The evening was filled with star appearances, dramatic moments, and one unexpected highlight — U.S. President Donald Trump receiving FIFA’s newly introduced peace prize.
But the real attention stayed on the giants of world football, especially defending champions Argentina and current European champions Spain, both of whom received what many are calling favourable draws.
Argentina Begins Title Defence With Algeria Test
Lionel Messi and Argentina, the reigning world champions, will start their campaign in Group J, where they open against Algeria. For Argentina, the match is more than just an opener — it marks the beginning of their journey to defend the crown they fought so hard to secure four years ago. For Jordan, playing a team like Argentina is a historic moment, and their spirited approach could make the match emotional and memorable even if the odds are against them.
Overall, Argentina’s group seems manageable, but surprises often shape World Cups. Still, for Messi and his team, the path into the knockouts appears clear if they play to their strengths.
Spain Open Against Debutants Cape Verde
Spain, the current kings of Europe after winning the latest Euro Championship, enter the World Cup with confidence and a new golden generation ready to reclaim world dominance. Their group, labelled Group H, opens with a match against Cape Verde, who are playing in a World Cup for the first time in their history. While Spain is expected to dominate possession, Cape Verde’s qualification itself shows they are capable of upsetting expectations.
Spain’s second match brings a bigger challenge: Uruguay, one of the most consistent South American teams. With their mix of experienced names and emerging young talent, Uruguay always rise to the intensity of the World Cup stage.
Spain’s overall draw has been described as favourable, but they will need to balance creativity with discipline to avoid unexpected setbacks.
Trump Honoured, Ceremony Marks Start of Global Celebration While football dominated the night, one moment outside the sporting sphere caught global attention.
