Football/Soccer 24 Hours

Last updated: June 17, 2026, 2:41 AM ET

World Cup Opening Day Drama

Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria, scoring a hat-trick that tied Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals while becoming the first player to feature in six men's World Cups. Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted being at a loss for words describing his captain's brilliance, which overshadowed excellent performances from Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland on the tournament's opening day. Mbappé became France's all-time leading scorer with his double against Senegal, while Haaland netted twice on his World Cup debut as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in Boston. The Norwegian striker continued his pattern of scoring on big tournament debuts, having previously done so in the Champions League, Bundesliga and Premier League.

VAR Controversy and European Struggles

France found themselves stunned when officials refused to award a penalty after Sadio Mané brought down Mbappé, a decision that dumbfounded even the world's best referees. The incident highlighted growing concerns about officiating standards as seven of ten European teams failed to win their opening matches, with former Scotland internationals questioning whether heat and travel were hampering traditional powerhouses. Spain described themselves as 'mourning' following a shock draw with Cape Verde, though they maintained they wouldn't panic despite the setback. Meanwhile, England's Thomas Tuchel defended his decision not to adapt playing style despite challenging conditions, insisting it would compromise the team's strengths.

Coaching Carousel Intensifies

Tunisia made a dramatic coaching change just one game into their World Cup campaign, sacking Sabri Lamouchi and replacing him with Hervé Renard, joining an exclusive list of managers dismissed during major tournaments. In club football, Ruben Amorim secured the AC Milan position five months after leaving Manchester United, signing a three-year deal to lead the Serie A giants. The Portuguese coach's appointment came as Tottenham Hotspur agreed a £52 million deal for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, bolstering their defensive options ahead of the new season.

Transfer Market Heats Up

Manchester United set a £40 million asking price for Marcus Rashford amid reports of a secret release clause in his contract, while Tottenham entered a three-way battle for Sandro Tonali with Newcastle determined to keep their midfielder despite Spurs' interest. Inter Milan stepped up their pursuit of Curtis Jones as the Liverpool midfielder faces a contract decision with his deal expiring next summer. Real Madrid secured Antonio Rüdiger's signature on a one-year extension through 2027, retaining the experienced defender as they prepare for another Champions League campaign.

Injury Concerns Mount

England suffered an early setback when Tino Livramento's tournament ended due to a calf injury, prompting Tuchel to call up Trevoh Chalobah rather than Trent Alexander-Arnold, a decision Jamie Carragher admitted not being surprised by. Neymar took a step toward fitness by training on the pitch sidelines for the first time since arriving in the United States, though his participation remains uncertain. Ghana lost their visa appeal for Thomas Partey, with court documents revealing the midfielder misled Canadian officials about previous arrests, ruling him out of their World Cup opener.

Celebrity Sightings and Cultural Moments

The 2026 World Cup in North America attracted high-profile visitors including Patrick Mahomes and Jay-Z, adding glamour to the tournament atmosphere. In Kansas City, up to 15,000 England supporters began arriving for their opening match against Croatia, ending a long wait for the Three Lions' campaign. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became an unlikely fan favorite at age, representing the tournament's celebration of underdog stories. His performance evoked pride among Shamrock Rovers supporters who watched their player help secure a memorable draw against Spain.

Historical Milestones and Cultural Stories

Iraq striker Aymen Hussein embarked on a remarkable journey to World Cup history, his story