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Time:2026-06-17T11:36:42Z

England kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia amid high expectations that the squad is finally ready to deliver on its long-awaited title destiny. Lionel Messi made history with a hat-trick against Algeria, tying the men's all-time World Cup scoring record and leading Argentina to victory. Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France's 3-1 win over Senegal, closing in on multiple international scoring records. Iran's team faces diplomatic friction in the US, ordered to leave the country immediately after each World Cup match.

England begins World Cup campaign against Croatia

England begins World Cup campaign against CroatiaEngland kicks off its 2026 World Cup journey with a high-stakes match against Croatia, seeking to avenge past tournament heartbreaks. Analysts argue the current squad finally has the depth and experience to end decades of near-misses. The opener is widely seen as a defining test of England's readiness to bring football home.

Sources:
It’s Coming Home? England begin 2026 World Cup bid with Croatia challenge (Al Jazeera)
Why England are finally ready to deliver on their World Cup destiny (The Independent)
How England plot to avenge years of Croatia heartbreak at World Cup (The Independent)
How will England line up against Croatia in their World Cup opener? (The Independent)

Kane and Tuchel preview England's World Cup opener

Kane and Tuchel preview England's World Cup openerEngland manager Thomas Tuchel and captain Harry Kane addressed the media ahead of the Croatia match, discussing tactical plans and hydration break rules. Kane's pursuit of the Golden Boot is also in focus, with the striker looking to add to his legacy alongside the World Cup's greatest scorers. The squad's readiness and morale appear high as the tournament begins.

Sources:
England latest: Tuchel and Kane on Croatia, Livramento, hydration breaks and more (Sky Sports)
Ballon d'Or on the line - has Kane saved his best World Cup dance for last? (Sky Sports)
Kane gets set to chase Messi, Mbappe and the World Cup’s Golden Boot (The Independent)

Messi ties all-time World Cup scoring record with hat-trick

Messi ties all-time World Cup scoring record with hat-trickLionel Messi scored a hat-trick to lead Argentina past Algeria in their World Cup opener, tying the men's all-time World Cup goals record. The performance cements Messi's legacy as one of the greatest players in tournament history. Argentina looks poised to defend its title with their captain in historic form.

Sources:
Hat-trick hero Messi writes himself into history as Argentina beat Algeria (Sky Sports)
Lionel Messi ties men’s World Cup goals record with a hat trick as Argentina tops Algeria (AP News)
Messi hat-trick fires holders Argentina to win over Algeria at World Cup (Al Jazeera)
Messi equals all-time World Cup scoring record with hat trick against Algeria (Arab News)
Messi hat-trick creates more history to reveal World Cup truth (The Independent)

Mbappé scores twice as France beats Senegal in opener

Mbappé scores twice as France beats Senegal in openerKylian Mbappé scored a brace to lead France to a 3-1 victory over Senegal in their World Cup opener, breaking multiple national and tournament records in the process. The French star continues to close in on the all-time scoring list for both France and the World Cup. France's title defense is off to a commanding start.

Sources:
Kylian Mbappé sparks France with 2 goals in 3-1 win over Senegal at the World Cup (AP News)
Project Mbappe - the road to becoming France's record scorer (BBC)
Which France and World Cup records did Mbappe break against Senegal? (Al Jazeera)
World Cup while you were sleeping: Mbappe closes on scoring record, Haaland at doubleKylian Mbappe double gets France off to the perfect start, while Erling Haaland scores twice on his World Cup debut. (SCMP)
Mbappe double fires France to opening win over Senegal (Arab News)

Iran ordered to leave US immediately after each World Cup match

Iran ordered to leave US immediately after each World Cup matchIran's national football team has been ordered to leave the United States immediately after each of its World Cup matches, sparking complaints from the team's coach. US officials confirmed the arrangement was always in place, citing diplomatic protocols. The decision adds a layer of political tension to Iran's tournament participation on US soil.

Sources:
US says Iran was always supposed to fly back to Mexico immediately after World Cup match, despite coach’s complaints (CNN)
Iran coach says team ordered out of US right after 2-2 draw with New Zealand in World Cup opener (AP News)
Iran will have to leave US hours after every World Cup match, official says (Al Jazeera)
Coach says Iran ordered out of US right after NZ game (China Daily)