Haaland’s World Cup debut, Messi’s opener and Mbappe’s test headline the day

The article previews three major 2026 World Cup opening games: Iraq vs. Norway at 1:00 a.m. Wednesday in Group 9, Argentina vs. Algeria at 4:00 a.m. in Group 10, and France vs. Senegal at 10:00 p.m. Tuesday in Group 9. The common thread is a set of star names facing different kinds of pressure, from first-time World Cup appearances to a search for redemption.

Erling Haaland arrives in his first major international tournament with enormous expectations after winning the Champions League and a treble with Manchester City. Norway have not reached a World Cup since 1998, and Haaland said, “I have never experienced Norway in a World Cup. This was my big goal for a very long time. Now it has finally happened, and I am very excited for what awaits us.” Coach Stale Solbakken called him Norway’s decisive player, while noting the team’s job is to get him into dangerous areas. Norway also rely on Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa, Oscar Bobb and Alexander Sorloth.

Iraq, making only its second World Cup appearance after Mexico 1986, earned its place through an excellent Asian qualifying campaign. The team is built on discipline, fighting spirit and striker Ayman Hussein, and will enter the match without much to lose.

In Kansas City, Argentina open against Algeria amid growing local excitement, with fans already filling the city in Argentina shirts. Lionel Scaloni is managing concerns over Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Gonzalez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, although Messi has been eased in during warm-up matches and should lead the attack with Julian Alvarez. Algeria, coached by Vladimir Petkovic, are in strong form after beating the Netherlands 1-0 and Bolivia 4-0 in friendlies, with Riyad Mahrez and Amine Gouiri central to their hopes.

France face Senegal with Kylian Mbappe under fresh scrutiny after a strong scoring season at Real Madrid that still ended with criticism. Mbappe said, “A World Cup is a tournament of moments, and we must not blink for even a second. We respect Senegal.” Didier Deschamps has a deep squad featuring Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise, but Senegal, whose key figures are Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, have history against France after shocking them in the 2002 World Cup opener.