The Daily · Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Messi and Mbappe Announce Themselves as Spain Stumble on Day of World Cup Drama
The 2026 World Cup's group stage produced its most compelling day yet on Wednesday, and it was defined above all by the two men many expect to contest it. Lionel Messi answered every question about his age and fitness with a hat trick as Argentina opened their campaign in imperious fashion, while Kylian Mbappe scored twice to give France a composed 3-1 win over Senegal. Between them, the sport's two most scrutinised players served notice that the defending champions and their likeliest challengers are in ominous form.
The day's most significant upset belonged to Cape Verde, who held Spain to a draw that left Mikel Merino describing his side as dealing with 'the mourning'. For the reigning European champions, a dropped point against one of the tournament's lowest-ranked sides is a jolt they did not expect. Norway, meanwhile, made their own statement, Erling Haaland scoring twice against Iraq in a winning start.
Off the pitch, the tournament's other dominant story was Thomas Partey, whose emergency appeal to enter Canada was rejected by a judge, confirming that Ghana's captain would miss their opener against Panama after failing to declare rape charges to immigration officials. It was an unhappy backdrop to an otherwise electric day of football.
The record
Messi Hat Trick Fires Argentina to World Cup Win
Lionel Messi answered questions about his fitness and form with a hat trick as Argentina opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a victory. The performance will quiet any doubts about whether the 37-year-old could still influence a tournament at this level. Argentina are the defending champions, and a fully fit, in-form Messi makes them the team every other side must now plan around.
France beat Senegal 3-1 as Mbappe scores twice in World Cup opener
France opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal in Group I, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice. It is a confident start for Didier Deschamps' side, who will expect to build on this as the group stage progresses. France are among the tournament favourites and Mbappe's early form signals they are hitting the ground running in 2026.
Merino says Spain are 'mourning' after shock draw with Cape Verde
Mikel Merino described Spain as 'dealing with the mourning' after the reigning European champions were held to a draw by Cape Verde in their World Cup opener. Spain, widely considered among the tournament favourites, failed to beat one of the lowest-ranked sides in the competition. A dropped point against Cape Verde puts Spain's group-stage position under immediate pressure and raises early questions about a side many expected to go deep in this tournament.
Partey's visa appeal rejected as Ghana face Panama without their captain
A Canadian judge has rejected Thomas Partey's emergency appeal to enter the country for Ghana's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. The Ghana captain was denied entry after immigration officials found he had not declared rape charges against him. Ghana will face Panama without their most prominent player. Ghana lose their captain and most experienced midfielder for their opening World Cup match, with no clear route for Partey to join the squad at any point in the tournament.
Haaland scores twice as Norway beat Iraq in World Cup opener
Erling Haaland scored twice to give Norway a winning start at the 2026 World Cup against Iraq. Speaking after the match, Haaland placed Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé ahead of himself in the conversation about football's best goalscorer — a notable admission from a player in the form of his career. Norway's opening win, with Haaland on the scoresheet twice, puts them in a strong position in what figures to be a competitive group.
Neymar trains alone on sidelines as Brazil monitor calf injury at World Cup camp
Neymar took part in his first pitch-side session since joining Brazil's World Cup camp in the United States, working alone as he continues his recovery from a right calf injury that has kept him out for a month. He has not yet trained with the full squad. Brazil's most influential player remains a doubt for their World Cup campaign, and the timeline of his return will shape how they set up in the group stage.
Real Madrid confirm the signing of Bernardo Silva
Real Madrid have officially confirmed Bernardo Silva's arrival, ending months of speculation linking the Portugal midfielder with a move away from Manchester City. Silva is one of the best creative players in European football and gives Madrid a significant addition to their midfield.
Martinez says Ronaldo training with the intensity of a first-time World Cup player
Portugal manager Roberto Martinez says Cristiano Ronaldo is approaching the 2026 World Cup with an energy in training that belies his experience. The 41-year-old is appearing at a record sixth World Cup, and Martinez's comments confirm he remains fully engaged and in contention.