Lionel Messi achieved several historic milestones as Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Argentine captain scored a hat-trick, marking his first ever in a World Cup match, and brought his total World Cup goals to 16, equaling Germany’s Miroslav Klose. At 38 years and 357 days old, Messi also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history.

Messi’s appearance in this match made him the first footballer to participate in six different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). It was also his 200th international match for Argentina, making him only the third player to reach that milestone after Cristiano Ronaldo and Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa. He now has 120 goals for his country.

Additionally, Messi became the second player after Ronaldo to score in five separate World Cups and matched Brazil’s Rivelino’s record of five goals from outside the box in World Cup history.

Brazil received a major boost ahead of their second group-stage match at the World Cup, as star forward Neymar Jr. returned to light training after recovering from injury. The team, based in Philadelphia, is preparing to face Haiti following a draw against Morocco in their opening match. With qualification for the knockout stage at stake, Brazil are determined to secure a win in this crucial encounter.

Although Neymar has resumed running and ball work at the base camp, the medical team has advised caution. The coaching staff is reluctant to rush him back into competitive action, prioritizing his full recovery over immediate participation. As a result, Brazil are planning their strategy for the Haiti match without their key player.

The match, scheduled for early Saturday morning, will be decisive for Brazil’s position in Group C. The coaching team is expected to rely on other attacking players to fill the gap left by Neymar’s likely absence.

Bangladesh began their three-match T20 series against Australia with a defeat in Chattogram on June 17, 2026. The hosts were bowled out for 131 runs in 19 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium. Australia chased down the target with 10 balls to spare, winning by four wickets and taking a 1–0 lead in the series. The second T20 will be played at the same venue on Friday.

Bangladesh struggled with the bat in the absence of regular captain Liton Das, who missed the match due to injury. Saif Hassan scored 20 runs, Soumya Sarkar added 17, and Mehidy Hasan remained unbeaten on 29 to lift the total. Adam Zampa and debutant Joel Davies took three wickets each, while Matt Renshaw claimed two. For Bangladesh, debutant Abdul Gaffar Saklain impressed with two wickets, dismissing Cooper Connolly and Renshaw. Connolly top-scored for Australia with 47 runs.

The result gave Australia an early advantage in the series, leaving Bangladesh needing a win in the next match to stay alive.

Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3–0 victory over Algeria, drawing widespread attention for his performance. However, a first-half incident involving a tackle on Algerian defender Aïssa Mandi sparked debate over whether Messi should have been shown a red card. Referee Szymon Marciniak and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) did not consider the challenge serious enough for dismissal, allowing Messi to continue.

The incident divided opinions among former players and analysts. Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha told ESPN that Messi should have been punished, arguing that the foul was overlooked and that Messi appeared aware he might be in trouble. In contrast, former France and Arsenal star Thierry Henry told Fox Sports that intent was key, saying Messi’s focus was on the ball, not on harming his opponent, and that the challenge did not merit a red card.

Messi went on to complete his hat-trick and win the player of the match award, but the challenge has become one of the early refereeing controversies of the World Cup.

Lionel Messi delivered a stunning performance in Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, scoring all three goals in a 3–0 victory over Algeria. The hat-trick not only secured Argentina’s first win of the tournament but also elevated Messi to share the record for most goals in World Cup history, matching Germany’s Miroslav Klose with 16 goals. Cameras captured Messi in tears after his first goal, a moment that drew widespread attention.

After the match, Messi explained that his tears were not related to football but to personal challenges he had faced in recent days. He expressed gratitude to his teammates for their support, saying they gave him strength to overcome the situation. The 2022 World Cup champions entered this tournament aiming for back-to-back titles, and Messi’s dominant display has further fueled Argentina’s ambitions.

Messi described the experience of celebrating with his family and teammates as special and emphasized the importance of starting the tournament with a win, reinforcing confidence within the squad.

Norway made a triumphant return to the FIFA World Cup after 26 years, defeating Iraq 4-1 in a Group I match held in Boston on Tuesday. Star striker Erling Haaland scored twice, marking his first World Cup goals and playing a decisive role in the victory. Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute, but Iraq equalized through Aymen Hussein. Before halftime, a goalkeeping error by Jalal Hassan allowed Haaland to restore Norway’s lead.

In the second half, Iraq fought back with several close chances, but Norway extended their advantage when substitute defender Leo Østigård headed in from a Martin Ødegaard corner in the 76th minute. Haaland nearly completed a hat-trick, but his effort was saved. The final goal came when Haaland’s header deflected off Hussein for an own goal, sealing Norway’s 4-1 win.

With this result, Norway topped Group I on goal difference, ahead of France, who beat Senegal 3-1. Norway and France will meet in a key group match on June 22 in New Jersey.

France began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 victory over Senegal at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. After a disappointing first half, the defending champions responded strongly in the second half. Captain Kylian Mbappé scored twice, becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer with 58 goals in national colors. Bradley Barcola added another from the bench, while Senegal’s Ibrahima Mbaye netted a late consolation goal.

Didier Deschamps’ side struggled for rhythm in the opening 45 minutes, with Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Michael Olise, and Désiré Doué repeatedly dropping deep to collect the ball. Senegal created the better chances early on, as Nicolas Jackson hit the post and Ismaïla Sarr missed a clear opportunity. Deschamps’ tactical adjustment after halftime—moving Olise into midfield and Dembélé to the wing—transformed the match.

France’s dominant second-half display reaffirmed their status as one of the leading contenders for the World Cup title, showcasing both resilience and attacking depth after a shaky start.

Bangladesh enters the three-match T20 series against Australia with renewed confidence after winning the ODI series. The first T20 match begins today at 2 p.m. at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Sipahi Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. Bangladesh and Australia have faced each other in 11 T20 matches so far, with Australia winning seven and Bangladesh four. The last time they met in 2021, Bangladesh claimed a 4–1 series victory at home.

Australia is missing several key players, including Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell, and Cameron Green, with Mitchell Marsh leading a younger squad. Bangladesh’s pace attack, featuring Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana, and Shoriful Islam, remains a major threat. However, Bangladesh captain Liton Das’s participation in the opening match is uncertain due to fitness concerns, while Parvez Hossain Emon is also unwell. Soumya Sarkar has been added to the squad as cover.

Liton Das said the team’s confidence from the ODI series win is a major boost, but emphasized the need to perform well on the day to secure the T20 series.

Brazil began their FIFA World Cup campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Morocco. Fans expressed frustration after coach Carlo Ancelotti kept 19-year-old forward Endrick on the bench for the entire match, despite his decisive goal in a recent friendly against Egypt. In response, Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário publicly defended the young striker, emphasizing his talent and assuring that Endrick will get his chance.

Speaking on the show ‘Resenha da Copa,’ Ronaldo explained that Endrick currently ranks as the third attacking option behind Igor Thiago and Matheus Cunha, who are both in good form. He added that Ancelotti might have fielded Endrick if not for an unexpected injury to Bruno Guimarães, which forced a tactical adjustment during the Morocco match.

Looking ahead, Brazil’s next group-stage opponent is Haiti. Ronaldo described the upcoming game as an opportunity not only to secure victory but also to win by a large margin, improve goal difference, and rebuild team confidence. He urged supporters to stay calm and continue trusting the team.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn widespread criticism for using a private jet to attend multiple matches each day during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament’s 16 host cities have created significant travel challenges, prompting Infantino to rely on private air travel to manage his schedule. The organizing committee is covering the costs of his flights, which are permitted under FIFA’s official travel arrangements for top officials and guests.

In response to the controversy, FIFA issued a statement explaining that its travel policy allows for both commercial and charter flights depending on efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Anonymous FIFA sources said Infantino’s presence at as many matches as possible is essential, and private jets are the most practical option given the vast distances between venues.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace USA, condemned the practice as irresponsible amid the global climate crisis. Critics argued that such luxury travel sends a negative message during a tournament already challenged by extreme heat conditions.

Argentina began their World Cup title defense with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. Lionel Messi led the charge with a hat-trick, marking his 200th international appearance for Argentina. The team took control early, with Messi opening the scoring in the 17th minute after a precise pass from Rodrigo De Paul. Despite Algeria’s efforts to regroup, Argentina maintained pressure throughout the match.

In the second half, Messi doubled the lead in the 60th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from a shot by Mac Allister. He completed his hat-trick in the 76th minute after a well-coordinated attack with Nicolas Gonzalez. The win not only secured three points for Argentina in Group J but also highlighted Messi’s enduring brilliance at age 38.

The match was historic for Messi, who equaled Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goal tally of 16, became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick, and surpassed Pelé’s record for total goal contributions in the tournament.

A colorful rally and fan gathering took place in Dumki, Patuakhali, featuring a 500-foot-long Argentine flag to mark the FIFA World Cup. The event was held on Tuesday afternoon and reportedly drew around a thousand Argentina football supporters. Starting from the Government Janata College field, the procession paraded through key roads in Dumki town before returning to its starting point. The use of colorful fire smoke created a festive atmosphere throughout the area.

The rally was organized by the Dumki Upazila Argentina Football Supporters’ Group, with enthusiastic participation from people of various professions. Participants carried small and large Argentine flags, blew vuvuzelas, and some wore Bangladeshi flags on their heads. Government Janata College teacher Asaduzzaman described the large-scale participation as unprecedented in Dumki’s history, saying sports foster harmony and friendship. Organizer Sajjadul Islam Durjoy expressed confidence in Argentina’s strength this year, while Aminul Islam noted the massive turnout as proof of Argentina’s popularity in Bangladesh.

The event highlighted the strong football culture in Dumki and the deep enthusiasm of local fans for Argentina ahead of the global tournament.

France will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Senegal in Group I at East Rutherford, with kickoff scheduled for 1 a.m. Bangladesh time. Didier Deschamps’ team enters the tournament as one of the top favorites, aiming to reclaim the title after the disappointment of 2022. The match rekindles memories of Senegal’s historic 1–0 victory over France in 2002, a result that symbolized the rise of African football.

France, the 2018 world champions, qualified comfortably for their eighth consecutive World Cup, losing only two points in the qualifiers. Deschamps, who will step down after the tournament with Zinedine Zidane expected to succeed him, has already guided France to 14 World Cup wins. Senegal, unbeaten in qualifying, are appearing in their third straight World Cup under coach Pape Thiaw, a member of the 2002 squad. Both teams report mostly fit squads, with France’s William Saliba and Jules Koundé returning from injury and Senegal’s key players largely available.

The match also features a duel between star forwards Kylian Mbappé and Sadio Mané. Mbappé is one goal away from equaling Olivier Giroud’s national scoring record, while Mané returns fully fit after missing the 2022 tournament.

Football enthusiasts in Sunamganj organized a motorcycle rally on Tuesday afternoon to express their support for Argentina’s national football team amid global World Cup excitement. The procession began at the city’s Heritage Museum, with participants waving Argentine flags and wearing team jerseys as they paraded through key streets.

The rally featured fans blowing whistles, beating drums, and chanting slogans in favor of Argentina. People of all ages, from children to the elderly, joined the long procession carrying banners and festoons. The event created a festive atmosphere across the city, with participants singing, taking photos, and celebrating their shared passion for the team.

Supporters described their deep emotional connection to Argentina’s football legacy, recalling memories tied to the team’s past successes. Many expressed hope that Argentina would achieve victory in the upcoming World Cup, pledging to enjoy the tournament together as a community of fans.

FIFA demonstrated respect for religious and cultural sensitivities during the 2026 World Cup by modifying its pre-match flag protocol. Before the Group H match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, organizers chose not to place the Saudi national flag on the ground. Instead, flag bearers held it aloft throughout the ceremony, and to maintain balance, Uruguay’s flag was also kept from touching the field.

The decision stemmed from the special religious importance of Saudi Arabia’s flag, which bears the Islamic declaration of faith, the Shahada, affirming the oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad. Because of this sacred inscription, placing the flag on the ground is considered disrespectful. FIFA’s adjustment was therefore seen as a gesture of cultural and religious respect.

The match ended in a 1–1 draw, with Abdulilah Al-Amri scoring for Saudi Arabia in the 41st minute and Maxi Araújo equalizing for Uruguay in the 80th. Both teams earned one point, keeping their hopes alive for the next stage.