After the first round of group-stage matches, the 2026 World Cup has already delivered exactly what FIFA hoped for from the expanded 48-team format: plenty of goals, several shocks, and a number of smaller nations proving they belong on the biggest stage.
Biggest stories from Matchday 1
Scotland’s dream start
One of the standout stories has been Scotland. Drawn into a difficult group with Brazil and Morocco, Scotland opened with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Haiti and suddenly sit top of Group C. Given Scotland’s long history of World Cup frustration, the result has generated enormous excitement among their supporters.
Germany make a statement
Germany produced the most emphatic result of the opening round, crushing Curaçao 7-1. While the opposition was among the tournament’s smaller nations, Germany’s attacking fluency immediately marked them out as one of the early favourites. (Never Manage Alone)
England entertain
England beat Croatia 4-2 in one of the tournament’s most entertaining games so far. Croatia repeatedly threatened, but England’s attacking quality—especially Harry Kane’s finishing—proved decisive. (https://england-2026.com/)
Surprising results involving major teams
Several traditional powers failed to win their opening matches:
- Brazil were held 1-1 by Morocco, a reminder that Morocco’s 2022 World Cup run was no fluke. (FOX Sports)
- Spain were surprisingly frustrated in a 0-0 draw with Cape Verde. (FIFA)
- Belgium could only draw 1-1 with Egypt.
- Portugal were held 1-1 by DR Congo, one of the tournament’s biggest upsets so far. (Bavarian Football Works)
- Uruguay and Saudi Arabia drew 1-1.
The result that probably raised the most eyebrows was Portugal’s draw. DR Congo not only earned a point but scored their first-ever World Cup goal, making it a historic night. (Bavarian Football Works)
Smaller nations stealing the spotlight
One of the joys of this tournament has been seeing emerging football nations compete fearlessly:
Australia
Australia defeated Turkey 2-0, a result few predicted beforehand. Their disciplined defending and clinical finishing put them in a strong position to advance. (Olympics)
South Korea
South Korea opened with a 2-1 win over Czechia and currently sit second in Group A. (FIFA)
Ghana
Ghana grabbed a dramatic late winner against Panama to begin Group L with three points. (Bavarian Football Works)
New Zealand
New Zealand earned a valuable 2-2 draw against Iran and surprisingly top Group G on goals scored.
Cape Verde
Holding Spain to a scoreless draw was one of the biggest surprises of the opening round and keeps Cape Verde firmly in contention. (FIFA)
Uzbekistan
Despite losing 3-1 to Colombia, World Cup debutants Uzbekistan impressed many observers, scoring their first World Cup goal and competing evenly for long stretches. (The Guardian)
Early Golden Boot race
After the first round of matches, several strikers have already put themselves at the front of the scoring charts:
| Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 3 |
| Harry Kane | England | 2 |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | 2 |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 2 |
| Folarin Balogun | USA | 2 |
| Luis Díaz | Colombia | 1 |
| Julián Álvarez and others | Various | 1 |
Messi’s hat-trick against Algeria gave him the outright lead after Matchday 1, while Kane, Mbappé, Haaland and Balogun are all well placed in pursuit.
Overall impression
The first round has been excellent for neutrals. The traditional heavyweights—Argentina, France, Germany and England—largely delivered, but the tournament’s early identity has been shaped by smaller nations earning results and refusing to be overawed. Scotland leading their group, Australia beating Turkey, DR Congo frustrating Portugal, and Cape Verde holding Spain are exactly the kinds of stories that make the World Cup special.
