Messi Returns, Mbappé Eyes Glory: Can Argentina and France Avoid Early World Cup Shocks Like Spain?

The stage is set, the anticipation is at its peak, and football’s biggest stars are ready to shine. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters another thrilling chapter, all eyes are on defending champions Argentina and European giants France, who begin their campaigns amid sky-high expectations.

Four years after their unforgettable showdown in the World Cup final, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are once again at the center of football’s grandest spectacle.

Messi Ready for Another World Cup Journey

For Argentina, much of the spotlight naturally falls on Messi. Questions over the legendary forward’s fitness had surfaced in recent weeks, but the 39-year-old eased concerns by scoring in a warm-up match against Iceland.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed confidence in his captain’s condition, emphasizing the impact Messi continues to have both on and off the field.

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“Everyone wants to see him on the pitch—not just Argentines, but football fans across the world,” Scaloni remarked ahead of Argentina’s opening fixture.

Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi echoed those sentiments, describing Messi as a “competitive animal” who constantly pushes his teammates to raise their standards.

Argentina enters the tournament carrying the weight of expectations. After lifting the World Cup in 2022, the South American giants now seek to defend their crown and further cement their legacy in football history.

France’s Star-Studded Attack Seeks Strong Start

Meanwhile, France arrives with arguably one of the most feared attacking units in world football. Led by captain Kylian Mbappé, the squad also boasts Ousmane Dembélé and dynamic winger Michael Olise.

The French begin their campaign against Senegal in New Jersey—a fixture that carries historical significance.

Football fans still remember the shock of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when Senegal stunned defending champions France in one of the tournament’s greatest upsets. Coach Didier Deschamps is determined to avoid a repeat.

“The first match is important, though not decisive,” Deschamps noted, while warning that emotions and pressure can affect even the best players on football’s biggest stage.

France’s recent World Cup record remains remarkable. The team has reached four finals in the last seven editions, winning two and narrowly missing out on others.

Erling Haaland’s Long-Awaited World Cup Debut

Elsewhere, football fans are eagerly awaiting the World Cup debut of Erling Haaland, who finally gets his chance on the global stage with Norway.

After missing multiple international tournaments, Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Haaland enters the competition in sensational form after another prolific season with Manchester City, where he once again finished as the Premier League’s top scorer.

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken expressed hope that Haaland’s goalscoring prowess will inspire the team against Iraq.

However, Iraq coach Graham Arnold has other ideas.

“We want to shock the world,” Arnold declared confidently ahead of the clash.

Early Upsets Show World Cup’s Unpredictable Nature

The opening rounds have already delivered surprises. Tournament favorites Spain were held to a shocking goalless draw by World Cup debutants Cape Verde.

Even the introduction of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal failed to break the deadlock, highlighting the unpredictable nature of international football.

Elsewhere, Iran and New Zealand played out an entertaining 2-2 draw amid logistical challenges surrounding the Iranian squad.

In Seattle, Belgium escaped with a draw against Egypt thanks to the influence of veteran striker Romelu Lukaku.

Meanwhile, Uruguay had to fight back to secure a point against Saudi Arabia.

A Tournament Full of Dreams

The 2026 World Cup is already proving why it remains football’s greatest spectacle. With legends chasing history, young stars seeking immortality, and underdogs dreaming of glory, every match carries the potential for unforgettable moments.

As Argentina and France finally begin their quests, one question looms large: Can the heavyweights live up to expectations, or will the World Cup deliver another stunning twist?