Paris Olympics Kick Off with Thrilling Soccer Matches

The Paris Olympics kicked off with soccer matches featuring Spain, Argentina, and Uzbekistan. Spain faced Uzbekistan in Paris, while Argentina took on Morocco in Saint-Étienne. Fans celebrated across the city as Spain scored the first goal. Additional matches and events, including rugby sevens, commenced ahead of the opening ceremony.

Competitions at the Paris Olympics officially began with players kicking off at soccer matches involving Spain and Argentina in Paris and Saint-Etienne on Wednesday.

Spain took on Uzbekistan at Parc des Princes in western Paris — once the home of French striker Kylian Mbappé when he played for Paris Saint-Germain.

Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov had the honor of kicking off the match. Shomurodov, who played for Italian side Cagliari in Serie A last season and has scored 40 goals for his country, passed the ball back to a teammate and then applauded. FIFA president Gianni Infantino met players before the game.

Spain right back Marc Pubill scored the first goal in the 29th minute.

Argentina, playing without Lionel Messi, also began their campaign at 3 p.m. against Morocco in Saint-Étienne's Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, known as Le Chaudron for its passionate atmosphere. Outside, fans mingled and two Argentina supporters held a flag with a photo of the late Diego Maradona.

Meanwhile, around 150 Uzbekistan fans gathered near Parc des Princes, waving flags and singing songs as they made their way to the stadium. The atmosphere was festive with fans chanting even louder after Pubill scored.

Security measures were increased later in the evening as Israel faced Mali amid ongoing tensions in Gaza.

Eight soccer matches took place Wednesday. The rugby sevens also saw 12 matches, starting with Australia vs Samoa and later featuring host France against the United States at Stade de France. Archery and handball also began their preliminary rounds on Thursday.