The first round of the 48-team 2026 World Cup is complete, with every nation having played one group-stage match. Thursday opens the second round of group games after the final two groups began play on Wednesday. The opening slate brought goals, star turns, and several shocks, though the biggest surprises all came as draws rather than wins.
Winners
- Lionel Messi answered pre-tournament questions about his age and role with a hat trick against Algeria, moving into a tie for the most men's World Cup goals ever.
- United States men's national team opened with a 4-1 win over Paraguay, a result framed as progress toward a deep knockout run and growing soccer in the United States.
- New Zealand, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar avoided opening losses against favored opposition. New Zealand tied Iran, while Cape Verde drew Spain in what was billed as the shock of the first round.
Losers
- Cristiano Ronaldo was largely invisible in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Congo DR. The 41-year-old touched the ball 25 times in a full match, took three shots without putting any on target, and on one attempt appeared to take what looked like an easy goal from teammate Bruno Fernandes. Questions now surround whether Roberto Martinez could bench Ronaldo at a World Cup, as Fernando Santos did before him.
- Tunisia coach Sabri Lamouchi was sacked after a 5-1 loss to Sweden. Goalkeeper Mouhib Chamakh, a surprise starter Lamouchi backed, made an error for the opening goal. Hervé Renard has since taken over.
- Turkey captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu set expectations high before a 2-0 loss to Australia in Turkey's first World Cup match in 24 years.
Çalhanoğlu declared that his team would "dominate" the Socceroos ahead of the match. After the defeat, he still insisted Turkey had dominated despite the scoreline.
