The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began on Wednesday, with the opening matches showcasing the global talent pool that defines the modern tournament.
Argentina, Norway, and France were among the nations to take the field, featuring some of the most recognizable names in world football.
Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappé all started their campaigns, signaling that the star power expected at this edition is already in full view.
Despite the high-profile debuts, the tournament remains wide open.
Argentina’s strong start does not automatically crown them favorites, and the depth of competition across Europe and South America suggests a tightly contested path to the final.
The opening night set a tone of excitement, but the real test for these superstars lies in the knockout stages.