World Cup eve: opener set as Messi returns and stars hit form

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The World Cup begins on Thursday, 11 June, with hosts Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a rematch of the 2010 opener, 16 years on. Mexico go in unbeaten across their 2026 friendlies, while goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa stands as the only player in either squad to have featured at both the 2010 and 2026 tournaments.

Lionel Messi handed Argentina a timely boost, returning from a hamstring problem to score from the penalty spot in a 3-0 win over Iceland in their final warm-up. The result and his minutes ease the doubts that had hung over the captain's fitness in the build-up.

France, meanwhile, signed off their preparation in style, with Bayern Munich's Michael Olise scoring a hat-trick in their final tune-up — a pointed reminder of the attacking depth Didier Deschamps' side carry into the finals.

Transfer and squad notes

The Netherlands have suffered a late blow, ruling Jurriën Timber out of the tournament with a groin injury and calling up Sunderland's Lutsharel Geertruida in his place. The Arsenal defender had managed only a single appearance since March, returning for the Champions League final before his recovery stalled.

Brazil are still waiting on Neymar, who remains a doubt for their group opener against Morocco on 13 June as he works back from a calf injury, according to the tournament's injury reporting. The Seleção have prepared without him as a guaranteed starter.

What it means for the league

The wait is over for the largest World Cup in history — the first 48-team, 104-match edition, staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada and running to 19 July. After a build-up dominated by fitness watches, the focus now shifts to the pitch, beginning in Mexico City before the other co-hosts join in: the United States meet Paraguay and Canada open at home within the first days.

The closing tune-ups offered a snapshot of where the favourites stand, with Messi back on the scoresheet and Olise in sharp form, even as the Netherlands and Brazil count the cost of injuries to key men.