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️ Spain close ranks as France and Argentina run riot, today's back pages
The front pages of the sports press on this June 17, 2026 reflect a day of contrasts at the World Cup. While major powers like France and Argentina have enjoyed emphatic opening wins led by their stars, Spain has gone into a period of soul-searching after its unexpected opening stumble, all on the eve of the eagerly awaited debut of historic national teams such as Portugal and England.
Closing ranks in the Spanish national team
In Spain, the main sports newspapers are sending a unanimous message of calm to ease the tension after the painful and unexpected slip-up against Cape Verde. The front page of Marca carries the forceful headline: "Don't panic", reporting that the dressing room has declared a "state of unity" in this delicate moment of early doubts.
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Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo highlights "Confidence intact" in Luis de la Fuente’s plan to bounce back immediately. The focus of the national team now shifts to regaining its best form in the next clash against Saudi Arabia, a key match in which newspaper SPORT suggests that La Roja’s spark and response are "In Lamine’s hands".
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High-profile openings in the Americas and Europe
The other side of the story is provided by the successful debuts of the tournament’s big favorites, who have more than lived up to expectations. In France, L'Équipe and AS crown Kylian Mbappé as "Captain America" and "King of France" after his brace in the 3-1 win over Senegal, a masterclass that also saw him overtake Giroud as Les Bleus’ all-time top scorer.
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Meanwhile, the Argentine press is celebrating La Albiceleste’s crushing opening win over Algeria in grand style with an emphatic 3-0. Newspaper Olé leads its edition with a vibrant "Never Kansas you", surrendering to a stellar Leo Messi, who scored a historic hat-trick on his debut and has now reached 16 goals in his sixth World Cup.
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Time for the last heavyweights
The excitement of the tournament shows no signs of slowing, and today’s schedule promises plenty with the debut of the last major title contenders. In Portugal, anticipation is at its peak ahead of the opener against DR Congo; Portuguese headlines such as O Jogo boldly announce that "It’s today", while A Bola reaches for space-age epicness with the emotional "Houston, we have a dream".
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At the same time, the British press is revving up for the thrilling England-Croatia clash that will close the day in Texas. Newspapers such as Star Sport are urging their players to "take the bull by the horns" in cowboy country, while Mirror Sport echoes Thomas Tuchel’s call for bravery under the slogan "Be free lions" in the quest for glory.
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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in here.
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