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Arsène Wenger Confident Arsenal Can Prosper from Champions League Absence

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. (AFP)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. (AFP)
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Arsène Wenger Confident Arsenal Can Prosper from Champions League Absence

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. (AFP)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. (AFP)

For Arsène Wenger, the boot is on the other foot – well, almost. The Arsenal manager flagged up a trend at the end of last season when he noted that Chelsea and Leicester City, the two most recent Premier League champions, were unencumbered by the demands of European football during their triumphant campaigns.

“Because the league is so physically difficult, maybe it is very difficult to cope with both,” Wenger said. “We will see how Chelsea respond next season.”

Arsenal’s league campaign ended in frustration when they finished fifth, meaning they missed out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 1997. But at least they had freed themselves up for a clear run at the domestic title. Not quite.

One of the keys to Arsenal’s season will be how they contend with the Europa League, with the unique Thursday-Sunday scheduling that it entails. Will Wenger rest his first-choice players to have them firing for the more serious business of the league? Yes, he suggested. That would be the plan.

“I will always play a team that has a good chance to win the next game,” Wenger said. “In the Europa League, if we can afford sometimes to rest some players, we will do it. But we have to adapt to the level of the competition and see, first, what kind of group we play in.”

Wenger had earlier been asked how he felt before a season with no Champions League football. “For us, it is a good opportunity to focus completely on the Premier League,” he replied.

The manager has signposted his intentions and it may be a popular move to give some of the club’s younger players – such as Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock – an opportunity in the Europa League. Wenger intends to sell a clutch of players, including Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy, Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs and Lucas Pérez, but his squad will remain extremely deep.

Wenger offered further insight into his feelings towards the Europa League when he said the winners ought not to be granted entry into the Champions League. He even revealed he had voted against the proposal, which came into force in the 2014-15 season. To him, a big club should not view the Europa League as a kind of insurance policy in terms of Champions League qualification.

“You cannot go into the season and think that,” Wenger said. “I was always against it [the Europa League winners qualifying for the Champions League] because, at some stage, it can influence the championship. If a team is in a position in April where they have more chance to win the Europa League, they can let some games go in the championship and not completely focus on the regularity of the competition.

“Apart from Manchester United last season, who won the Europa League [having started in the competition], all the years before it was always a team who was kicked out of the Champions League [that won it]. That’s why, when we voted in Geneva [for the route into the Champions League], I was always against it.”

Wenger’s numbers do not bear scrutiny. Since the format of the Europa League – then the Uefa Cup – was changed in 1999-2000, only seven clubs have lifted the trophy after dropping down from the Champions League. Arsenal almost won it in that first season, after entering through the Champions League, only to lose the final to Galatasaray on penalties.

Wenger’s team finished last season 18 points adrift of Chelsea but they showed in the FA Cup final they could get the better of them over 90 minutes. “Last year, Chelsea did not play in the European Cup and, certainly, they were a bit more consistent in the Premier League,” Wenger said. “In the final, we have shown that the gap was not as high, maybe. I expect Chelsea to fight for the championship again and for us, when we have made 75 points, as we did last season, the target is to get 10 points more. With 10 points more, you are in there.”

Wenger is still there, in situ at the Emirates Stadium after all of the uncertainty over his contract renewal last season, and he is gripped by that eternal optimism. “I am sorry I am still here,” he said, with a smile. “I can understand that you want to kill me but, at the moment, I survive.”

The Guardian Sport

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Messi Hat-Trick Equals Scoring Record as Argentina Dazzle Against Algeria

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Algeria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US - June 16, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Algeria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US - June 16, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
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Messi Hat-Trick Equals Scoring Record as Argentina Dazzle Against Algeria

Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Algeria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US - June 16, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)
Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group J - Argentina v Algeria - Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US - June 16, 2026 Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)

Lionel Messi scored a majestic hat-trick to equal the all-time World Cup scoring record, answering doubts about his influence at age 38 and firing up Argentina's title defense with a 3-0 Group J win over Algeria on Tuesday.

He drew level with Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16 goals in total and became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick — exactly 20 years to the day since his first goal at the global tournament.

The opening game in Group J at Kansas City Stadium saw another masterclass from the Argentina captain, who turns 39 later this month and was marking his 200th cap for his country as he became the first player to compete at six World Cups, and the oldest to score a hat-trick at the tournament.

He had the crowd celebrating what they thought was a dream start with a goal in the opening five minutes but it was chalked off for offside.

So it ‌felt inevitable that ‌it was the star forward who would rise to the moment for the raucous sea ‌of ⁠sky blue and ⁠white, with what seemed like every fan in the stands wearing a shirt bearing his name as he gave them another moment of magic.

Messi netted his first in the 17th minute when he collected a brilliant through ball from Rodrigo De Paul, who slipped a perfectly weighted pass between Algeria's back line.

Messi drove forward before unleashing a rocket from about 25 yards out that glanced off the fingertips of goalkeeper Luca Zidane -- son of France great Zinedine Zidane who was in the crowd -- and into the top-right corner.

He struck his second in the 60th minute when Alexis Mac Allister fired a low drive from 25 yards that Zidane fumbled badly, the ball spilling ⁠awkwardly off his chest and dropping invitingly for Messi, who guided it into the net.

"There ‌are no words to describe it," Mac Allister said of Messi's enduring brilliance. "I ‌think if anyone thought this team was better without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important player of all. ‌And that we have to build a team around him, where he feels comfortable."

Messi almost completed his hat-trick about five minutes ‌later, but Zidane leapt to push his shot over the bar, yet he did find the net again in the 76th minute with another blistering strike, teed up by substitute Nico Gonzalez.

'MAYBE THE BEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME'

"What makes the difference is they have a player who doesn’t forgive," Algerian defender Aissa Mandi said of Messi. "Almost every chance ends up in the back of the net.

"He’s a player, maybe the best ‌player of all time, so that’s his efficiency, and it’s formidable. We knew it, we tried to limit him as much as possible, but it didn’t work."

Algeria's Fares Chaibi ⁠had briefly celebrated what he thought ⁠was the opening goal a couple of minutes after Messi's disallowed effort, but it was also ruled offside.

Algeria fans screamed for a red card when Messi stepped on Mandi's calf in the first half, but there was no sanction against him.

Argentina are aiming to become the first men's team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.

They arrived wary, however, of another stumble, mindful of how their past two World Cup campaigns had begun with a shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and a frustrating draw with Iceland four years earlier.

Questions lingered too over this side's credentials, with Lionel Scaloni's team having gone years without facing European opposition until a 3-0 friendly win over Iceland last week, their first match against a European opponent since the last World Cup.

On Tuesday, however, those doubts were swept aside as the holders delivered a composed and authoritative performance that signaled they will again be a formidable force.

"While we had the experience of the last World Cup, where we started, perhaps not in the best way, and ended up winning, we know how important it is to start with a win, to gain confidence," Mac Allister said.

Argentina play Austria on Monday in Arlington, Texas, while Algeria face Jordan the same day in Santa Clara, California.

Sports

Arnold Sees Positives in Iraq’s Opening World Cup Loss to Norway

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold gives instructions from the side line during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold gives instructions from the side line during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)
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Arnold Sees Positives in Iraq’s Opening World Cup Loss to Norway

Iraq head coach Graham Arnold gives instructions from the side line during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)
Iraq head coach Graham Arnold gives instructions from the side line during the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)

Iraq coach Graham Arnold ‌urged his players not to lose heart after their 4-1 defeat by Norway in their World Cup opener on Tuesday and reminded them they have two more chances to get a victory that could put them through to the knockout rounds.

Norway's Erling Haaland opened the scoring in the 29th minute and while Aymen Hussein briefly levelled for Iraq, Haaland put his side back in front before halftime.

Leo Ostigard added a third in the 76th minute and Hussein's late own goal completed the scoring.

Iraq ‌are playing at ‌the World Cup for the first time ‌in ⁠40 years and ⁠Arnold said he was encouraged by their performance.

"We put good pressure on Norway," he said. "But a couple of mistakes against players at this level will always punish you. So we need to learn lessons from our mistakes."

The Australian said Norway's second goal, which came from a weak back pass to Iraq goalkeeper ⁠Jalal Hassan, was a turning point.

"It really probably ‌hurt the players mentally," said ‌Arnold. "I tried to pick them up and say it's the past, and ‌we've got to get over it."

Despite the defeat, Arnold ‌said Iraq remain firmly in contention to reach the knockout stage.

Norway lead Group I on goal difference, with France also on three points following a 3-1 victory over Senegal.

With the best third-placed sides also ‌able to advance under the World Cup's expanded 48-team format, Arnold said there was no reason ⁠to panic.

"We're ⁠in a group phase, there's nine points available," he said. "We've got to take all the positives out of today and get ourselves ready for the next game.

"There is still the opportunity for third spot. Three points should be enough to get you through."

Arnold also highlighted the contribution of Hussein, who endured an injury-hit season.

"For him to get through 90 minutes with that energy that he had, of course scoring the goal was fantastic," he said.

With France next up, Arnold called on supporters to stay behind the team.

"Be proud of the players," he said. "Keep supporting the boys and stay happy."

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Erling Haaland Scores Twice in World Cup Debut as Norway Tops Iraq 4-1

Norway's Erling Haaland (9) smiles as he leaves the pitch at the end of the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)
Norway's Erling Haaland (9) smiles as he leaves the pitch at the end of the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)
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Erling Haaland Scores Twice in World Cup Debut as Norway Tops Iraq 4-1

Norway's Erling Haaland (9) smiles as he leaves the pitch at the end of the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)
Norway's Erling Haaland (9) smiles as he leaves the pitch at the end of the World Cup Group I soccer match between Iraq and Norway in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 16, 2026. (AP)

Norway will go as far in this World Cup as Erling Haaland takes it.

In his tournament debut, he showed he’s more than up for that challenge.

Haaland scored two goals, including one off a defensive blunder, on Tuesday to propel Norway to a 4-1 victory over Iraq in Group I.

The Manchester City striker's 56th and 57th international goals came in Norway’s first appearance in the tournament since reaching the knockout round at the 1998 World Cup in France — two years before Haaland was born.

Haaland said he will do his best to meet the expectations he created with this performance.

“Of course I will try,” Haaland said. “It’s about continuing and don’t think too much. It’s difficult at this stage. But I’ll focus on (the) next (game) and of course be happy. But also stay calm.”

Norway coach Stale Solbakken said he had a feeling Haaland was ready after watching how loose he was in the team's last training session before the match.

“You could see that he lived up to the occasion,” Solbakken said. “The occasion wasn’t too big for him.”

Leo Ostigard scored in the 76th minute off a corner kick from Martin Odegaard. An own-goal by Iraq forward Aymen Hussein just before the final whistle completed Norway's scoring.

Hussein also scored for his team, an equalizer just nine minutes after Haaland’s first strike.

Haaland put the Norwegians in front for good just before halftime when he sneaked in front of a poor back pass to Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. Haaland beat Hassan to the ball, preempting his attempted clearance, and then used his shin to put the ball in the back of the net.

“It's one of those things. It happened,” Iraq coach Graham Arnold said. “It is what is and we have to learn from it.”

Haaland’s first goal, which came in the 29th minute, followed a cross into the box from David Moller Wolfe. Haaland slid and used his right heel to finish it off. It ignited waves of cheers from the Norway supporters, who dominated the stands clad in red as they broke out in synchronized Viking row chants.

Iraq, playing in the World Cup for just the second time after debuting in 1986, held its own with a sizable contingent of supporters that was mostly concentrated behind one of the goals.

That energy helped Iraq briefly get back into the game.

In the 38th minute, Amir Alammari corralled a ball on the baseline halfway between the left corner and the goal and fired a cross in front of the net. It eluded Norway’s defenders, allowing Hussein to punch a clean header that bounced under the hand of diving goalkeeper Orjan Nyland to even the score at 1-1.

It was Hussein’s 34th international goal. That includes his winning goal against Bolivia in Iraq’s final World Cup qualifying match in April that gave the country the last spot in the 48-team tournament field.

“It’s a proud moment to be back in the World Cup after 40 years. To lose 4-1, it hurts,” Iraq's Hussein Ali said.