Argentina and France, the finalists from the 2022 World Cup, began their campaigns in the latest tournament on Tuesday, each seeking a return to soccer’s most prestigious stage amid differing expectations and historical contexts.
Argentina, the reigning champions, face Algeria in their opening match as they aim to achieve a feat not seen since Brazil’s consecutive wins in 1962: successfully defending the World Cup title. Leading the squad, coach Lionel Scaloni urged calm, mindful of the shock defeat Argentina suffered against Saudi Arabia in the 2018 tournament opener. “The first match is not critical,” Scaloni said through a translator Monday, emphasizing that while important, the group stage game will not define their tournament.
Of Argentina’s 26-player roster, 15 were part of the victorious 2022 team in Qatar. The squad continues to be anchored by Lionel Messi, a central figure despite now playing in Major League Soccer rather than Europe’s top leagues. Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, prepares for his record-tying sixth World Cup appearance and is set to make his 200th international appearance Tuesday. Long-time teammate Nicolás Otamendi highlighted Messi’s enduring competitive drive and inspirational role, noting it fuels not only the team but captivates global fans.
On the other side, France faces Senegal in New Jersey, contending with historical echoes of the 2002 World Cup when Senegal eliminated France in a notable upset. Currently ranked 16th globally, Senegal represents a significantly stronger side than two decades ago, having briefly held the African championship title earlier this year—though their victory was later overturned in ongoing legal proceedings.
Coach Didier Deschamps, who has announced his intention to step down after the tournament, dismissed narratives of revenge tied to the 2002 outcome, given the passage of time and changes in team personnel. “There’s no revenge in football. This was 24 years ago. This will be another page to write now,” Deschamps said through a translator.
Midfielder N’Golo Kanté, part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad but sidelined by injury four years ago, echoed this sentiment, focusing instead on the ambition of reaching a third consecutive final—a rare accomplishment matched only by Germany and Brazil. “To be in the final is a target for most of the teams,” Kanté said. “We want to be there, but the way to be there can be very difficult.”
Both Argentina and France thus enter the tournament carrying the weight of expectation and history, yet mindful that each World Cup begins anew and that initial matches are just the first steps toward what both teams hope will be lasting success.