The 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a memorable opening week, with the tournament making history on multiple fronts as matches kicked off across three host nations.
This marks the first time the world’s premier soccer tournament has been spread across three countries. Mexico got things started on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — a stadium that made its own history by becoming the first venue to host three World Cup opening matches.
The tournament also broke new ground by expanding its field to 48 teams, a significant jump from the 32 that competed in 2022. The addition of 16 more nations drew criticism ahead of the event, with skeptics questioning whether smaller soccer nations truly belonged on the world stage.
Those smaller nations answered their critics emphatically. Cape Verde stunned powerhouse Spain to a scoreless draw, largely thanks to the extraordinary play of goalkeeper Vozinha. His saves spread rapidly across social media, turning him into an overnight sensation.
The sport’s elite players also made their presence felt. France’s Kylian Mbappe netted two goals against Senegal on June 16, surpassing Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time leading scorer. His achievement briefly moved him ahead of Argentina’s Lionel Messi on the all-time World Cup goals list — but Messi responded hours later by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, reminding the world why, even at 38 years old, he remains the greatest of all time.
Here is a look at some of the standout moments from the opening round of group play.
Mexico vs. South Africa
Co-host Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in a fiery match that set a festive tone despite featuring three red cards.
South Korea vs. Czech Republic
In Guadalajara, South Korea’s fluid style of play outshone the Czech Republic’s more physical approach. South Korea benefited from a partisan crowd, though noticeable gaps in the stadium seating were visible throughout the match.
Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Canada’s opening ceremony featured dancers in the national colors of red and white, a performance by Michael Bublé, and what appeared to be a wardrobe malfunction involving a figure on a giant inflatable World Cup trophy. On the field, a late equalizer gave Canada their first-ever point at a World Cup, sending fans across the country into celebration.
USA vs. Paraguay
The United States opened their tournament in style, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles — the highest scoring margin ever recorded by the U.S. in a World Cup match. Fans celebrated from coast to coast.
Qatar vs. Switzerland
A goal deep into stoppage time from Boualem Khoukhi earned Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup, their first-ever World Cup point. Fans in maroon filled the stands, matching the seat colors of the Santa Clara venue.
Brazil vs. Morocco
Morocco, who reached the semifinals in 2022, continued to challenge soccer’s traditional elite, holding five-time champions Brazil to a draw. Brazil’s performance left their supporters uneasy.
Haiti vs. Scotland
Scotland’s famously enthusiastic Tartan Army charmed the city of Boston with their humor, spirit, and bagpipes. A 1-0 win over Haiti — competing in their first World Cup since 1974 — brought cheers, though fans acknowledged more difficult tests lay ahead.
Australia vs. Turkey
Turkey’s dismissive comments ahead of the match only seemed to fuel Australia’s determination. The Australians made the most of their opportunities, spoiling Turkey’s return to World Cup competition after a 24-year absence.
Germany vs. Curaçao
Germany won convincingly, but the real joy for Curaçao fans came when their team scored its first-ever World Cup goal. Curaçao holds the distinction of being the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, with a population barely twice the seating capacity of the Houston stadium where the match was held.
Netherlands vs. Japan
The Netherlands, dressed in their signature orange, created a striking visual contrast in the Arlington, Texas stadium. Japan’s supporters, meanwhile, drew widespread admiration for their tradition of cleaning up the stands after the match, using their blue trash bags as balloons to cheer on their team.
Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador
Ecuador supporters flooded Philadelphia for their team’s opener against Ivory Coast. Many Ivory Coast fans were unable to make the trip due to U.S. visa restrictions. Despite the crowd disadvantage, Ivory Coast claimed a 1-0 victory, ending Ecuador’s 19-game unbeaten run.
Sweden vs. Tunisia
Sweden rolled past Tunisia 5-1 in a high-scoring match held in Monterrey, Mexico.
Spain vs. Cape Verde
Goalkeeper Josimar Jose Evora Dias — known as Vozinha — put on a breathtaking performance, repeatedly denying one of the tournament’s top-ranked teams. The 40-year-old keeper’s heroics went viral, and he was moved to tears as teammates swarmed him at the final whistle.
Belgium vs. Egypt
Egypt, whose squad includes high-profile players Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, came out determined to prove their worth. They took an early lead against Belgium in a match that ultimately finished as a draw.
Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay
Uruguay, the first-ever World Cup champion back in 1930, could only manage a draw against Saudi Arabia, thanks in large part to a standout performance from Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Alowais.
Iran vs. New Zealand
Iran’s opener in Los Angeles carried significant off-field drama. The city is home to the largest Iranian community outside of Iran, and Iranian Americans were divided — some choosing to support their national team, others using the occasion to protest the government in Tehran by displaying the flag of pre-revolutionary Iran.
France vs. Senegal
Kylian Mbappe delivered a second-half turnaround as France overcame a flat first half to beat Senegal. His two goals moved him past Olivier Giroud as France’s all-time top scorer in international play.
Iraq vs. Norway
Erling Haaland, appearing in his first-ever World Cup, scored twice as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1. He celebrated with his well-known yoga pose, which he has said brings him a sense of calm.
Argentina vs. Algeria
Lionel Messi, who lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022 in what many believed would be his final chance, returned four years later and showed no signs of slowing down. He scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria before an ecstatic crowd.
Jordan vs. Austria
Fans in Vienna gathered in a coffee house to watch Austria defeat Jordan 3-1. It was Jordan’s debut appearance at the World Cup.
Portugal vs. Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo turned heads even before kickoff, arriving at Houston’s airport in sharp suits adorned with leopard print details. On the pitch, they held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, made his own fashion statement, wearing a shiny earring during the pre-match warm-up.
England vs. Croatia
Harry Kane added two more goals to his World Cup total in England’s opening match. The game featured a missed penalty, a retaken spot kick after the Croatian goalkeeper was found to have moved off his line, and two Croatian equalizers before England pulled away for a 4-2 victory.
Ghana vs. Panama
Rain fell steadily in Toronto, but it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of fans watching Ghana edge Panama 1-0 on a late goal.
Uzbekistan vs. Colombia
Colombia closed out the first round of group stage matches as heavy favorites, playing before a largely Colombian crowd at the Azteca. They delivered despite some nervy moments, beating debut side Uzbekistan 3-1.
