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EU optimistic over approval of €90bn loan for Ukraine following Orbán defeat – Europe live | Europe
EU expects ‘some positive decisions’ on €90bn loan for Ukraine on Wednesday
But it looks like there is some movement on Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has just confirmed that she expects “some positive decisions tomorrow” on the €90bn loan.
“Ukraine really needs this loan and it is also a sign that Russia cannot outlast Ukraine. This is extremely important at this moment.”
Key events
EU’s top court finds Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law in breach of key values in early test for new PM
Jennifer Rankin
Brussels correspondent
The EU’s highest court has found Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ+ law to be discriminatory, stigmatising and in breach of basic democratic values, setting up an early test for the incoming prime minister Péter Magyar’s government when it takes power next month.
In a wide-ranging judgment, the European court of justice said the 2021 law that bans content about LGBTQ+ people from schools and primetime TV was at odds with a society based on pluralism and fundamental rights such as prohibition of discrimination and freedom of expression.
Magyar won a landslide election victory last week after promising to root out corruption and improve living standards, but he has so far been muted on whether he will roll back the anti-LGBTQ+ policies introduced by Viktor Orbán, who was defeated after 16 years in power.
He has vowed to “bring home” EU funds intended to help Hungary develop its economy, some of which were frozen over the anti-LGBTQ+ law. A larger part was suspended over risks to academic freedom, breaches of the right to asylum and concerns about corruption and lack of judicial independence.
The ruling marks the first time the ECJ has found a member state guilty of breaking EU law based exclusively on breaching the bloc’s fundamental values described in article 2 of its treaty. These include respect for human dignity, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, including those of minorities.
As a result, the judgment paves the way for future cases against EU member states that systematically flout basic values on democracy and the rule of law.
Hungary passed the so-called child protection law in 2021, imposing restrictions on schools and media companies in depicting LGBTQ+ people. Previously likened to Russia’s notorious “gay propaganda” law, the Hungarian legislation means gay and transgender people or themes cannot feature in school educational material or in any TV show, film or advert shown before 10pm.
The court said in a statement that the Hungarian law was “contrary to the very identity of the union as a common legal order in a society in which pluralism prevails”, and that Hungary could not “validly rely on its national identity” as justification for a law that breached fundamental values.
It said it expected Hungary to comply without delay and it ordered Budapest to pay its costs and those incurred by the European Commission, which brought the case. The Hungarian government has been contacted for comment.
Jakub Krupa
So, as promised (10:25), let’s get a bit more detail on today’s ruling against Hungary.
Here is our Brussels correspondent Jennifer Rankin’s take on what happened – and why it matters.
European Commission says waiting for Druzhba updates; ‘ball in Hungary’s court’ on two major court rulings
The European Commission is now giving its daily press briefing with some details on how it looks to move ahead on the €90bn loan for Ukraine, and the state of play with the Druzbha pipeline.
The commission said that for its part it was doing “what we can to complete” the negotiations “as soon as possible” and get ready for a potential political decision on disbursing the funds to Ukraine.
But the commission said it was still waiting to see when Ukraine could resume the oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline.
The commission was also asked about Péter Magyar’s suggestion yesterday that as part of his broader political agreement with the EU, he could get the bloc to suspend daily fines for its controversial asylum law which was found to be in violation with the EU law.
The commission said that “there were no promises” and the first discussions over the weekend were merely “initial talks to take stock of where we are with Hungary on a wide set of topics.”
But it added that following the court’s ruling, “it’s up to … the Hungarian government to abide by the ruling, and once that is done, the issue is solved.”
So, that doesn’t really sound like there’s too much scope for political agreement on this issue.
The commission was also asked about today’s separate ruling on anti-LGBTQ law, which was found to be in breach of the EU law (10:25).
The spokesperson said it was a “landmark ruling” and, again, that it’s “now for the Hungarian government to implement the decision of the court.”
“The ball is on the Hungarian side of the court.”
Hungarian-Slovak relations could get awkward as leaders clash over Beneš decrees
Jakub Krupa
As the new Hungarian government prepares to take office, it’s worth watching how the relationship between Hungary and Slovakia will change as a result.
Slovakia’s Robert Fico has often worked closely with Viktor Orbán, teaming up when it comes to discussing energy issues or Ukraine-Russia policy, with both leaders openly engaging with Russia despite the EU’s highly-critical stance towards Moscow.
But the incoming prime minister, Péter Magyar, is likely to take different positions on some of these issues.
The relationship will be further complicated by Slovakia’s recently adopted law seeking to stop questioning of the long controversial Beneš decrees that led to the disenfranchisement and expulsion of Hungarians and Sudeten Germans from the former Czechoslovakia.
The pair spoke this morning in early engagement ahead of Magyar taking office next month, and the Hungarian leader made it clear that he wanted Bratislava to move on the contentious issue.
“I made it clear that we can only engage in discussions on any policy matters if we receive guarantees that Slovakia will repeal the legislation threatening Hungarians in Slovakia with imprisonment, and if it is clearly established that, in the future, there will be no confiscation of the land of our Hungarian compatriots in Slovakia on the basis of the Beneš Decrees and the principle of collective guilt,” he said.
Magyar said that “the protection of the rights of our Hungarian compatriots in Slovakia remains the highest priority in Hungarian – Slovak relations,” and that he would discuss this further with Fico at this week’s European Council in Brussels.
The Slovak prime minister struck a different tone, saying he would want to work closely with Magyar and was hoping to discuss his plans on the Druzhba pipeline and the previous government’s plans to sue the EU over plans to halt Russian energy imports.
But, he admitted, that “it clearly emerged from the conversation that Péter Magyar’s priority in Slovak–Hungarian relations is, and will be, the Beneš Decrees on which we have fundamentally different positions.”
For what it’s worth, the two leaders had clashed over this issue even before the Hungarian election, with the issue of rights of Hungarians abroad remaining politically salient domestically, but it will obviously become much more important now that Magyar is in government.
One to watch.
Russia says it’s ‘technically ready’ to restore oil flows through Druzhba
Meanwhile over in Russia, the Kremlin said it was technically ready to resume oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia if and when Ukraine ended what Moscow called its “blackmail”.
Russia, and Hungary’s outgoing government led by Viktor Orbán, continues to blame Ukraine for suspending the deliveries after Kyiv said the pipeline was damaged by Russian strikes.
“As things stand, you are aware that the Russian side remains technically ready. We have contractual obligations with Hungary. But following the start of the Kyiv regime’s blackmail, deliveries have been halted,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in comments reported by Reuters.
“Everything depends on the Kyiv regime – whether they will open the pipeline and put an end to the blackmail,” he said.
‘We won’t have Trojan horse in our castle’ any more, Lithuania’s foreign minister says after Hungary election
Lithuania’s Kęstutis Budrys is also clearly relieved about the election result in Hungary, as he says it’s “a great development.”
Now we won’t have a Trojan horse in our castle [any more], and it’s a good thing.
Ouch.
But he says that “what was done before should not be forgotten” as he urges the EU to continue its investigation into what the outgoing Hungarian foreign minister Péter Szijjártó shared with Russia and when.
“On Ukraine, using this momentum, we have to release the support loan to Ukraine, €90bn. It is important to move fast and to have the first payment already next month,” he says.
But, somewhat optimistically, he also says he wants to see progress on Ukraine’s accession to the EU – but there seems to be no political agreement on this issue at the moment.
Funds from EU loan to Ukraine could start flowing in May, Latvia’s minister suggests
On Ukraine, Latvia’s junior foreign minister Artjoms Uršuļskis gives us a bit of news as he says that it’s hoped that the EU could start disbursing to Ukraine “already in May.”
Germany urges Iran to engage with US, but dismisses call to suspend association agreement with Israel
On the Middle East, Germany’s Wadephul urged Iran to engage in talks with the US in Islamabad and to ensure “free and safe shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz without delay.”
He said that Iran should accept the US request for talks “in the interests of its people,” as he said “there is still a window of opportunity to end this war through negotiations.”
But on Israel, just I like suggested earlier (10:05), he made it clear that Germany would not support the suspension of the association agreement, calling the suggestion “inappropriate.”
But he did say that the EU needs to have a word with Israel – “critical, constructive dialogue” in diplospeak – and demand it “confronts the settler violence clearly, firmly, and with all legal means.”
Germany’s Wadephul welcomes Hungarian election in hope of movement on Ukraine very soon
German foreign minister Joseph Wadephul also makes it very clear that he is relieved with the change of government in Hungary, calling it “a breath of fresh air” and a promise of hope for Ukraine.
He urged Hungary to drop its “unusual blockade” for policies for Ukraine “as quickly as possible,” pointing to what he argued was a clear pro-European mandate from the electorate in Hungary (it’s a bit more complicated than that, though).
He said the 90bn loan needed to be released “very swiftly,” and there is no time to wait for the change of government next month.
Jakub Krupa
For what it’s worth, Viktor Orbán also said earlier this week that he would drop his veto on the €90bn loan the moment the oil deliveries were flowing again through the Druzhba pipeline, which had been under repair for months.
As this is now expected to happen essentially any moment now, it looks like there could be some movement on the loan even before the government in Budapest changes.
Remember: the new Hungarian administration won’t take office before mid-May.
Ministers express relief after Orbán’s defeat in Hungary as they hope to progress Ukraine loan, sanctions against Russia
Back in Luxembourg, it’s quite telling how many ministers are talking with relief about the expected change of government in Hungary after Viktor Orbán lost to Péter Magyar just over a week ago.
The issue comes up in almost every doorstep, with ministers talking about how hopeful they are that the €90bn loan for Ukraine will finally be able to progress.
Sweden’s Maria Malmer Stenergard said she was “quite optimistic that after the Hungarian obstacle is gone, so to speak, we will be able to deliver on the promise we have made to the Ukrainians … and move forward with the 20th sanctions package” against Russia.
Poland’s junior minister Ignacy Niemczycki said that “after the expected change of government in Hungary, many things to do with Ukraine will get unblocked.”
“I am hopeful that we will be able to swiftly progress the loan for Ukraine, and the 20th package of sanctions, and I am expecting decisions already in the coming days.”
EU’s top court finds Hungary’s crackdown on LGBTQ+ content against EU law in fresh political test for Magyar
The EU’s top court has ruled that a Hungarian law banning content about LGBTQ+ people from schools and primetime TV violates basic human rights and freedom of expression.
In its ruling, the first time an adverse finding was made on the basis of the EU’s foundational list of values, the court said the Orbán-era reform violated “several fundamental rights” protected by the EU laws.
“The law is contrary to the very identity of the Union as a common legal order in a society in which pluralism prevails,” the court’s statement said.
Hungary should comply with the judgment “without delay”, posing a fresh political test for the incoming Tisza government of Péter Magyar as he hopes to improve Budapest’s relations with the EU.
If the country does not follow the ruling, the European Commission could bring a further legal action asking for financial penalties to be imposed, like it happened in a separate case on Hungary’s asylum laws.
More on this to follow.
Irish foreign minister presses the EU to ‘make progress’ on Ukraine, Israel
Ireland’s foreign minister Helen McEntee has just been speaking with reporters as she arrived at the meeting in Luxembourg, and she offered a neat summary of where we are on both issues.
On Ukraine, she said it was “really important as the EU that we make progress” on the loan and the related 20th package of sanctions against Russia to “exert as much pressure as possible on Russia.”
She said that talking to Ukrainian leaders it was clear “we are at that breaking point where that loan is absolutely essential.”
She also pointedly welcomed the new Hungarian government’s position on this, and said she hoped that “we will see the release of funds” soon.
On the Middle East, she said the joint Spanish, Slovenian and Irish initiative to ask for a debate on the association agreement was meant to send a clear signal that “we … need to uphold our fundamental values” in relations with associated countries.
“Israel has, since our last meeting, enacted a new law which essentially introduces the death penalty, but in particular penalises and specifically targets Palestinian people. It’s completely unacceptable, and so we have asked for a suspension of the Israeli agreement, and if not, then a suspension on the trade elements of the Israeli agreement.
We must be seeking to have this not just as a discussion here today at the council but that there would be some clear actions at the next council meeting.”
Again, she says that the result of the Hungarian election last week, “it is very clear that there has been a shift” there in terms of political signals coming from the new government.
Ukraine loan release closer than ever amid expectations Druzhba will be reopened
Jakub Krupa
This is not entirely unexpected and, as explained earlier, it is still hinging on the Druzhba pipeline restarting in the next 24 hours, but it definitely sounds like there are growing reasons for optimism among the EU’s most senior leaders.
Could the loan, agreed in December but held up by Hungary and Slovakia, be finally released to Ukraine in the next few days or weeks?
EU expects ‘some positive decisions’ on €90bn loan for Ukraine on Wednesday
But it looks like there is some movement on Ukraine.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has just confirmed that she expects “some positive decisions tomorrow” on the €90bn loan.
“Ukraine really needs this loan and it is also a sign that Russia cannot outlast Ukraine. This is extremely important at this moment.”
Jakub Krupa
For what it’s worth, it’s unlikely that any decisions on this will be actually made today on this – but the request for a focused debate on this marks growing concern among EU member states and mounting pressure on the EU to act more decisively.
Spain, Slovenia, Ireland request discussion on suspending EU association treaty with Israel
Just as expected.
Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares has just confirmed that Spain, Slovenia and Ireland have requested a discussion on suspending the EU’s association treaty with Israel at today’s meeting of the bloc’s foreign ministers.
He said the process was about the EU’s “credibility” on all other issues, as the bloc is expected to stand “for the same principles” everywhere.
He said that if the EU is “not capable to say today to Israel” that it is expected to respect human rights and international law, and not make war a foreign policy tool, “we are going to lose that credibility.”
“We have to say the same thing that we say to Russia concerning Ukraine, and that we say in other scenarios, and since the last time we brought this same position, things have worsened,” he said.
“European Union has to say today very clearly to Israel that that change is needed. That’s not the right path, and that while Israel continues in that path of a permanent perpetual war, we will not be able to [run our relations] in the same way.”
He said that if suspending the association treaty in full is unacceptable for some members, the bloc should consider suspending at least the trade element of the deal.
Morning opening: EU foreign ministers to discuss Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East
Jakub Krupa
EU foreign ministers are meeting in Luxembourg this morning to discuss the latest on Ukraine, Russia and the Middle East.
The ministers are awaiting an update on the Druzbha pipeline carrying Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia, which is understood to be close to being operational against after months of bitter disputes between Ukraine and the two countries.
Hungary’s outgoing prime minister Viktor Orbán suggested he would drop his country’s veto on the EU’s €90bn loan for Ukraine as soon as the oil starts flowing, which could happen this week. Slovakia is understood to be in the same position.
The issue is currently expected to be discussed by EU ambassadors on Wednesday, but could come up earlier. One to watch.
But the discussions will also focus on the situation in the Middle East, with the Lebanese prime minister, Nawaf Salam, joining the ministers to give an update on the regional security situation.
Spain, Ireland and Slovenia are among countries calling for closer scrutiny of Israel’s actions, including a more radical step of suspending the association agreement with the EU and imposing sanctions on violent Israeli settlers.
While substantial progress is unlikely to be made on this today as Orbán’s Hungary, a close Israel ally, continues to oppose any such move, the ministers will probably be looking at what could be possible at their next meeting once the government in Budapest changes.
EU foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, hinted yesterday that the position of Magyar’s government could be different, saying – without naming Hungary specifically – that there could be “a new approach” to the issue:
“Now this country [has recently] had the elections and will [soon] have a new government. I will not speak for the new government, but definitely I think we can look into all these policies and see whether they have a new approach.”
Lots for us to cover this morning.
I will keep an eye on all of that and bring you the latest here.
It’s Tuesday, 21 April 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.
Good morning.
But the former health secretary told BBC Newsnight he would prefer for the prime minister “to take a decision on his own terms”.
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Key events
32 mins: Algeria get on the ball in Argentina’s half for the first time in ages. They work the ball from side to side then look to attack down the right but Almada tracks back effectively.
30 mins: Messi misplaces a pass, then commits a foul trying to win the ball back. He is by no means the passenger we might have expected out of possession.
28 mins: Only when the ball is back with E Martinez do Argentina spread the field. Otherwise it is like a small-sided training exercise. The composure in tight areas and confidence in the collective technical ability is something to behold. The ball is in perpetual motion, then in the final third the single touches become more extravagant and daring, but always effective. Algeria can’t get near it.
26 mins: Messi is now the joint-third highest goalscorer in World Cup history. And he joins Cristiano Ronaldo as the only men to find the back of the net in five different World Cups.
24 mins: Time for a hydration break. That first quarter went according to plan for Argentina – but only just, with a VAR offside check saving them from conceding the opening goal.
22 mins: Messi works space from one of those rapier-like moves but his cross is overhit and Algeria clear. Argentina are hungry in midfield though and soon with the ball back. The North Africans are now defending in a deep low block, scared of pressing for fear the defending champions will just play through them.
21 mins: Argentina return to their game plan of working the ball around slowly and safely across their defence and midfield before darting forward like a fencer with razor sharp incisions.
20 mins: That goal was exactly how Lionel Scaloni had drawn up on the training ground. Technical excellence from back to front and individual brilliance of historic proportions.
18 mins: Sometimes all the hype is actually worth it.
Argentina are looking almost exclusively for vertical passes through the lines with even Messi dropping deep to accept possession. The little genius does just that to start a move with a one-two then ghosts unchecked into space between the lines. A couple of passes later the ball is at his feet with room to turn, which he does, then takes a couple of steps to advance towards the penalty area before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed effort that arcs away from Zidane and into the top right corner. Brilliant.
GOAL! Argentina 1-0 Algeria (Messi, 17)
You know the script.
15 mins: Argentina’s structure during build up play is very compact. They’re looking to ping rondo-style passes in tight areas to unlock Algeria on the half-turn with very little space between the back four and the front three.
13 mins: Argentinian songs rain down from the precipitous stands of Arrowhead Stadium as the team they are cheering on pad their possession stats. Eventually they work the ball through the lines on the left where Almada has an opportunity to do something decisive but he overhits his throughball to Messi when he may have been better off shooting.
11 mins: Algeria with a free-kick on the left. They go short – and like London buses, Messi makes a second tackle of the game to dispossess Hadj Moussa. Even though their goal was ruled out, Algeria have gained confidence from the move and started to spray the ball around nicely in midfield.
VAR! No Goal!
Brilliant from Maza in midfield, recycling possession, keeping the ball moving, teasing between the lines. He spots Chaibi darting between fullback and centre-half, feeds him perfectly, and the finish is glorious, deceiving Martinez at his near post.
But with the crowd adjusting to the shock excitement is quelled by a VAR intervention and the goal is ruled out for a marginal offside against the goalscorer.
GOAL! With their first attack Algeria opening the scoring!
7 mins: This is a rare low tempo contest. Argentina are dominating possession but not looking to force anything.
5 mins: The ball goes out of play on the right as a pass slightly in front of Messi beats the veteran’s quickstep. He has definitely lost a yard or six of pace. You wouldn’t know it during the next phase of play though as he jumps in behind and clips a delightful finish over the onrushing Zidane. However, his delight is cut short as he notices the assistant’s flag raised for offside. It was marginal, but he took off a fraction too early.
3 mins: In possession, Argentina are happy to bide their time and draw Algeria out to them. They do just that, Romero attempts the long ball, Almada picks up the scraps and crosses to La Martinez who heads straight at Zidane. He was offside anyway so it wouldn’t have counted.
2 mins: Argentina are defending in a 4-3-3 shape out of possession with Messi on the right of the front three. And you’ll never believe this – he did some defending – winning the ball back in his own half and feeding back to his keeper.
1 min: An early question to ponder as the action gets under way at walking pace: are Argentina the most heavily tattooed team at the World Cup?
Kick-off!
Lionel Messi’s World Cup campaign is under way…
Argentina’s anthem was sung with smiles and pride, the defending champions looking relaxed and confident. Algeria’s players belted out their own hymn with a steely determination on their faces.
The Fennecs’ kit improves on closer inspection, with some nice touches giving it a retro feel, imbuing the spirit of 1982, the Disgrace of Gijon, and all that.
Out walk the two sides into a stadium populated from near top to bottom in fans wearing Albiceleste colours.
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane is wearing a protective face mask as he recovers from a severe jaw and chin fracture that he suffered playing for Granada in April.
Argentina will be in their glorious sky blue and white stripes today, complemented by black shorts and trim. Algeria are wearing their change strip of green with white shorts.
A selection of Messi stats for you to digest at as the veteran begins his valedictory World Cup.
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26 – record number of World Cup matches played
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6 – record World Cups appeared in (shared with Cristiano Ronaldo)
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13 – World Cup goals (joint fifth all-time)
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38 – age at kick-off (12th oldest at the 2026 World Cup)
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2 – record number of World Cup golden balls
Today’s officials are from Poland, led by referee Szymon Marciniak, who took charge of the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, and the 2023 Champions League final between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
He is a celebrity in Poland, appearing as a contestant on the Polish version of Hell’s Kitchen, and featuring in the documentary series Sędziowie, a behind the scenes look at the life of a referee.
Conditions are glorious in Kansas City. It is around 26C and dropping as golden hour drifts towards sundown.
The venue today is Arrowhead Stadium. This classically American open bowl can hold 76,000 spectators and is known commercially as GEHA Field. During the World Cup it is neutralised to Kansas City Stadium.
The primary tenants are NFL franchise the Kansas City Chiefs, winners of four Super Bowls, including three since 2019.
The venue has twice earned the Guinness World Record for the loudest stadium, first in 2013, then in 2014, during matches featuring the Chiefs.
Lionel Messi has already stamped his authority on the turf.
Daniel Sperry brings us one of those necessary World Cup stories that reminds us the hostile politics of the leaders of a nation does not reflect the hospitality of most its residents.
Jonathan Wilson has spoken to Luciana Alvarengue, the former maths teacher of both Enzo Fernández and Julián Álvarez, who provides a neat character study of the two World Cup winners.
“You either love maths or you hate it,” Alvarengue says. “There are no grey areas. Julián was very good at maths. He had a very good way of working in the classroom in general. Enzo was a little more difficult to deal with. There are days when you would say he was more focused on a game, on whether he was going to be selected or not.
“When he came into the classroom, Enzo liked to make sounds, banging his pencil case on the table. I remember entering the classroom, and on the left side was Enzo’s place, and he was with his back against the wall, his feet on the other bench, and there were days when he was like: ‘Today I’m going to stay like this.’ Julián was calmer, much more respectful.
22 players will walk out into the Kansas City evening with an equal chance of influencing this contest but the eyes of the world will be trained squarely on the oldest and shortest of them.
Your eyes are not deceiving you, that is a Zidane in goal for the Fennecs, Luca Zidane, son of the French World Cup legend.
Algeria XI
Vladimir Petkovic has opted for a 5-2-3 formation in a bid to stiffen his side’s defence. Star man Riyad Mahrez starts on the bench.
23 Zidane; 17 Belghali, 2 Mandi, 21 Bensebaini, 5 Belaid 15 Ait-Nouri; 19 Bentaleb, 14 Boudaoui; 22 Maza, 11 Hadj Moussa, 9 Gouiri.
Argentina XI
Lionel Scaloni has left in-demand Julian Alvarez on the bench for Argentina’s opening match. Cristian Romero is fit to start after fleeing Tottenham’s relegation battle.
23 E Martinez; 4 Montiel, 13 Romero, 6 Li Martinez, 25 Medina; 7 De Paul, 24 Fernandez, 20 Mac Allister; 10 Messi, 16 Almada, 22 La Martinez.
What about Algeria? Even Maher Mezahi isn’t sure what to expect.
Algeria are one of this World Cup’s great unknowns. On paper, this team has an impressive recent record: a friendly victory over the Netherlands made it 21 wins, four draws and three defeats from 28 matches under Vladimir Petkovic, with 67 goals scored. The problem is that it has been achieved against generally poor-quality opposition. Algeria’s qualifying campaign was a breeze, with Guinea and Mozambique – both considered Pot C sides on the continent – being their sternest tests.
We can be pretty sure Petkovic will lean on his players’ technical quality, play attractive football, but leave gaps in behind the defence. What we don’t know is which players will be called upon for half the starting positions.
Ok, turning our attention now to Argentina v Algeria, let’s get a view on the defending champions from the experts at Olé.
The holders arrive at the World Cup with a squad that knows each other almost by heart but perhaps not with its players in peak physical condition – several had injury set-backs at the end of a very demanding season with their clubs. If everyone is fit, the coach will field many of the same players who were crowned champions in Qatar, with the exception of Ángel Di María, who no longer plays for the national team.
Lionel Scaloni’s plan is to keep the 4-3-3 formation, with a solid defence featuring two centre-backs and two attacking full-backs, plus dynamic midfielders with excellent passing. Lionel Messi leads the charge once more, supported by the formidable Julián Alvarez and Thiago Almada, who could be the breakout star. Almost two thirds of the 2022 squad remains, but it now also includes some promising young players such as Nico Paz, who has been in excellent form at Como. They will also have established stars like Lautaro Martínez, who aims to be in top condition for this World Cup: something he couldn’t achieve in Qatar.
Norway have delivered on their pre-tournament dark horse status with a comfortable 4-1 victory over Iraq to join France at the top of Group I. There was a brace for Erling Haaland, putting the Manchester City goal machine alongside Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
In the latest who-cares-the-rapture-is-coming-soon-anyway news Johnny Child continues to turn left for global warming.
As a result of the huge distances the New Weather Institute has described this World Cup as “the most polluting event ever”, estimating that it will generate about 9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Air travel is responsible for about 7.7 million tons of that carbon estimate, more than four times that of the average for World Cups held from 2010 to 2022.
In today’s opening match France overcame a disjointed first half to run out comfortable 3-1 winners over Senegal. Les Bleus didn’t look at their best for big chunks but the class of Olise, Mbappé, Doue, and Barcola proved irresistible.
Mbappé now has 14 goals in 15 World Cup matches, drawing him alongside Gerd Muller on the all-time standings, behind only Ronaldo and Miroslav Klose. He will surely leave North America as the most prolific goalscorer in finals history.
Max and the gang celebrate Cape Verde on the latest World Cup Daily pod.
In case you missed it, international manager par excellence Hervé Renard will go to the ball after all. He of the fitted white dress shirt qualified with Saudi Arabia, only to lose his job on the eve of the tournament. The Frenchman has answered Tunisia’s SOS and will replace Sabri Lamouchi in the dugout for the remaineder of the tournament after the former Nottingham Forest and Cardiff City boss was sacked following a grisly opening defeat to Sweden.
Michael Butler compiled the latest Football Daily roundup, featuring Pico Lopes, Marcelo Bielsa, and the late Roy Hattersley.
Let’s ease into the third fixture of matchday six by peering into the mind of David Squires.
Preamble
Jonathan Howcroft
Hello everybody and welcome to live coverage of match 19 of the 2026 World Cup between Argentina and Algeria. Kick-off in this Group J clash at Kansas City Stadium is 8pm local time (9pm EDT/2am BST/11am AEST).
The arrival of the defending champions into a tournament always adds a frisson of excitement to proceedings and that is the case today as Argentina get their campaign underway. Of course the presence of la Albiceleste also means that of captain, Lionel Messi, who alone has the heft of a participating nation in these parts since his move to MLS.
2022 was Messi’s crowing glory, the triumph that cemented his status among the very greatest in football history. He is not without a chance of adding a second winner’s medal to his collection in North America, but he faces a tougher task this time around as he and his team battle the unvanquishable opponent: time.
Algeria offer a stiff early test of an ageing team’s title defence. Ranked 28th in the world they are coached by the canny Vladimir Petkovic and captained by serial winner Riyad Mahrez. They warmed up for the World Cup by beating the Netherlands in Rotterdam and thrashing Argentina’s northern neighbours Bolivia 4-0.
I’ll be back shortly with team news and a round-up of all the matchday action so far. In the meantime you can keep an eye on Iraq v Norway and email any thoughts about the tournament so far to jonathan.howcroft.freelance@theguardian.com.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the ban will give children more time, security and freedom to grow up. But how do under-16s feel?
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