Samwise North American Soccer Newsletter
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Messi nets first World Cup hat trick as Argentina top Algeria 3-0
Lionel Messi scored his first World Cup hat trick as defending champion Argentina opened its 2026 title defense with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City on Tuesday. Messi struck in the 17th, 60th and 76th minutes, his opener set up by Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. The three goals lifted Messi to 16 career World Cup goals, tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time tournament record. It marked Messi’s 200th Argentina appearance, and he became the first man to play in six World Cups. He was substituted to a standing ovation from a heavily pro-Argentina crowd at Arrowhead Stadium.
Sources: ESPN · Al Jazeera · MLSsoccer.com
Pulisic limited in training as USMNT manages calf injury before Australia
Christian Pulisic trained individually for a second consecutive day on Tuesday as the United States manages a calf injury ahead of Friday’s Group D match against Australia in Seattle. The captain took a kick to his left calf in the first half of the Americans’ 4-1 World Cup opening win over Paraguay and was withdrawn at halftime. A team spokesman labeled Pulisic day-to-day, and the staff expects him to be available. He completed modified training, including individual gym and on-field work. Tyler Adams also missed a session for load management after absorbing several knocks against Paraguay.
Sources: CBS Sports · Yahoo Sports
Canada hosts Qatar in Vancouver with Davies still doubtful
Canada hosts Qatar at BC Place in Vancouver on Thursday in a Group B match, with both sides level on one point after opening draws. Canada earned its first-ever men’s World Cup point in a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyle Larin equalizing late in Toronto, while Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland. Star winger Alphonso Davies remains unlikely to feature, still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained with Bayern Munich on May 6. Richie Laryea is again expected to deputize. A win would move Canada to four points and toward Round of 32 qualification.
Sources: bet365 News · Canada Soccer
MLS sets World Cup record with 45 players on 2026 rosters
The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a record 45 MLS players representing 22 clubs and 17 countries, MLSsoccer.com reported. The figure rises from 36 MLS players at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Canada leads all nations with nine MLS call-ups and the United States has eight, together accounting for nearly 40 percent of the league’s representation. LAFC contributes a league-high four selections. MLS players appear in 11 of the 12 groups, with names including Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul, LAFC’s Son Heung-Min and Minnesota United’s James Rodriguez. The tournament runs June 11 to July 19.
Sources: MLSsoccer.com
Mbappe brace lifts France past Senegal 3-1 in New Jersey
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, including a long-range stoppage-time stunner, as France beat Senegal 3-1 in their Group I opener in New Jersey on Tuesday. The match came alive after halftime, with Mbappe striking in the 66th minute and substitute Bradley Barcola doubling the lead. Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye pulled one back in stoppage time before Mbappe answered a minute later from 30 yards. The captain’s brace moved him past Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals. Senegal threatened earlier when Nicolas Jackson struck a post and Ismaila Sarr fired over before the break.
Sources: ESPN
Haaland brace powers Norway to 4-1 win over Iraq
Erling Haaland scored a first-half brace as Norway opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-1 win over Iraq in Group I on Tuesday. The result, alongside France’s victory over Senegal, left Norway and France level at the top of the group after the opening round of matches. Iraq, making a World Cup appearance, includes Nashville SC forward Ahmed Qasem among its squad. Norway, returning to the tournament after a long absence, controlled the contest through Haaland’s early scoring. The group concludes its first round with France and Norway both on three points and Iraq and Senegal seeking points.
Mexico meets South Korea in Guadalajara with Group A lead on the line
Mexico faces South Korea at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Thursday in a Group A clash, with both teams on three points after opening victories. El Tri beat South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca, Julian Quinones scoring in the ninth minute and Raul Jimenez adding a second in the 66th. South Korea rallied past Czechia 2-1, Oh Hyeon-gyu netting the winner. Mexico leads the group on goal difference. A win would push the host nation to the brink of the knockout round, while South Korea could seize top spot with a victory in front of a raucous Guadalajara crowd.
Sources: Goal.com · NBC Sports
World Cup Group D
After Matchday 1
1. United States — 3 pts (1-0-0)
2. Australia — 3 pts (1-0-0)
3. Turkey — 0 pts (0-1-0)
4. Paraguay — 0 pts (0-1-0)
World Cup Group B
After Matchday 1
1. Bosnia and Herzegovina — 1 pt (0-0-1)
2. Canada — 1 pt (0-0-1)
3. Qatar — 1 pt (0-0-1)
4. Switzerland — 1 pt (0-0-1)
Curated by JD · samwise.agency
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