Every team has now played once at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, and the football has been excellent after what was a lengthy and difficult prelude.
Lionel Messi produced a historic performance against Algeria, registering his first ever World Cup hat-trick on the occasion of his 200th cap and the 20th anniversary of his World Cup debut, no less. The treble also took him to 16 goals in total and level with Miroslav Klose's all-time finals record.
After that, his old rival Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest outfield player in World Cup history in Portugal's draw with DR Congo. Below, we take a look at who has impressed in North America and who has work to do.
1 France
France are many people's favourites and they opened in style with a 3-1 win over a strong Senegal side. For all his critics, Kylian Mbappe is a thoroughbred at World Cups, and now has a staggering record of 14 goals in 15 games. France's midfield is still a concern, but their forward line is unrivalled. The half-time switch of Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise was pivotal and surely something they'll now stick with. Olise as the No10 was a joy to watch.
2 Argentina
It's hard not to take notice when the holders begin their campaign with a 3-0 win and the greatest player of all time scores a hat-trick. Argentina have a well-practised way of playing and it's all about getting Messi into areas where he can do maximum damage . Algeria will not be his only victim this summer.
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Pablo Zabaleta 'optimistic' Argentina can retain World Cup
3 Spain
Although they looked short of ideas in trying to break down Cape Verde, it would be foolish to write off Spain's chances. They'll have far more joy in games against more ambitious sides, and with Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams likely to be fit and firing by the knockouts, their attack will look very different. Spain's false start could see them drop lower but it's too early to remove their status as top contenders.
4 England
England fans aren't used to them being involved in such entertaining opening matches. The Three Lions were terrific in the second half against Croatia, running out worthy 4-2 winners after a back-and-forth opening period had ended 2-2. The fact England possess such firepower and that boss Thomas Tuchel was able to make the necessary adjustments to shrug off a decent Croatian side are very positive signs.
5 Germany
Not many fancied Germany going into the tournament and it's debatable how much should be read into a 7-1 demolition of Curacao. That said, they have talent everywhere and the form and fitness of star man Jamal Musiala was very encouraging for Julian Nagelsmann's side.
6 Netherlands
The Dutch are going to be a problem for anyone this summer. Their strength is at the back and in midfield, which makes them well-suited to knockout football. A lack of goals and the conservatism of boss Ronald Koeman provide the counterbalance to that argument.
7 Morocco
The North Africans really lived up to the hype in the first half against Brazil . Playing without a conventional striker, the Moroccan midfield and attack were about as fluid as it gets, with technical quality all over the pitch. Ayyoub Bouaddi looks like a star of the tournament in the making.
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World Cup 2026: Moroccan fans cheer hard-fought draw against Brazil
8 Portugal
They were coasting at 1-0 up against DR Congo until they switched off and were pegged back on the stroke of half-time. Their reaction was unconvincing to say the least. Portugal are most definitely a side who can be slow starters, but their insipid attacking display will fuel the debate as to whether the 41-year-old Ronaldo should be starting, while coach Roberto Martinez's use of his bench will also undoubtedly draw criticism. A glass half-full view would be that they will surely improve with games against Uzbekistan and Colombia to come.
9 Brazil
Brazil's shortcomings in midfield and at full-back were well signposted before the tournament and on full display against a Morocco side who played through them at will. Still, though, they have the individual quality to cause problems for anyone, and games against Scotland and Haiti should allow time for Carlo Ancelotti to finesse the formula.
10 Japan
Showed great fighting spirit and quality to pull level twice against a strong Netherlands side. The Samurai Blue and the Dutch, along with Sweden (and Tunisia), make up perhaps the most interesting group of the tournament.
11 Norway
Erling Haaland announced his arrival on the World Cup stage with a double against Iraq and it's difficult not to take this Norway side seriously when they have him leading the line. Sterner tests await but it was a confident first step for the Scandinavians.
12 Croatia
The Croats are not at the level of the team that finished second in 2018 and third in 2022 but remain a tried and tested tournament team. They caused an impressive England side problems in the first half before ultimately being outgunned after the break. Still, re…
Read the full article at The National →📄Source document: FIFA Official Report→26 reports
Egypt IndependentIndependentCenter2 days agoArgentina’s captain Lionel Messi topped the scoring charts after the first round of the World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19. The tournament is being hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico and will feature 48 teams for the first time in its history. Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in the first round, putting him at the top of the scoring charts. The list of top scorers includes five players with Messi leading with three goals.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on sports performance without political commentary, framing, or bias. It focuses solely on factual information about the World Cup and Lionel Messi's achievements.
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicCenter3 days agoThe article highlights key moments from the opening group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Lionel Messi's historic hat-trick, Spain's surprising loss to Cape Verde, and Cristiano Ronaldo's underwhelming performance against DR Congo. It discusses the implications of these events and sets up expectations for future matches.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral summary of sports events without taking a stance on any political issues. It focuses on player performances, match outcomes, and fan reactions, which are inherently non-political in nature.
The NationalState / PublicCenter3 days agoThe article summarizes the first week of the 2026 World Cup, highlighting key moments such as Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, Cape Verde drawing with Spain, and Iran's match against New Zealand despite travel challenges. It invites readers to take a quiz to test their knowledge of the events.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral summary of sports events without taking a stance or showing bias toward any team, player, or nation. It focuses purely on summarizing the highlights of the tournament's opening week.
The NationalState / PublicCenter3 days ago World Cup 2026 power rankings: All 48 teams rated after opening round of matchesThe article provides an analysis of the opening round of matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, rating all 48 teams. It highlights Lionel Messi's historic performance against Algeria, including his first-ever World Cup hat-trick and reaching the all-time finals goal record. It also mentions Cristiano Ronaldo becoming the oldest outfield player in World Cup history. The piece evaluates France's performance, noting their 3-1 victory over Senegal and Kylian Mbappé's impressive goal-scoring record. Argentina's 3-0 win and effective strategy around Messi are also discussed.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports performance and does not present any political commentary, bias, or framing that favors one side over another. It objectively reports on match outcomes, player achievements, and tactical decisions without taking a stance on political issues.
El UniversalIndependentCenter4 days agoLionel Messi scored three goals in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, bringing his total to 16 goals across World Cups and tying the record previously held by Miroslav Klose. This performance marked Messi's first hat-trick in a World Cup and occurred on the same day Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to appear in six World Cups. The article lists Messi's goal tally in previous World Cups, noting he did not score in South Africa 2010.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about Messi's performance and historical records without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on sports achievements and does not involve political commentary or controversy.
Telegram.hrIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article reports that the FIFA World Cup 2026 set a new record for attendance on June 16, 2026, with 281,223 spectators attending three matches on that day. The expanded tournament format, which includes 48 teams, has contributed to higher attendance figures and more matches overall. Three matches were played on this historic day: France defeated Senegal 3-1, Norway beat Iraq 4-1, and Argentina won against Algeria 3-0. Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s match.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about a sports event without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any team, player, or nation. It focuses on statistical achievements and event logistics rather than political commentary or ideological framing.
Official sources cited
- organisation FIFA Official Report
Der StandardIndependentCenter4 days agoLionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup, breaking the all-time World Cup goal record previously held by Miroslav Klose. Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, praised Messi's performance, calling it remarkable even for non-fans of the team. Messi expressed his passion for football and emphasized that his achievements are a bonus to his love for the game.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event with no political commentary, framing, or bias. It reports objectively on Messi's achievement and quotes officials without taking a stance.
Deník NIndependentCenter4 days agoLionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in the World Cup match, marking his first three-goal game at a World Cup and bringing him level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer at the tournament. The article highlights Messi's performance despite criticism about his move to Inter Miami, emphasizing his continued top-level play.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports performance and does not take a political stance or show bias toward any political ideology. It objectively reports on Messi's achievements without framing them in a politically charged manner.
Irish IndependentIndependentCenter4 days agoLionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria in the World Cup, equaling the tournament's all-time scoring record.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without political commentary or framing. The subject is purely athletic and non-political.
NBC NewsIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article covers multiple highlights from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, focusing on Argentina's dominant performance against Algeria with Lionel Messi scoring three goals, tying the record for most goals in World Cup history. Other segments include Austria's victory over Iraq, Jordan's first-ever World Cup goal by Ali Alwan, and various player interviews and analyses from coaches and experts.
Bias read (Center): The content focuses purely on sports events and performances without any political commentary, framing, or bias. The article reports on match outcomes, player achievements, and coach reactions in a neutral manner.
NBC NewsIndependentCenter4 days ago Scaloni tras debut de Argentina: "No va a pasar que nos confiemos; será difícil que nos ganen"The article discusses Lionel Messi's historic performance in Argentina's World Cup debut, highlighting his three-goal game and the team's dominant victory. It also mentions other notable moments from the tournament, including goals by Jordan's Ali Alwan and Austria's comeback against Jordan, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo's fan interaction.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports events and player performances without any political commentary or bias. The content is centered around the World Cup matches and does not take a stance on political issues.
India TodayIndependentCenter4 days agoLionel Messi scored a hat-trick against Algeria, helping Argentina secure a 3-0 victory in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This performance marked Messi's 200th appearance for Argentina and equalled Miroslav Klose's record as the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a sports event with no political implications. The content is purely descriptive of the game, highlighting Messi's achievements without any ideological framing or biased language.
Koha.netIndependentCenter4 days agoThe article discusses the upcoming World Cup matches featuring Austria and Jordan in Group J, which includes Argentina and Algeria. It highlights Austria's resurgence under coach Ralf Rangnick, noting their first World Cup qualification since 1998 and their strong performance leading up to the tournament. Jordan, making its World Cup debut, faces challenging odds of advancing beyond the group stage.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about team performances, group placements, and historical context without showing any ideological or political bias. The content focuses purely on sports outcomes and does not engage with politically sensitive topics.
OpenIndependentCenter5 days agoThe article discusses the potential meeting of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup final, highlighting their sixth participation in the tournament. It notes their historic rivalry, achievements, and the significance of their simultaneous debuts in the current World Cup. The article mentions their respective opening matches against Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the players' careers, their upcoming matches, and historical context without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on sports achievement and does not engage with political or ideological issues.
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter5 days agoBefore the start of the World Cup match between Argentina and Algeria, tensions reached a peak as fans of both teams clashed at Times Square in New York. The incident involved confrontations between supporters of the reigning world champions and the double African champions. American police made several arrests. The pressure on both teams is high, with Argentina aiming for a second consecutive World Cup title, an achievement last accomplished by Brazil in 1962. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, seeks to defy statistical odds after reaching the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time since 20
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on sports events and does not present any political bias. It reports on fan clashes and the significance of the upcoming match without taking a stance or using biased language.
Al Jazeera EnglishState / PublicCenter5 days ago Messi, Argentina begin World Cup title defence against Algeria: All to knowArgentina faces Algeria in the opening match of Group J at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. The game is scheduled for Tuesday at 8pm local time (01:00 GMT on Wednesday). This marks Argentina's attempt to become only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title, following Italy and Brazil. Lionel Messi, a key player for Argentina, is expected to play a central role.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about an upcoming sports event without any overt political commentary, bias, or ideological framing. It focuses on the historical significance of Argentina's potential World Cup defense and mentions key players and teams involved, without taking a stance or倾向
The NationalState / PublicCenter5 days ago Argentina v Algeria: No special plans for Messi in World Cup opener, Petkovic saysAlgeria coach Vladimir Petkovic stated there are no special strategies planned to stop Lionel Messi during Argentina's World Cup opener. He emphasized focusing on the team's overall strategy rather than targeting individual players. Argentina, led by Messi, is favored to advance from their group which includes Austria and Jordan.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports-related event without taking a stance on any political issue. It focuses on the coaching strategy of Vladimir Petkovic regarding Lionel Messi and does not exhibit any biased language or framing.
RTÉ NewsState / PublicCenter5 days agoLionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, equalling Miroslav Klose's World Cup goal record of 16 goals. The match took place in Kansas City as part of Argentina's title defense campaign. Messi also matched Brazil's Ronaldo's tally of 15 World Cup goals during his previous six tournaments. The article details key moments of the game including missed opportunities and VAR interventions.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a straightforward account of a sports event without apparent ideological framing. It focuses on factual game events, player achievements, and match details without showing bias toward any political stance or ideology.
Daily SabahParty-alignedCenter6 days agoArgentina begins defending its World Cup title with a match against Algeria in Kansas City. Argentina has strong form after finishing top of CONMEBOL and securing a convincing win over Brazil. Lionel Messi played a key role in the team's success, leading them with eight goals during the qualifying campaign. Argentina also had a successful pre-tournament friendly run, winning seven consecutive matches.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a balanced overview of Argentina's preparation for the World Cup, focusing on their performance in qualifiers and friendlies without taking a political stance or showing bias toward any nation or ideology.
Official sources cited
- statement Argentina's Qualification Campaign Results
- statement Argentina's Friendly Match Performance
Koha.netIndependentCenter6 days ago Klose hopes to be broken by MessiMiroslav Klose, the highest goal scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals, expresses hope that Lionel Messi will break his record during Argentina's defense of the title. Messi has scored 13 goals in five World Cups and could tie Gerd Muller or surpass Cristiano Ronaldo depending on his performance. Klose praises Messi and Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, noting their friendship from their time playing together at Lazio.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses sports achievements and does not take a political stance. It presents facts about Klose's hopes for Messi breaking records and includes direct quotes from Klose without apparent bias or ideological framing.
