The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already given fans a reminder of why this tournament is not a sport with a different kind of tournament for football fans. Just a few days into the competition we’ve already received surprises, drama and underdog stories that nobody predicted.
Now it is time for three of football's biggest nations (France, Argentina and Portugal) to begin their World Cup journey.
The tournament favourites will finally make their appearance on Wednesday and millions of fans will be glued to their screens. But after all of the shocks we’ve already seen, none of them can afford to take anything for granted.
France faces Senegal in a Tough Opening Test
The first blockbuster match of the day will be France against Senegal.
France came to the World Cup on a high. Many football fans and pundits think they have the strongest squad in the tournament. With world-class talent in every position, Les Bleus are among the top contenders to take the cup next month. But Senegal won’t quit. The African giants have shown they are able to rival the best. Senegal’s strength, talent and experience, with a population of experienced players, make life uncomfortable for any opponent. Most forecasts say France will win, but few people expect it to be easy. Senegal will be looking to make a point in a game and France will want to show why so many people have tipped them for greatness.
For the French, three points would be the perfect way to begin what they hope will be a long World Cup journey.
Argentina Looking to avoid another Opening-Day Shock
Later in the day, defending champions Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria.
Argentina knows better than anyone else that World Cups rarely go out of order. They still remember the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in their championship-winning campaign, but they did win the trophy and that defeat is still one of the most surprising in World Cup history. That memory will be in their minds when they meet Algeria. On paper Argentina have more talent, more experience and far more expectations. But this tournament has already demonstrated that underdogs are not afraid of football’s traditional powers.
Algeria will arrive believing they can cause problems, and Argentina know they cannot afford a moment of complacency. The reigning champions are expected to win, but after recent World Cup surprises nobody inside the Argentine camp will be taking their opponents lightly.
The rise of the underdogs
The fearlessness of the underdogs has been the best talking point of the 2026 World Cup. Cape Verde, who were in their first World Cup and had never been able to score in a World Cup, shocked Spain with a historic draw. Saudi Arabia fought to a point against Uruguay. Japan fought back to hold the Netherlands. Qatar also had great spirit against Switzerland.
These results have brought excitement and unpredictability to the tournament. They have also served as another clear message to every favourite: reputations don’t win football games. That reality will be hanging over France, Argentina and Portugal as they begin their campaigns.
Jordan Ready to write History
Among the most heartwarming stories of this World Cup is Jordan's historic qualification. For the first time ever, Jordan will compete on football's biggest stage. Fans across Asia will be eagerly waiting to see what they can achieve. The success of teams such as Japan and Saudi Arabia over the years has inspired a new generation of Asian footballers, and Jordan now has the chance to create a chapter of its own. Every match will be an opportunity to make history and inspire millions back home.
Many Asian fans will be hoping for something special from the tournament newcomers.
Portugal quietly Eyeing a Deep Run
While much of the attention is focused on France and Argentina, Portugal will also begin their campaign against DR Congo.
Portugal don’t have the same pressure as the champions or tournament favourites but they are still one of the most dangerous teams in the competition. The Portuguese are talented and their squad is full of international experience, so there is a good chance that the Portuguese will begin with a win on the pitch. In a World Cup full of shocks, DR Congo will hope that they can even become the next shock headline. Portugal know that the best way to avoid being the next shock headline is to start well and finish early.
A Defining Day Ahead
France, Argentina and Portugal may arrive at the World Cup as giants of the game but the opening week of this tournament has already shown football's biggest names are no longer guaranteed easy victories. The favourites will step onto the pitch expecting to win. The underdogs will step onto the pitch believing they can shock the world. And that's why the FIFA World Cup is so special.
The fans of football will be watching the giants to see whether or not they will be able to stamp their name on the tournament as the next day’s action-packed day comes to the fore and see if they can have another surprise for fans to be able to stamp their authority on the tournament—or whether football has another surprise waiting around the corner.
