Concerns that a bigger FIFA World Cup would mean a weaker tournament have been put to rest, as this year’s competition has delivered some genuinely exciting soccer through its opening weeks.
Teams making their first-ever World Cup appearances have turned heads with strong performances, while several of the tournament’s traditional favorites have found themselves in unexpected trouble.
One of the standout moments came when Cape Verde scored against Uruguay, with midfielder Kevin Pina finding the net for his team’s first goal during a match played in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday. The two sides ended up splitting the points in a 2-2 draw — a result that would have seemed unlikely to many before the tournament began.
The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup has continued to build momentum heading into its second week, with fans and analysts taking note of how competitive the expanded field has turned out to be.
