The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing on American soil, and the group stage delivered fireworks on June 16. Kylian Mbappé reminded the world why he remains football’s most electrifying talent, orchestrating a commanding 3-1 victory for France over Senegal — a side recently stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title. The 2022 World Cup runners-up looked every bit the contenders with Mbappé pulling the strings throughout.
Elsewhere, Erling Haaland’s Norway also posted a 3-1 win, dispatching Graham Arnold’s Iraq in Foxborough in a Group I clash between the world’s third- and fourth-ranked sides. Argentina were set to face Algeria later in the day, while Austria prepared to take on Jordan in what promised to be another packed schedule of matches.
But the tournament hasn’t been without controversy. The Guardian’s live coverage of Argentina vs. Algeria highlighted the staggering environmental toll of the expanded, tri-nation tournament. The New Weather Institute has labelled it “the most polluting event ever,” estimating it will generate approximately 9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent — with air travel alone responsible for about 7.7 million tons, more than four times the average for World Cups held between 2010 and 2022.
