The biggest World Cup in history is now well underway, and it’s wasted no time in living up to its billing. Spread across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the expanded 48-team tournament has already produced everything from record-breaking performances to shock results. With the group stage in full swing, here’s everything you need to know about what’s happened in North America so far.
The Tournament Started with a Bang
Mexico opened the tournament as one of the co-hosts, and they delivered in style by defeating South Africa 2-0 at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City in what was a complete performance. It was a fitting beginning to a tournament that made it clear this would be a competition like no other. Across the opening matches, the established powers of Argentina, France, Germany, England and Colombia laid down early markers, while underdogs like Qatar, Australia, Cape Verde and DR Congo proved they can compete with the best on their day.
Messi, Mbappe and Haaland Announce Themselves
If there was a single day that defined the tournament’s opening week, it was June 16. France got their World Cup campaign underway, with football betting online having them as one of the favourites to go all the way. Kylian Mbappe scored an impressive brace in a 3-1 victory over Senegal. Erling Haaland then made his bow at a major tournament, scoring two goals in a 4-1 win over Iraq for Norway.
Argentina got their title defence off to a great start thanks to a record-breaking Lionel Messi hat-trick. Their game against Algeria ended 3-0, with Messi, at 38 years and 357 days, now the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup. The records tumbled over a 24-hour period, with Mbappe now France’s all-time top scorer, and Messi level with Miroslav Klose on total goals scored at World Cups.
Favourites, Upsets, and the New Format
Germany wasted no time in setting the standard at the tournament. They produced the biggest win of the opening round, defeating Curacao 7-1 and instantly putting the rest of the competition on notice. England also lived up to their billing as contenders, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham starring in the Three Lions’ 4-2 win over Croatia.
Not everything went as expected, however. Portugal, and their star-studded team, could only manage a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Cristiano Ronaldo led the line for his country and played the full game, but was ineffective throughout. Spain, who started the tournament as favourites, drew with unfancied Cape Verde, a reminder that even the best sides don’t have a divine right to win.
The first set of games also showed that African nations could enjoy a great tournament, with Morocco once again impressing. They drew 1-1 with Brazil, in a match where they dominated for long periods. They made the semi-finals in 2022.
What’s Next
The first round of games at the 2026 World Cup only reveals the first part of the picture. Teams that have recorded positive results already are now in a position to go on and qualify for the Round of 32, while the nations that haven’t picked up the points they’re looking for as yet still have time to make amends. Therefore, the second round of fixtures should be even more interesting than the first with what’s at stake.
