France and Argentina Open World Cup Campaigns in High-Pressure Doubleheader

France and Argentina, the two finalists from the 2022 World Cup, begin their 2026 tournament campaigns on Tuesday in matches that carry major pressure and huge expectations. Argentina kicks off at 4:00 a.m. in Group J against Algeria, while France opens at 10:00 p.m. in the so-called Group of Death against Senegal.

France enters as one of the top favorites to win the trophy and arrives with a deep, high-quality squad. Didier Deschamps is expected to lean on a fast, young attacking unit, and there is also positive news in defense, with William Saliba, whom many consider the world’s best center back, back in training and available for the opener. France is also trying to restore European pride, after only three of 10 European teams won their opening matches so far, with Spain held 0-0 by Cape Verde and Turkey losing 2-0 to Australia.

Argentina, by contrast, is seen as somewhat weaker than it was in Qatar, but still carries the familiar intensity of its supporters and a style that mixes tactical discipline with individual brilliance. The team’s hopes again center on Lionel Messi. Coach Lionel Scaloni denied reports before the tournament that Messi dictates the lineup, saying, “Messi did not say a single word to me about how to set up the team.” Scaloni wants to repeat the 2022 success, but acknowledges the team has declined in quality.

The article says the evening should bring a high-level football spectacle, and lists the expected lineups for Argentina, Algeria, France and Senegal, as well as the current group tables for the tournament.