Argentina also gave South America its first win of the tournament, with Lionel Messi delivering a record-tying hat trick in a victory over Algeria.
The day marked a sharp turn from the early group-stage pattern, when Asian teams had gone unbeaten and South American sides had failed to win.
France opened Group I with a 3-1 win over Senegal at New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The victory allowed France, World Cup finalists in 2018 and 2022, to protect their status as one of Europe’s strongest sides against the recent Africa Cup of Nations runners-up.
Senegal were aggressive in the first half and created several dangerous moments, but France took control after the break.
Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring in the 66th minute after being set up by Michael Olise.
Bradley Barcola doubled France’s lead in the 82nd minute, only two minutes after coming on as a substitute.
The brace underlined why France remain one of the tournament favorites.
Norway followed with an even more emphatic result, beating Iraq 4-1 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
It was Norway’s first World Cup match in 28 years, and Erling Haaland made his tournament debut count with two goals.
Haaland scored the opener in the 29th minute, sliding in to finish a cross from David Moller Wolfe with his heel.
Iraq briefly fought back when Aymen Hussein equalized nine minutes later, giving the team a moment of hope in its first World Cup appearance since 1986.
But Haaland restored Norway’s lead before halftime after pouncing on a poor back pass and beating goalkeeper Jalal Hassan to the ball.
Iraq entered the tournament as one of the last teams to qualify through the inter-confederation playoff route, and the gap in quality was clear against a Norway side whose attacking power makes it stronger than its FIFA ranking might suggest.
Argentina then became the first South American team to win at this World Cup, cruising past Algeria 3-0 at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
Messi, playing in a record-setting sixth World Cup at the age of 38, scored all three goals.
He opened the scoring in the 17th minute, added a second early in the second half and completed his first World Cup hat trick in the 76th minute.
The three goals took Messi to 16 career World Cup goals, drawing him level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose for the all-time tournament scoring record.
The win also eased Argentina into its title defense and ended South America’s wait for a victory after Brazil, Paraguay, Ecuador and Uruguay all failed to win their opening matches.
Austria completed Europe’s perfect day with a 3-1 victory over Jordan at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Romano Schmid put Austria ahead in the 21st minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Jordan, making its World Cup debut, refused to fade and equalized early in the second half through Ali Olwan.
The goal gave Jordan its first-ever World Cup goal and reflected a spirited performance from a team that caused Austria problems with its pace and direct attacks.
Austria regained the lead in the 76th minute when a corner from Marcel Sabitzer went in off Yazan Al Arab, the FC Seoul defender anchoring Jordan’s back line.
The result gave Austria its first World Cup victory in 36 years and strengthened its position in Group J.
For Asia, the day brought an abrupt end to a strong early run.
South Korea and Australia had won their openers, while Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran had all drawn, but Iraq and Jordan both lost despite flashes of resistance.
Africa also endured a difficult day, with Senegal and Algeria both beaten after Egypt, Morocco, Cape Verde and Ivory Coast had earlier shown that African sides could trouble more established opponents.
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