goal. Senegal, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions, scored through substitute Ibrahim Mbaye but Mbappé’s performance dominated the match. France’s manager Didier Deschamps, who steps down after the tournament, led the team to a strong start.
Cape Verde earned a 0-0 draw against 2010 World Cup winners and current European champions Spain in a match that attracted attention from fans and analysts. CNN Sports described this as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. Cape Verde, an African country with about 400,000 people, defended well. Their 40-year-old goalkeeper, Vozinha, who plays in Portugal’s second division, made several key saves during the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
This draw is Cape Verde’s first World Cup point, celebrated by players and fans. The New York Times reported passionate celebrations in the streets with Cape Verde supporters and sympathetic Spanish fans, showing sportsmanship around this unexpected result.
ESPN noted Algeria’s coach Vladimir Petkovic gave young player Anis Hadj Moussa, 24, a start against Argentina, reflecting changes in the team. Though Algeria lost, they have upcoming games against Jordan and Austria to improve their chances.
Senegal showed determination despite losing to France. The African champions had a good first half, which bodes well for the rest of the tournament. Argentina’s win confirmed their role as defending champions, setting a challenge for others.
Other notable players are set to appear later this week. Norway’s Erling Haaland, one of the strongest strikers globally, is scheduled to make his World Cup debut soon. Along with Arsenal’s playmaker Martin Ødegaard, Norway will be a team to watch.
Portugal prepared to face DR Congo on June 18 in Houston, Texas. DR Congo returned to the World Cup after 52 years and qualified through intercontinental playoffs. Their team includes players familiar to European fans, making the match a key test for Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal.
Ghana kicked off the tournament facing Panama without midfielder Thomas Partey, who was barred from entering Canada due to legal issues in the UK. Ghana had to change their lineup without one of their main players.
The World Cup 2026, held across several US venues, showed a mix of expected results and surprises. Early matches shaped rankings but left space for more surprises. Fans follow stars like Messi and Mbappé, while stories like Cape Verde’s draw with Spain attract global attention.
