SANTO DOMINGO – The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to gain momentum with the group stage. Tuesday's matches featured standout performances from Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, while on Wednesday several of the teams expected to be contenders will look to earn their first points in the tournament.
According to official FIFA publications ,Argentina, France, Norway and Austria emerged victorious in the matches played on June 16, a date marked by routs and individual performances from some of the leading figures in world football.
Messi leads Argentina to victory
Argentina began their title defense with a 3-0 victory over Algeria thanks to an outstanding performance by Lionel Messi.
According to FIFA, the Argentine captain scored all three goals of the match, a result that allowed the Albiceleste to place themselves among the leaders of Group J and maintain the good start to their journey towards a new World Cup conquest.
With his hat trick, Messi reached a new historic record in the World Cups and once again demonstrated why he continues to be one of the main figures of the tournament.
Mbappé responds with a brace
France also started with a victory, beating Senegal 3-1.
According to official tournament reports, Kylian Mbappé scored two goals and was the main figure of the French team, which managed to come back from a difficult match to add its first three points.
The French striker's performance allowed him to continue climbing the ranks among the top scorers in World Cup history.
Norway and Austria also start with a win
In another of the day's matches, Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 with an outstanding performance by Erling Haaland, who scored a brace.
Meanwhile, Austria beat Jordan 3-1 and moved into a tie with Argentina at the top of their group standings.
Matches today, Wednesday, June 17
The activity continues this Wednesday with four matches corresponding to the group stage.
Portugal vs. Democratic Republic of the Congo
1:00 pm (Dominican time)
Portugal will begin its participation in the tournament with a squad that combines experience and youth. The Portuguese are considered favorites, although the African team will be looking to cause an upset in their debut.
England vs. Croatia
4:00 pm (Dominican time)
Considered one of the most attractive matches of the day, it will pit two teams with recent experience in decisive stages of major international tournaments against each other.
Ghana vs. Panama
7:00 pm (Dominican time)
Both teams will be looking to add important points in a group where every result could be decisive to advance to the next round.
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
10:00 pm (Dominican time)
The Colombian team will debut against Uzbekistan, who are competing in a World Cup for the first time and will try to become one of the revelations of the championship.
Where to watch the games in the Dominican Republic?
According to the schedule released by international broadcasters, the matches can be followed on platforms such as DIRECTV Sports and DGO. In addition, official coverage of the World Cup in the Dominican Republic is also broadcast on CDN Canal 37, CDN Deportes, and the digital platform Pío Deportes, which hold the broadcasting rights for the tournament in the country.
With the group stage entering its second week of competition, the teams continue their fight to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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