FIFA World Cup live updates: Messi leads Argentina against Algeria; latest analysis and news

FIFA World Cup live updates: Messi leads Argentina against Algeria; latest analysis and news

Follow live updates and analysis of the World Cup as Argentina faces Algeria in its opener with Lionel Messi leading, plus France vs. Senegal and more coverage.

What to know about the World Cup

Luca Zidane prevents a Messi hat trick

Messi almost had his third goal just now as he streaked through on goal off a Mac Allister pass, but Luca Zidane managed to punch his shot over the net for a corner kick.

Messi scored his second goal. Siphiwe Sibeko / Reuters

Lionel Messi has his second goal of the night, this time scooping up a rebound off an Alexis Mac Allister shot and breezily flicking a right-footer into the corner of the net.

That’s Messi’s 15th career World Cup goal, one shy of tying the World Cup record of 16 by Miroslav Klose.

This is still a 1-0 game thanks to a sweet save from Algeria’s Luca Zidane, who pushed aside a well-placed low shot by Lautaro Martínez to the far post after he'd been slipped through from the right by Messi.

Messi can’t find the net this time

Lionel Messi just had another chance from just outside the box, this time from the right side. His left-footed strike after he picked up a pass from Facundo Medina was looking for the top left corner of the goal, but it was too strong and sailed out of bounds.

Algeria kicked off as it looks for an equalizer in this Group J showdown.

Halftime: Argentina 1, Algeria 0

Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina and Amine Gouiri of Algeria. Francois Nel / Getty Images

Argentina leads at halftime after an entertaining 45 minutes and change.

Lionel Messi and Farès Chaïbi traded goals that were called offside before Messi scored for real on a left-footed precision strike in the 17th minute.

Algeria turned up the heat after the Messi goal, putting pressure on the Argentina goal, particularly in the final minutes of the half. Emiliano Martínez had to make a save at the near post in the 40th minute before Chaïbi set himself up for a clean shot at the top of the box only minutes later. (He had a little too much juice on the right foot, though, firing the shot too high.)

In the third minute of added-on time, Anis Hadj Moussa made his way into the box from the right, but his left-footed strike didn't have enough power, and Amine Gouiri couldn't control the ball as it slowly slipped through for Martínez to collect.

Argentina leads in possession and expected goals, but it’s been a fun, back-and-forth match so far.

Farès Chaïbi can’t finish after nifty move

Chaïbi has already had one goal ruled offside today. He just set himself up for another chance with a slick juke, but his shot was way too high to threaten Emiliano Martínez in the Argentina goal.

About 10 minutes to go until stoppage time

Algeria still leads in expected goals despite being down on the scoreboard. Can it find an equalizer before halftime?

It's been lively as we head to the hydration break

We’re at the first-half hydration break, and it’s been an eventful start to the match.

Three balls have found the back of the net, but only one actually counted for a goal: a left-footed strike from Lionel Messi in the 17th minute.

Argentina is leading in possession (65% to 35%), but Algeria actually leads in expected goals (0.36 to 0.10) at the break.

Goal! What a strike from Messi!

After his first goal was called offside, Lionel Messi left no doubt this time.

The legend took a pass from Rodrigo De Paul and immediately started streaking down the middle of the field. After making a quick move to his left, Messi uncorked a left-footed strike from beyond the 18-yard box that bounced off the outstretched arms of Luca Zidane into the back right of the net.

That’s the 14th goal of Messi’s World Cup career. Argentina leads 1-0 in the 19th minute.

Algeria goal called back for offside

Algeria looked to have scored a shocker, but Farès Chaïbi was just offside as he was played through on goal down the left, and his right-footed finish to Emiliano Martínez's near post was ruled out.

Messi not afraid to do the dirty work early

The 38-year-old is not easing his way into this match, helping clear an early ball for Argentina by tracking into the defensive backfield and winning possession himself as his side struggled to clear its lines.

He also just banged a left footer into the net, but it was offside.

Argentina vs. Algeria has kicked off!

We’re underway in Kansas City as Argentina begins its defense of its 2022 World Cup win. Lionel Messi is starting in his sixth World Cup appearance.

Messi here for one last World Cup

Lionel Messi is arguably the best player to ever step on a soccer field.

He’s won the Ballon d’Or award a record eight times, claimed 10 La Liga championships, four Champions League titles and scored 672 goals for Barcelona — the most for a single club ever.

Internationally, he was instrumental in leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup victory and paces the nation with 116 career goals scored. In that final against France, Messi scored the opening goal on a penalty kick and later added another in extra time to propel Argentina to victory.

Lionel Messi during a training session yesterday. Bradley Collyer / PA Images via Getty Images

Simply put, the only thing that could stop Messi at the 2026 World Cup is father time. At 38, he’s still a high-level player but not exactly what he was in his prime.

Argentina needs Messi’s elite skills to remain among the best in the world. He fits up top with Julian Alvarez and should work well with midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister.

Argentina is looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Because of Messi’s playmaking ability and incredible goal-scoring prowess, he could help them do just that.

Kansas City, Missouri, is preparing to host the World Cup as the smallest host city in the U.S.

Organizers estimate 650,000 people will be in the city throughout the tournament, with six games being played at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, including tonight's game between Argentina and Algeria.

Court denies Ghana bid to get Thomas Partey, who faces rape charges, into Canada for World Cup game

Thomas Partey of Ghana during an international friendly match against Wales at Cardiff City Stadium in June. Catherine Ivill / Getty Images

OTTAWA, Ontario — A Canadian federal judge today rejected Ghana’s bid to get Thomas Partey into the country for the team’s first World Cup match while the midfielder awaits trial on rape charges.

The ruling means Partey, whose visa application was denied last week, will remain in the United States while his teammates face Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. He will be eligible to play in Ghana’s next two matches — both in the U.S.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had criticized the visa denial for Partey, who awaits trial in Britain, as a “high-handed and extremely unfair decision.” Its appeal was heard by the court earlier Tuesday.

Partey faces allegations in Britain from several women dating to his time playing for Arsenal from 2020 to 2025. Partey, who played in Spain for Villarreal this past season, has pleaded not guilty.

Messi gets start for Argentina; younger Zidane in goal for Algeria

Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old legend, will be part of Argentina's starting 11 tonight and will wear the captain’s armband.

Algeria’s starting lineup includes French legend Zinedine Zidane’s son Luca at goalkeeper.

Deschamps admits mistakes but praises France's win over Senegal

France coach Didier Deschamps admitted the first half of his team's game against Senegal was rife with mistakes but said it was great to win the first match of the tournament.

“Senegal’s team was compact, was dense with the capacity to move very swiftly and to project very far,” Deschamps said. “There's always danger lurking, and we did make many mistakes, many small errors.”

But the team improved in its connections, allowing it to move better throughout the second half. Deschamps praised Michael Olise, whose ability to play on both wings created more opportunities for the team.

“The more he touches the ball, the better he is,” Deschamps said.

Deschamps was also very happy for Mbappé, whom he described as ruthlessly efficient, for breaking France's scoring record.

“He's an iconic player, I've always said that,” Deschamps said.

Defeat to France not 'decisive,' Senegal coach Pape Thiaw says

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw is not concerned about the team’s position after suffering defeat in today’s match, though he knows the next two games are vital.

“We have four to five days to prepare for the next match, playing against Norway,” Thiaw said. “I do think that this will be a decisive factor, a decisive match.”

Thought they wanted to win, Thiaw said his players are competitors who will be able to move forward from the loss to France. He praised their work in the first half to keep their lines tight but said they needed to remain compact in the second half.

“In a World Cup, that's competition at the highest level, and we need to be super efficient, because everything is played out in the details,” he said.

Goal! Norway adds another in stoppage time, wins 4-1

Norway did not take its foot off the gas, scoring in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

A looping header from Haaland, which may have taken a touch off teammate Kristian Thorstvedt, ended up bouncing off Aymen Hussein into the back of the net. Hussein was credited with the own goal.

And that will do it for this match, with Norway winning 4-1 in Haaland’s World Cup debut. He scored two goals in a match Norway largely dominated, though Iraq put up a spirited fight, particularly in the first half.

Iraq down to a precious few minutes

There are under five minutes to go before stoppage time. It’s going to be tough for Iraq to equalize at this point, but every goal counts during group play.

Leo Østigard, who entered the match only moments ago, breaks free from his marker to knock in a powerful header off a corner kick by Martin Ødegaard.

Iraq appeared upset with some physical play in the box, but the result of the set piece is a Norway goal. There is less than 13 minutes to go until stoppage time.

The action has cooled slightly after a frantic finish to the first half.

There haven’t been any signature chances through the first 20 minutes and change since halftime. Perhaps this hydration break will fuel an exciting finish to the match.

A look at the spectators at this match

Fans watching the match between Iraq and Norway at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday. Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu via Getty Images

The stadium is a sea of red and white, including on some fans' faces, as Norway and Iraq continue delivering an exciting, back-and-forth show.

Here’s where we stand as we approach the 60th minute

Norway leads 2-1 and has dominated large stretches of this match.

Norway leads in possession (58% to 42%) and expected goals (1.90 to 0.74). Norway also has three shots on goal, compared with only one for Iraq.

Iraq has still kept up the pressure and is managing to generate chances even with the lack of ball control.

Alexander Sorloth #7 of Norway and Merchas Doski #23 of Iraq. Mattia Ozbot / Getty Images

The next 45 minutes have quite a bit to live up to after an exciting first half. Norway leads 2-1, but Iraq has not been shy in searching for an equalizer.

First half ends in chaotic fun as Iraq pushes for an equalizer

Iraq came very close to equalizing before halftime, ending the opening half of this match on a manic run.

First, Iraq had a great chance in the box that was slickly deflected out of bounds by a tackle from Norway left back David Møller Wolfe.

On the ensuing corner, a header just missed the net.

In the 5th minute of added time, Ali Al-Hamadi was slipped through on goal, only to see his shot deflect off a sliding Kristoffer Ajer and slowly roll wide to the left side of the goal for a corner.

And right before the end of the half, a thunderous shot from Akam Hashim flew just over the crossbar and rippled the top of the net, briefly making the stadium think Iraq had equalized.

Norway leads 2-1, but Iraq is hardly going down without a fight.

We got the zen celebration at the World Cup

Erling Haaland celebrates scoring Norway's first goal. Buda Mendes / Getty Images

After his first of two goals in the first half, Erling Haaland hit his signature celebration.

We’ve got a barn burner going in the first half!

Not even five minutes after the Iraq equalizer, Erling Haaland has given Norway the lead again. An aggressive Haaland took advantage of a lazy pass in the defensive backfield and ricocheted in a goal after running down Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan in the penalty box.

It's 2-1 Norway as we near halftime.

Aymen Hussein celebrates scoring Iraq's first goal. Maddie Meyer / FIFA via Getty Images

Wow! Iraq has tied this match in the 39th minute.

Aymen Hussein just scored his 34th goal for his country, firing a header into the back of the net after a perfectly chipped pass from the left into the middle of the box.

Norway hasn’t let up after the Haaland goal.

Martin Ødegaard just had a clean look from the left side of the top of the box, but his left-footed shot missed the bottom right corner of the net.

Goal! Erling Haaland scores in World Cup debut!

One of the game’s best players just recorded his first goal in the World Cup!

Erling Haaland slid past an Iraq defender and used his massive left foot to flick a shot into the back of the net in the 29th minute.

Erling Haaland celebrates scoring Norway's first goal. Justin Setterfield / Getty Images

Iraq stops a free kick as we go to the hydration break

A Norway free kick turned into a rather harmless header that petered out on its way toward the net. We’re now at the hydration break in the 24th minute.

Norway has had the edge so far, leading in possession (60% to 40%) and expected goals (0.20 to 0.12).

Eight rules made Norway a winter sports superpower. Will they help at the World Cup?

Erling Haaland of Norway during a friendly match against Morocco in Harrison, N.J., on June 7. Roger Wimmer / ISI Photos via Getty Images

The foundation of Norway’s youth system is built on eight principles that form the country’s “Children’s Rights in Sports.”

Since they were adopted 40 years ago, those principles establish that children have a right to participate in sports no matter their family’s finances; to compete for fun, in training designed to foster friendship and solidarity; to play in safe environments; and to have their opinions heard by coaches. How many sports a child plays is up to them.

Though kids can start playing for local teams at the age of 6, they can’t travel for regional competitions until they are 9. Results and rankings aren’t kept until age 11. National championships are only for those 12 and up. Thanks to a vast number of volunteers and funding from a state-owned gambling company, costs of taking part are low.

“Norway is so unique because they have sort of drawn from universally accepted human rights principles to champion and safeguard children’s rights in sports,” said Jon Solomon, the research director of the Aspen Institute’s sports and society program. “They’re really big in believing that friendship and enjoyment and freedom of choice and developmentally appropriate play are all really critical for kids, just to be kids. But they also view it as very important for the pipeline to just develop elite athletes at later stages.”

Iraq just had its best chance of the first 15 minutes, as a loose ball found Ali Al-Hamadi inside the box. But his right-footed shot around a Norway defender sailed over the net.

There was an Erling Haaland run that didn’t exactly materialize near the box, as well as an Iraq header that wasn’t on goal within the first five minutes. Not exactly chances, but these teams aren’t starting the match tentatively, either.

Iraq and Norway have kicked off!

Iraq and Norway at Boston Stadium today. Buda Mendes / Getty Images

This is Norway star Erling Haaland’s World Cup debut. It should be a fun one in New England.

Norway's Erling Haaland will bring goal scoring prowess to World Cup for first time

In his day job playing for Manchester City of the Premier League, Erling Haaland almost never plays the role of underdog.

Backed by the Gulf state of Abu Dhabi, City has vast resources to sign the world’s best players and has won the Premier League, the world’s top domestic league, four of the last six years. Haaland, a 6-foot-5 striker who pulls his blond hair into a signature tight ponytail, has been central to that success, scoring more than 100 goals in four seasons.

Erling Haaland playing with Manchester City. Eddie Keogh / Getty Images file

Yet during Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, Haaland will try to continue his scoring binges while instead trying to take down the powerhouses. As by far the most accomplished Norwegian player, Haaland acknowledged last fall that helping Norway qualify was “a lot on my shoulders.”

“I’ve been feeling the pressure ever since I came to the national team in 2019,” Haaland said in November. “Honestly, I felt more pressure then than now because I wasn’t that good to handle the pressure. Now I’m better. I think I’m an expert.”

That’s good for Norway, because advancing out of the group stage against Iraq, world No. 14-ranked Senegal and No. 1-ranked France will require Haaland to again shoulder the burden of being the most potent threat to score while also creating openings for teammates.

His performances during World Cup qualifying shouldn’t be taken as a predictor of future performance, but Haaland was undeniably prolific while scoring 16 goals in eight games.

For Haaland, there is also a personal connection to making this tournament. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for Norway during the 1994 World Cup, which was also hosted in the U.S.

“To be able to go to the U.S. and play the World Cup there is truly something special, and it’s going to be incredible,” Haaland told CBS Sports in December. “I’ll have goosebumps. Maybe I will cry when they sing the national anthem.”

Iraq have everything to gain and will try to shock the world, coach says

Iraq have qualified for their first World Cup in 40 years, but coach Graham Arnold wants far more than that, with his team battle-hardened by the 21 qualifying matches it took to reach the finals and ready to shock the world, he said yesterday.

The Iraqis take on Norway in their Group I opener today in Boston after 2022 World Cup finalists France play Senegal.

“We are in a very difficult group but at the same time the boys are very excited,” Arnold said. “Every day is a countdown. The World Cup started four days ago.

“The boys have been through a lot of playoffs, a lot of pressure games. They had to play 21 World Cup qualifiers. It is a good learning curve for them,” he said.

Mbappé only 3 goals away from World Cup scoring record

Kylian Mbappé made history for France today by becoming the nation's all-time leading scorer — and he's on the cusp of another record.

He is now tied with German Gerd Muller for third for most World Cup goals of all time after scoring twice against Senegal, bringing Mbappe's total to 14. The 27-year-old now sits just one goal behind Brazil's Ronaldo, who has scored 15 goals across 19 matches in his career. Germany's Miroslav Klose holds the top record with 16 goals.

If Mbappé can score just three more times in the next five weeks of this tournament, he'd surpass Klose as the most prolific scorer in World Cup history.

He'll have stiff competition, though.

Argentina's Lionel Messi currently has 13 World Cup goals under his belt and has yet to take the pitch in this summer's tournament.

'Allez les Bleus': France fans cheer all the way to the parking lot

Right now I'm in the press conference tent outside the stadium, but the fervor from France's supporters can be heard as they start to leave.

Though my French is a touch rusty and the sound is muffled, I'm certain I can hear at least one "Allez les Bleus" as they sing all the way to the parking lot.

France celebrates. Image Photo Agency / Getty Images

After a sloppy first half, France walks away triumphant with 3 points in its first game of the World Cup.

The first 45 minutes were something of a slog as both teams failed to capitalize on any great opportunities and spent much of their time in battles at the midfield. But more remarkable was the lack of energy from Mbappé, who barely had any touches and failed to keep possession when he did.

But he came back with a fury in the second half, scoring two goals against Senegal to put the game out of reach. It was a blow for the African team, which fought hard on each possession, but just couldn't figure out how to find the back of the net until the last few minutes of stoppage time.

Mbappé became France's all-time leading scorer with 58 goals, tying and then surpassing Olivier Giroud in this game.

Senegal scores late goal, and then Mbappé responds

In stoppage time, Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye ripped a shot that appeared to hit the France goalkeeper in his hands and then ricochet into the net.

Moments later, France's Kylian Mbappé had what might be considered the goal of the tournament so far.

From way outside the box, he lifted a shot to the upper left corner of the net. The Senegalese goalkeeper leapt in the air and extended his body and stood absolutely no chance. You'll want to see the replay of this one. France now leads 3-1 in the final minute.

France just has to hold on for a touch longer as officials add eight minutes of stoppage time to the clock.

France finally looking like themselves at this World Cup

This second half is a marked improvement for France in terms of momentum, but also in connectivity, with far more communication between the players.

Les Bleus supporters are going wild with excitement now with the 2-0 advantage in the final minutes of regulation.

Bradley Barcola scores for France, moments after entering game

Barcola came on for France as a substitution in the 80th minute. A few minutes later, he scored France's second goal of the match. With his fresh legs, he made a spirited run upfield, coming from left to right, beating the defense with his speed. As the lead pass came in, Barcola received the ball and then chipped it over the Senegalese goalkeeper and into the net.

Barcola then ran to the corner and showed the crowd the back of his jersey, lifting it up to show his last name. He had announced his arrival at this World Cup.

Michael Olise set up Mbappé goal with perfect pass

France's Michael Olise has been making beautiful passes all game. In the 64th minute, he made a perfect through-ball pass to Mbappé, between multiple defenders, to lead the forward into the Senegal box. But Mbappé couldn't quite get there in time.

A few minutes later, Olise made another perfect pass, curling it around four Senegalese defenders. This time, Mbappé got to the spot and turned and shot the ball in one motion, scoring France's first goal of the match, its first goal of this tournament.

Stadium cheers for Knicks champions in the stands

Newly minted NBA champions Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby are in the house.

The crowd was jubilant when the pair were announced and shown on screen just days after the New York Knicks won their first championship since 1973.

Senegal goal erased by offside call

Senegal appeared to have tied the game moments after Kylian Mbappé's brilliant goal.

Senegal's Nicolas Jackson got behind the French defense and ripped a shot into the upper part of the goal, past French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

For a moment, the Senegalese celebrated. But the officials called Jackson offside.

Mbappé scores; France takes lead 1-0

New Jersey is alive after Kylian Mbappé finally found the back of the net.

He was set up in front of Senegal's net perfectly by Olise, who worked with Jules Kounde to distract the defenders on the right side of the field. Olise hit the ball right at Mbappé, who struck past the keeper.

Kylian Mbappé of France celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the match against Senegal. Shaun Botterill / FIFA via Getty Images

Much to the displeasure of every French fan in New Jersey, officials declined to call a penalty on Mané's tackle of Mbappé in the 58th minute upon a VAR check of the play.

Mbappé misses golden opportunity

In the 57th minute, Kylian Mbappé finally had a great chance on net. After Senegal turned the ball over, Michael Olise made the perfect pass, splitting two defenders, as Mbappé made a move upfield into the box.

With only the goalie to beat, Mbappé ripped a shot, only to have Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy make another terrific save.

After the missed opportunity, Mbappé made a face and put his hands on his head.

Two huge saves from French goalkeeper Mike Maignan

Senegal had back-to-back attacks on France's net just over 50 minutes into the game.

Jackson once again took a huge shot in France's half that Mike Maignan managed to grab on the right side of the net. Senegal refused to give up and made another play right at Maignan, but the French keeper came out on top.

France finally has a chance. Senegal comes up with great save.

In the 53rd minute, France's Michael Olise had the ball in the Senegalese box, was making a great individual run, and seemed to have an opening for a shot. As the defense bore down on him, Olise fired.

But Senegal's goalkeeper, Édouard Mendy, made a sliding save and appeared to clip the ball with his leg, sending the shot sailing over the net.

The players have returned to the pitch for the second half of play.

France forced to play Senegal's game so far

Senegal has the French team, one of the tournament's favorites, at a standstill as the African team's speed and physical play has dominated the first half of the match.

Mané was expected to be Senegal's man of the match — and he's certainly had some great chances — but Ismaïla Sarr is making a case for himself with his relentlessness on the ball so far. He's been able to make a few breaks in transition that have inevitably gone nowhere, but left France flustered.

Mbappé looked visibly upset after missing a long pass from Doué toward the end of the half, one of many missed passes and dispossessions at Mbappé's feet today. France's best chances have come from Olise and Dembelé, who set up a shot on goal that was blocked by Senegal.

Senegal needs to figure out how to finish on these chances in front of the net and France has to come back with a plan to stop losing the ball.

Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr misses point-blank shot as first half ends

In the final moments of the first half, we finally got some excitement. Senegal was pressuring in the French zone, when the ball trickled in front of the net to an open Ismaïla Sarr.

He tried to redirect the ball and put it on net, but his shot sailed high and missed the mark entirely, causing the crowd to groan.

At the end of the first half, Senegal leads France in shots (5 to 1), shots on goal (1 to 0) and expected goals (0.47 vs. 0.02).

France picking up pace, but it's yielding no great opportunities

France just had a free kick just outside the box, followed by a Michael Olise cross into the box, followed by a corner kick — and none of those opportunities ended with a serious opportunity to score.

France appears to be playing a bit more urgently as the first half comes to a close. But Senegal leads France in expected goals: 0.28 vs. 0.02.

France's William Saliba, left, and Senegal's Sadio Mané battle for the ball during a World Cup Group I soccer match today. Steve Luciano / AP

Officials just called that there will be six minutes of stoppage time added to the first half.

Mbappé failing to find his stride against Senegalese defense

Nearly 40 minutes into the game and Mbappé has yet to create any opportunities for France as he struggles to gain momentum against Senegal.

He's had at least two crucial moments where his lost possession has led to a Senegalese advantage. Early on he missed a wide-open pass that bounced off his legs and led to a Senegalese possession.

Then about 24 minutes in he lost the ball in Senegal's half, which led to the long pass to Nicolas Jackson and the first real shot at goal in this game.

It appears that Senegal's defense, which has no problem rushing at the French, is leaving the veteran forward flustered.

Post blocks Senegalese shot at France's net

It was a lucky moment for France as Nicolas Jackson picked up a long pass and took a shot at the goal, but it was deflected off the left post.

Senegal earned a corner, but it went nowhere before both teams headed into the hydration break scoreless.

About 20 minutes in, neither France nor Senegal has a shot on goal

That's a pretty wild stat. Both teams appear to be feeling each other out. Neither has had a great run or great chance so far. France leads Senegal in ball possession, though — 64% compared with 36%.

The fans are so bored, they've begun to do the wave here.

France off to a sloppy start in these first few minutes

Passing is not France's forte in these early minutes, with Mbappé missing a crucial pass as the ball hit the back of his legs in transition.

Minutes later, Senegal took advantage of a missed pass to take possession of the game. It's been a physical back and forth between the two teams so far as they battle out in the midfield with few opportunities in front of the net.

Scenes from the France-Senegal crowd

Walking around the stadium before the game, I saw lots of Kylian Mbappé and Zinedine Zidane jerseys, of course. Also, at least one fan wearing a French striped shirt and a blue beret. Lots of French fans on hand today.

But I also saw many U.S. men's national team fans and one woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty. Several fans in green Mexico jerseys as well. Neither team is playing, but they're both host countries.

Both teams are on the field and ready to play as the whistle blows to begin the first half of what should be some exciting soccer here today.

Whereas I was able to spot a few empty seats on Saturday when Brazil and Morocco played, it's an absolutely packed house here as far as my eyes can see.

Mbappé and Mané get a vocal reception in New Jersey

The stadium announcer just read off today's starting lineup here in New Jersey and if you're wondering who got the most thunderous response, it's hardly a surprise.

Kylian Mbappé was met with an incredibly loud reception. His French compatriot was a close second as fans went wild for Ousmane Dembélé.

A few minutes later, Sadio Mané was given a warm welcome by Senegalese fans, many of whom are wearing flags like capes here today.

France's forward Kylian Mbappé walks on the pitch before the match today. Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images

France and Senegal warming up as stands start to fill up

It's about 30 minutes away from kickoff and fans are watching some of the world's biggest stars warming up on the pitch.

France's and Senegal's players are running drills on a beautiful day as the crowd starts to take their seats. Flags are also filling out the stadium, easy to spot among the bird's-eye view from the press box.

View from the press box as France and Senegal prepare to play their World Cup match. Doha Madani / NBC News

Tunisia hire Hervé Renard right after mid-tournament firing of Sabri Lamouchi

Tunisia is giving us one managerial shocker after another.

Shortly after the firing of former coach Sabri Lamouchi with the tournament already underway following a 5-1 drubbing against Sweden on Sunday, “The Eagles of Carthage” this morning announced they’re hiring a familiar face in Hervé Renard.

Tunisia won just one of their five games under Lamouchi, beating Haiti 1-0 in March, while losing 1-0 to Austria and being thrashed 5-0 by Belgium in a pair of World Cup warm-up matches this month.

Renard is no stranger to coaching at World Cups, but even he probably didn’t think he’d be back on the touchline for this year’s edition after having been sacked himself by Saudi Arabia just two months ago.

The Frenchman, who coached Morocco in the 2018 World Cup, the aforementioned Saudi Arabia in the 2022 iteration of the tournament, and France in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, now has the tall task of trying to get some quick results for Tunisia — who face Japan on Saturday and the Netherlands the Thursday after that — in a difficult effort to get out of this tournament’s group stage.

For a lifelong fan, it 'means everything' to be able to attend first World Cup game

Pablo Garza predicts that he's probably going to cry with his dad while his family attends their very first World Cup game today.

He says the family spent $600 per ticket, but living in New York makes the game cheaper than if he had to fly to another country, such as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It’s worth it to Garza, who says money comes and goes, but the experience is priceless.

“It means everything to me,” Garza said. “Ever since I was a little kid, I had in my journal like three dreams and this was like No. 1, to come to the World Cup.”

Garza himself is a die-hard Mexico fan but is here rooting for France today. Watching fans from all over the world come together is one aspect that he says adds to the excitement.

“People are very happy here, so this is what it’s all about,” Garza said. “Football coming to the U.S. — it brings everyone together. It’s bleak times right now, a lot of stuff is happening around the world, so I think this is something that gives us hope.”

France features terrifyingly talented front line

When Senegal beat then-defending champions France 1-0 in the 2002 opener, it was one of the biggest World Cup shocks of all time.

The two meet again this afternoon, with France boasting arguably the strongest squad in the competition and a frightening front line that could include Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Kylian Mbappé.

Les Bleus enter the Senegal game ranked second in the world behind Argentina — which takes on Algeria tonight — and this year France is tipped by many pundits to go one better than its runner-up finish four years ago.

All is quiet before the France vs. Senegal match

We are here at the temporarily renamed New York/New Jersey Stadium for today's big game between 2018 World Cup winner France and Senegal.

Fans have not yet been let into the stadium, so it's just FIFA and national team staff members checking the conditions of the pitch and setting up their stations on the sidelines.

The view from the press box at New York/New Jersey Stadium. Doha Madani / NBC News

New York officials warned that today's match is sold out — and so were the $20 shuttle buses. Fans who took New Jersey Transit on Saturday told me it was smooth sailing, but the trick was to leave early.

I talked to a few French fans in their Les Bleus jerseys on the way to Penn Station this morning who were planning to take the train here today hours before the game was set to start.

World Cup fans going viral for all the right reasons

After a stunning shutout between Cape Verde and Spain, fans celebrated. Plus, Japanese fans and even players are being celebrated for how they cleaned up the stands and locker room after their game. NBC News’ Jesse Kirsch takes a look at the moments of celebration from the early days of the World Cup.

Sadio Mané could lead Senegal to its best-ever finish

One of the greatest Africans to ever play the sport, Mané is expected to make the 2026 World Cup his swan song for Senegal, as he’s said he’d like to retire from international competition after the tournament. One of the best wingers of his generation, Mané is 34 and nearing the end of his career, which could provide an extra boost of motivation to the Teranga Lions as they look to hoist the trophy for the first time.

Currently club teammates with Cristiano Ronaldo for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Mané has made 126 appearances for the Senegalese national team. His 53 goals are the most all-time for the country, while he’s second in appearances.

Sadio Mané of Senegal. Buda Mendes / FIFA via Getty Images

Though Senegal appeared in the 2022 World Cup — and made it all the way to the round of 16 — it did so without Mané, who missed the last tournament due to injury. Mané was long one of the sport’s top players, however, particularly during his tenure with Liverpool from 2016 to 2022. In that time, he won a Premier League Golden Boot and helped the club end its 30-year title drought in 2020.

Mané may have limited World Cup experience, but he has shined on the world stage. He’s been a major factor in Senegal’s recent success at the Africa Cup of Nations, which the country won in 2021 while finishing as runner-up in 2019 and (quite controversially) in 2025.

The Lions are hoping their recent showings at international tournaments plus Mané’s experience and leadership can power the country to its best finish since 2002, when Senegal made its memorable run to the quarterfinals.

Mbappé leading France in hopes for its third World Cup

Kylian Mbappé already cemented himself among the greats in French history at 19 when he helped secure the country its second-ever World Cup title in 2018. Now 27, Mbappé is a veteran returning to the international tournament with the hopes of securing France its third star.

Soccer is a family business for Mbappé, the son of a former soccer coach and older brother to another professional player. The Paris-born forward began his career at just 14 when he left home to play for AS Monaco’s academy and garnered international attention at just 18 when he scored 21 goals for Paris-St. Germain in his first year on the team.

His first World Cup appearance in Russia was when Mbappé became a household name, becoming only the second teenager to score in a FIFA World Cup final. The technical skill that makes Mbappé hard to defend against also makes for a stylish offensive press that was on full display in his first World Cup appearance.

Manu Koné, Kylian Mbappé and Désiré Doué of France during a training session yesterday. Johnny Fidelin / Icon Sport via Getty Images

Mbappé returned to the FIFA World Cup final in 2022 as a force to be reckoned with, single-handedly tying against Argentina with two goals in the 80th and 81st minutes of regulation. France fell in penalty kicks, though Mbappé earned a hat trick in the shootout.

It’s a moment that Mbappé told Vanity Fair that the French team has to move past as they face enormous pressure going back to the world stage this summer.

“We have to take that disappointment and transform it into motivation to try to truly change the course of history, and to give ourselves the opportunity to reach another final, which will be extremely difficult, and to try to bring back the third star,” he said in a pretournament interview.