Running analysis of the World Cup group stage

Our soccer writers share their observations and insights throughout the 2026 World Cup. Tap here to see the full World Cup knockout bracket and every team's path to the final.

Saturday, June 27

The biggest group stage in World Cup history has come to an end, and the expanded 48-team format passed its first test. However, the model still isn't perfect. As we get ready for the knockout stage, let's break down the positives and negatives from the tournament's first phase.

The good

➡️ Talent gap not an issue

Heading into the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams, fans were concerned about the quality of the games with 16 extra nations joining the field. But lowering the qualifying bar didn't negatively impact the final product.

The tournament has been filled with thrilling games, and lesser-known teams like Curacao and Cape Verde were not an issue. In fact, the two smallest countries ever in the men's World Cup actually provided great stories. Cape Verde - led by fan favorite 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha - drew with Spain and Uruguay and is moving on to the knockouts. Curacao played some slick football even in a strong group. Elsewhere, DR Congo tied Portugal and finished as the best third-place team in the tournament. South Africa was Group A's runner-up, to the surprise of many.

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Of course, we saw unimpressive teams in action. But that's something we see every four years at the World Cup, no matter how many countries are in it. Several new nations proved that they belong on soccer's main stage, at least for a couple of weeks.

➡️ High scoring

There were 215 goals scored in 72 games throughout the group stage, good for an incredible average of 2.98 per game. A World Cup hasn't had an average goals per match over 2.90 since 1970. There were only seven 0-0 games, and even some of those (Spain-Cape Verde, Portugal-Colombia) were pretty entertaining.

➡️ Larger knockout stage

With eight third-place teams reaching the knockout stage in the World Cup's expanded field, each group-stage game mattered more. Senegal qualified for the round of 32 with only three points. In previous World Cups, a team that entered its group finale already with two losses didn't really have a chance to move on. That wasn't the case this year.

➡️ Bonus: Superstars delivered

Perhaps the main reason for high-scoring and entertaining matches was the superstars stepping up day after day. World-class playmakers such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., Harry Kane, and Cristiano Ronaldo, among others, have all had their moments and elevated the World Cup to an even greater level.

What still needs work

➡️ Disadvantage for some 3rd-place teams

The inclusion of third-place teams in the knockout stage made each game more relevant and essentially gave every team a chance. But the format still isn't perfect. Some third-place teams, specifically the ones that played first, were at a disadvantage. Let's use Algeria and Iran as examples.

Iran accumulated three points with a goal difference of zero after drawing its group finale Friday. Algeria played Saturday, and it entered its bout versus Austria already aware that it needed a win or tie to reach the round of 32 at Iran's expense. An Algeria loss would've sent Iran to the next round. The Group J finale - arguably the tournament's best game so far - ended 3-3, with both Austria (second place) and Algeria (third place) advancing. Playing at a later date, with the qualifying scenarios already in place, can make a big difference.

➡️ Hydration breaks too long?

We can't recap this group stage and not talk about the hydration breaks. Fans despise the three-minute mandatory stoppage in play enforced halfway through each half. The breaks take place regardless of the playing conditions and have given broadcasting networks another prime opportunity to show advertisements during their match coverage. The game-changing stoppage is also an opportunity for coaches to adjust their teams and tactics and potentially kill the opponents' momentum.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently said he'll consider using hydration breaks at future World Cups. FIFA wants - and needs - to make more money as it keeps expanding its biggest tournament. But if cooling breaks are here to stay, let's at least reduce them to two minutes. It could benefit all parties involved. - Caio Miari

Friday, June 26

Bad to worse for Uruguay

Uruguay fell well short of expectations in its first two group-stage matches this year, dropping points against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia. But La Celeste still entered their Group H finale with Spain with a realistic chance of advancing to the knockout stage. Then, things went from bad to worse.

Uruguay played another ugly game and suffered a 1-0 loss to crash out early at international soccer's biggest tournament. Spain's winning goal came on a costly blunder from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. It was his third error leading to goals in this year's tournament, the most in a single World Cup since 1966, according to ESPN.

The 40-year-old Muslera, whose presence in the starting XI was already very questionable to begin with, was replaced at halftime at his request, head coach Marcelo Bielsa said after the match. Muslera, a World Cup hero for Uruguay in 2010, is a national team icon (he ranks third in caps for his country) but this was one tournament too far for the veteran netminder.

Real Madrid star Federico Valverde was another key Uruguayan who underachieved in North America this summer. His explosiveness and presence in the midfield were nowhere to be found, and he was even subbed off early in the second half to the displeasure of many fans (and himself).

Bielsa's in-game substitutions and head-scratching lineup decisions may not be the team's only issues, though. Local media reports state that there was tension inside Uruguay's World Cup camp, with multiple team leaders - including Valverde - apparently complaining about Bielsa's training methods for being too intense.

Uruguay was seen as a lock to advance in Group H before the start of the tournament. Not only is the team going home early, but La Celeste may be looking at a full rebuild for the 2030 World Cup cycle, starting with a major change on the sideline. - Caio Miari

Can anyone actually beat France?

It shouldn't come as a surprise that France has confirmed its status as the favorite in North America this summer. Owners of the tournament's most talented squad, Les Bleus dominated for most of the group stage, winning their three games while scoring 10 goals. Their most recent victim was Norway, with Ousmane Dembele posting a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory in Boston on Friday.

Excluding the first half versus Senegal, France hasn't really given its opponents a chance. And even in that game, Didier Deschamps' side managed to flip the switch easily in the second half to come away with a statement triumph. Kylian Mbappe already has four goals in this year's tournament. Dembele has scored four times, too. Michael Olise is averaging an assist per game.

France's talent and depth up front are jaw-dropping. Remember: standouts such as Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki aren't even full-time starters on this team.

We have to wonder if any country has an actual shot at beating France. As Group I winners, Les Bleus' path to the semifinals could include Sweden in the round of 32, Germany in the round of 16, and Morocco or the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Given what we've seen in the group stage, France would be the overwhelming favorite in each of those. Things would get a lot more interesting in a potential semifinal against Spain, but the Spanish still need to take care of business in a tricky Group H finale versus Uruguay. If La Roja doesn't win its group, it'll land on the other side of the bracket.

South American giants Brazil and Argentina are also potential challenges for France. However, Deschamps' men wouldn't meet either until the final. Plus, Les Bleus are a tier ahead of the Brazilians right now. Though Argentina beat France in an epic 2022 World Cup final, it took a dramatic shootout. And France looks even stronger this time around.

We've seen crazy upsets throughout the years. On paper, France's 2026 squad might be the most talented at the World Cup since Brazil's legendary 2006 roster. Still, the Brazilians didn't even make it to the semininals that year. While other star-studded tournament favorites have struggled with chemistry or locker room distractions in the past, Les Bleus cruised past the group stage and have shown no signs of slowing down. - Caio Miari

Norway-France is cinema

Who needs Erling Haaland versus Kylian Mbappe?

Norway rested its superstar striker for Friday's Group I decider against France. That threatened to take the air out of the balloon, as it robbed everyone of a highly anticipated Golden Boot showdown.

Not to worry, Ousmane Dembele came to the rescue.

The Ballon d'Or holder scored two brilliant early goals in Boston, and then completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute. His second tally was the pick of the bunch:

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Dembele is the third player to score a hat-trick at this summer's World Cup after Lionel Messi and Jonathan David. He's the first player to score a treble in the first half of a World Cup match since Oleg Salenko accomplished the feat for Russia in 1994. There's just something about playing in the U.S., it seems.

We're getting the goals we all expected out of this game, just not from the primary sources we might've thought coming in.

That shows you the absurd attacking riches at France's disposal; the Ballon d'Or winner isn't even viewed as the team's main scoring threat. How do you stop this team? - Gianluca Nesci

Thursday, June 25

No reason for USMNT to panic

A heavily rotated lineup failed to keep the good vibes (and perfect record) rolling for the United States at the 2026 World Cup, falling 3-2 to Turkiye in the team's group stage finale Thursday night.

There's understandable disappointment in the aftermath of the last-gasp defeat. The Americans had an opportunity to go unbeaten in the group for only the second time ever (the first time was in 1930, when they only played two group matches at the inaugural tournament).

But Mauricio Pochettino's insistence that the setback was, essentially, no big deal is largely correct. (Describing his team's critics as "petty" and "sad" was a bit of a stretch, but managers love to be dramatic about these things, and the pressure of the World Cup only makes them more high-strung.) Ultimately, the result had no impact on the standings - the U.S. had already secured top spot in the group - and it gave the team's depth players valuable minutes ahead of the knockout stage.

Perhaps most importantly, it also gave star man Christian Pulisic a relatively low-stakes environment in which to work his way back from a calf injury. Pulisic looked dynamic after coming off the bench in the second half, whizzing around in the attacking third and nearly scoring in his return from a one-game absence.

There are things to clean up, especially defensively, going into the knockouts and a last-32 matchup against a physical and imposing Bosnia and Herzegovina side. But many of the issues against Turkiye - like gaps between the lines and ineffective pressing - will be rectified by simply putting the team's (now rested) starters back on the pitch.

Matching fellow co-host Mexico with a perfect start to the tournament would've been a nice bonus, but the USA remains on track for a deep run. - Gianluca Nesci

A dangerous 3rd-place team

Ecuador secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Germany on Thursday after Gonzalo Plata scored the winner to seal a comeback victory in the 77th minute. With the triumph, La Tri will reach the World Cup's next round as one of the eight third-place finishers, marking only the nation's second appearance in the tournament's knockout stage.

Ecuador entered its Group E finale with just one point. A draw with Germany would've eliminated the South American side.

But things can change very quickly at the World Cup. All of a sudden, Ecuador might just be the scariest third-place finisher out there.

Sebastian Beccacece's men are hard to break down; they allowed only five goals in 18 games during their World Cup qualifying matches. They conceded just two in the group stage. However, scoring has been a major issue, with Ecuador entering Thursday with zero goals versus Ivory Coast and Curacao. Then, La Tri stormed back against a solid Germany team to score twice and gain a lot of momentum going into the knockout stage.

Ecuador will face a group winner next with increased morale, fresh off an inspiring win over a World Cup powerhouse, and could give any knockout opponent a run for its money moving forward. Beccacece's side has always been considered a potential dark horse this summer. It just needed things to click. It took longer than Ecuadorian fans wanted, but the team got the job done when it mattered the most. - Caio Miari

Wednesday, June 25

Vini carrying Brazil

For Brazil to accomplish anything of note at this World Cup, Vinicius Junior always needed to be the main man. Carlo Ancelotti's team is disjointed and lacking in certain areas, but Vini, when at his best, can make up for that alone.

He's doing exactly that so far.

The Real Madrid winger scored a brace in the first half of Brazil's win over Scotland on Wednesday, taking his tally to four goals at the tournament and putting him right in the Golden Boot conversation.

Jairzinho, Romario, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo are the only other Brazilians to score in each of their first three games at a men's World Cup. Rarefied air.

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With fellow forward Raphinha now nursing an injury that threatens to rule him out of the remainder of the tournament, the burden on Vinicius to power the Selecao attack is increased. He's handling the pressure brilliantly so far in the group stage. Can he keep it up? - Gianluca Nesci

Injuries take toll on Canada

If you offered most Canadians a first-ever berth in the World Cup knockout round going into this summer's event, they would've taken it, no questions asked about how it came to fruition.

But after finishing second in Group B following Wednesday's 2-1 defeat to Switzerland in Vancouver, there's more than a hint of regret and disappointment. Canada absolutely could've won its group and grabbed the reward of a home knockout match that would've come with that.

In the end, the collection of key injuries finally came back to hurt Jesse Marsch's team. Canada has done an exceptional job making up for extended absences of its star player (Alphonso Davies) and best center-back (Moise Bombito). But the tournament-ending broken leg suffered by Ismael Kone versus Qatar created a big hole in midfield - even though Nathan Saliba played well against Switzerland and created Canada's goal with an exquisite piece of play - and a lingering muscle injury that forced vice-captain Stephen Eustaquio out of the starting lineup Wednesday compounded the issue.

Until a rousing final push late in the match (after Eustaquio came off the bench), Canada struggled to have much control against Granit Xhaka and the Swiss, who possessed the ball and dictated play.

At a certain point, pure grit, determination, good vibes, and home advantage can only propel you so far. If anything, it's a huge testament to the work of the squad and staff that Canada has been this good while missing so many vital players.

But when we're talking about the elite level of the international game, where the margins are so small, you simply need your best players available. Kone is obviously done for the tournament. Canada needs Davies, Bombito, and Eustaquio, even though they're clearly not 100%, to ensure this run extends beyond just a single knockout match. - Gianluca Nesci

Tuesday, June 23

CR7 joins the party

Remember when Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't score and didn't look anything like himself at the 2026 World Cup? We don't.

The Portugal captain clapped back at his critics with a standout performance in Tuesday's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, scoring twice to help his country claim its first victory at this year's tournament. It was a proper response to last week's disappointing 1-1 draw.

After a quiet tournament-opening performance, Ronaldo had 33 touches and seven shots (five on target) against Uzbekistan. Portugal once again dominated ball possession (66%), but Roberto Martinez's men were more efficient this time, finishing the day with 16 shots.

The 41-year-old Ronaldo is now the only man to score in six different World Cups. No other Portuguese player has more goals at the quadrennial event than his 10. The Al-Nassr striker is also both the youngest and oldest scorer for Portugal at the men's World Cup.

In a tournament with so many superstars delivering consistently, Ronaldo's listless outing last week made things feel somewhat incomplete. But he's officially arrived in North America, and he did it in grand style. Up next for Portugal - now with renewed hope - is an exciting Group K finale against Colombia. - Caio Miari

Monday, June 22

Greatest Golden Boot race ever?

Erling Haaland clearly took note of respective braces from Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe on Monday. You just knew he was going to respond and get in on the fun.

The Norwegian hitman matched his peers with a double of his own in Monday night's win over Senegal, scoring twice in quick succession in the second half. Haaland, playing in his first World Cup, now has four goals in two outings, equaling Mbappe's total at this summer's tournament. Messi, of course, is one ahead of them both, and is the current all-time leader with 18 World Cup markers to his name.

At this rate, Haaland is also going to put himself in that conversation soon enough. He's now racked up 59 goals in just 52 games for his country, and he's found the net in 12 consecutive contests for Norway. How do you stop such an insatiable, red-hot scoring machine? (Hint: You don't.)

"It's my specialty to score goals," Haaland said after Monday's match. "I'm just really good at scoring goals."

Good thing for Norway, because the Scandinavian side needs every last Haaland goal it can get to succeed at this World Cup.

Norway is one of the most entertaining teams to watch, but Stale Solbakken's men have proven susceptible defensively. They gave up several quality chances in their opening win over Iraq before conceding two goals in Monday's thrilling 3-2 triumph over Senegal. The African outfit actually had the better of the play overall, but Haaland's prowess inside the penalty area made the difference.

Next up is a showdown with France and Mbappe that will determine who wins Group I. The superstar forwards have been going toe-to-toe in the Golden Boot race at the competition thus far, and now they'll clash directly in a tantalizing game that many had circled when the draw was first made. Buckle up, everyone. This could be an all-timer. - Gianluca Nesci

Mbappe makes it rain

Kylian Mbappe isn't going to let Lionel Messi pull away unchallenged.

Mere hours after Messi notched a brace to break the all-time World Cup scoring record - the Argentine now stands alone with 18 tournament goals - Mbappe responded with his 15th and 16th career World Cup tallies to trim the deficit to his former club teammate.

Mbappe unleashed a wicked strike early against Iraq to mark his 100th international cap for Les Bleus, and then pounced on a horrible defensive mix up for one of the easiest goals of his career in the second half after the match was delayed for over two hours due to severe weather in Philadelphia.

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Mbappe is now level with Miroslav Klose for second on the men's all-time World Cup scoring list, though the Frenchman has hit 16 goals in only 16 matches (the ex-Germany striker needed 24 games to reach the same total).

Mbappe is the first French player to score multiple goals in three consecutive men's World Cup games, going back to the 2022 final in Qatar - where he recorded a hat-trick - and now France's opening two outings this summer.

Messi is the only man in history with more World Cup goals than Mbappe. The race is truly on, and figures to go back-and-forth all tournament long this summer. Could it culminate with another meeting in the World Cup final after the spectacular matchup four years ago? - Gianluca Nesci

Penalty woes can't stop Messi

Lionel Messi is widely considered the greatest footballer in history.

He's the all-time World Cup leader in goals (18) and assists (eight) and he's created more chances than any player in tournament history. He owns dozens of records, some of which may never be broken or even challenged.

The one thing he's somehow not elite at on a football pitch? Penalties.

Messi shanked a terrible spot-kick wide of the goal in Monday's match against Austria with his first golden opportunity to set the tournament's all-time scoring record. He's now failed to convert three of his seven World Cup penalties in his career, more than any other player.

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Naturally, he found the net later in the half with a prototypical left-footed strike to break his tie with Miroslav Klose for the all-time tournament scoring lead. He added another late in the contest, because ... why not? No harm, no foul in the end.

Perhaps it all worked out for the best.

Goals all count the same - Messi scored from the penalty spot in the 2022 World Cup final, after all - but there's something that just feels right about Messi setting the new benchmark from open play with the kind of tally that we've seen so many times throughout his legendary career. - Gianluca Nesci

Sunday, June 21

Yamal sparks Spain's attack

It turns out the concerns about Spain were, in fact, a little premature.

The pretournament favorite bounced back from its shocking goalless draw against Cape Verde by steamrolling Saudi Arabia 4-0 on Sunday. To the surprise of absolutely nobody, Lamine Yamal's insertion back into the starting lineup made an enormous difference.

The 18-year-old, still not 100% fit as he works his way back from a hamstring injury, only played 45 minutes in Atlanta, but his impact was obvious. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute with his first career World Cup goal, constantly stretched the Saudi defense to create openings for his teammates, and turned multiple opponents inside-out with his dazzling dribbling ability. As Yamal gets closer to full fitness during the tournament, he'll only get better, which is a frightening thought for every other contender.

Yamal's presence wasn't the only thing that jolted Spain's attack back to life, however.

Starting Dani Olmo in a No. 10 role created more space for Pedri and Rodri to get on the ball in midfield; Alex Baena is a far better fit than Gavi on the left wing; Pedro Porro provides more width at right-back than Marcos Llorente. Yes, there's the obvious caveat that the team faced Saudi Arabia - much stiffer tests await - but Luis de la Fuente's lineup changes worked like a charm. Spain scoring three goals in the opening 25 minutes and putting the game to bed early also allowed Yamal to come off at halftime and continue his recovery without taking additional risks.

The reigning European champion had 72% of the ball in the first half to go along with 17 shot attempts. La Roja look like themselves again. - Gianluca Nesci

Friday, June 19

No Pulisic, no problem

The United States advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday despite missing star forward and creative force Christian Pulisic, who sat out the encounter with a calf issue.

Mauricio Pochettino had several options to replace his best player in the lineup. Brenden Aaronson could've provided industry; Tim Weah would've brought more traditional wing play; Gio Reyna could recreate some of Pulisic's creativity in the final third. In the end, he opted for striker Ricardo Pepi, who teamed up with Folarin Balogun up front.

It was an interesting choice considering the two have barely played together under Pochettino's watch. It didn't yield the same kind of explosive results that the Pulisic-Balogun combo did in the dominant opener against Paraguay, but it did allow Balogun to take up some different positions on the pitch because Pepi could play through the middle. That's precisely how the Americans opened the scoring, with Balogun drifting into the left channel and using his pace to surge into the box and create Australia's early own goal.

The U.S. was also able to press high with two strikers and pin Australia deep. Aussie manager Tony Popovic's bewildering decision not to start Nestory Irankunda certainly helped in that area. It severely hampered Australia, as the Socceroos posed no threat in transition that could keep the high-pressing Americans honest. Considering Tim Ream's obvious physical limitations, which Irankunda exposed after coming on in the second half, Popovic's move is even more confusing in hindsight.

That doesn't diminish the United States' win, though. Taking care of business without your best player is no small feat. Just ask Spain what it was like trying to break down Cape Verde without a fully fit Lamine Yamal.

The USA might not even have to play Pulisic in its final group match; Paraguay's win over Turkiye later on Friday means the Americans have already mathematically secured top spot in Group D.

Pulisic can now continue to recover at his own pace ahead of a favorable matchup in the round of 32 - the U.S. will go to Santa Clara, California, on July 1 for a knockout meeting against one of the third-place finishers that advances. Much can still change as the groups unfold, but the United States' most likely opponent right now appears to be Bosnia and Herzegovina. Things are falling into place nicely for the co-host. - Gianluca Nesci

Thursday, June 18

Canada's bittersweet victory

It wasn't supposed to be like this.

Canada's maiden win at a men's World Cup was supposed to be a purely joyous occasion that would give the players, the program, and the supporters a long-awaited emotional release. All of that did still happen during (and after) Canada's dizzying 6-0 destruction of Qatar in Vancouver, but the historic triumph is tinged with regret after vital midfielder Ismael Kone suffered a gruesome broken leg early in the second half.

In many ways, Kone is the epitome of everything this Canadian team represents: young and ascendant, entertaining, and, by Jesse Marsch's own admission, imperfect. He's Canada's best and most dynamic midfielder, and this tournament should (and likely would) have been his announcement to the world that he's on the path to stardom.

Instead, he'll serve as an emotional rallying point for his teammates, who were clearly devastated at the sight of their injured compatriot; in that sense, it's not unlike what happened with Tajon Buchanan during the 2024 Copa America. Many, including Marsch, shed tears as the team huddled together on the field, arms linked, in the aftermath of Kone's injury.

(For what it's worth, I don't think there was any malice in the Assim Madibo tackle that injured Kone - the Qatari midfielder's distressed reaction to seeing Kone's leg was telling - but it was a wildly unnecessary tackle where he had no real chance to win the ball with Kone turning his body to play a backward pass. That makes the horrible outcome even more aggravating. It all could have been avoided.)

Marsch, as he's always quick to point out, is overseeing a special squad where the players genuinely care about one another as brothers and want to lift each other up. Nathan Saliba, who scored after replacing Kone on Thursday - and then held up his friend's No. 8 shirt - will feel all that support as he steps in and tries to fill the void that now exists in the heart of Canada's midfield.

Saliba doesn't have the same level of game-breaking talent as Kone, but he can replicate some of his ball carrying and explosiveness that Canada needs in the center of the pitch to drive the play forward when in possession.

Marsch and his staff have worked hard in the buildup to the World Cup to foster an environment within the squad where every player feels valuable and capable of making an impact when his number gets called. Saliba's number just got called, and he'll now play a key role in determining how many more historic moments Canada can conjure this summer. - Gianluca Nesci

David silences doubters

Amid countless injuries, personnel changes, and evolving lineups, Jonathan David was one of Canada's rocks. The nation's all-time leading scorer has been a guaranteed starter and 90-minute player for Jesse Marsch during his tenure, which is why it was so surprising to see the 26-year-old get substituted early after a sluggish performance in the team's World Cup opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

It sparked questions about his status going into the critical contest versus Qatar. With just two goals in his last 10 matches for Canada - both of them penalties - and a rough end to the club season with Juventus, there were suggestions that Marsch should consider dropping the slumping striker from the lineup in order to spark a stagnant attack.

So much for that.

David silenced any doubters with a hat-trick in the 6-0 rout of Qatar, becoming the first CONCACAF player to accomplish that feat at the World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1930. The only other player from a host nation to score a World Cup hat-trick is Geoff Hurst, whose treble for England in the 1966 final is one of the sport's most notable. Decent company.

David looked sharp inside the penalty area - one goal came off a rebound where he reacted quickest, and another after an instinctive first touch - and his ball-striking was crisp and clean, as evidenced by the vicious volley he unleashed for his opening goal of the game in Vancouver. This was David at his lethal best.

His link-up play has always been excellent, even when the goals weren't flowing, but he'd been struggling to rediscover his ruthlessness inside the penalty area in recent months, and that was clearly starting to weigh him down. A porous Qatar backline proved to be the perfect remedy.

With his confidence restored and his preferred strike partner (Cyle Larin) reinserted into the lineup alongside him, a rejuvenated David can continue pushing Canada forward, especially if Tajon Buchanan - another stalwart who was quiet against Bosnia - provides the type of service he did all game against Qatar. Canada's once dormant attack is very much awake now. Perfect timing. - Gianluca Nesci

Big Group A clash

Thursday's game between Mexico and South Korea will be more than a battle of Group A favorites. The 1-1 draw between South Africa and Czechia earlier in the day set up a potential group-deciding matchup in the evening.

Mexico and South Korea have three points each after defeating South Africa and Czechia, respectively, last week. If Mexico or South Korea emerges with a victory Thursday, the winner would already seal a first-place finish in the group and secure a spot in the knockout stage. That's because the expanded World Cup's first tiebreaker is head-to-head matches. A tie would move both teams closer to the next round, but neither side would mathematically clinch a spot yet.

Mexico reached the round of 16 in every World Cup from 1994-2018 before falling short in the group stage in 2022. Meanwhile, South Korea reached the round of 16 last time out, matching their best result since finishing fourth as co-hosts in 2002. - Caio Miari

Wednesday, June 17

England's stars step up

England started its 2026 World Cup run with an eventful 4-2 victory over Croatia in one of the most anticipated games of this group stage. It was a great early test for a talented Three Lions squad. The Croatians - still owners of a solid team despite still relying on some aging stalwarts - offered a tough challenge, pulling even with England on two occasions in the first half. However, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, and Co. were too much for the 2018 finalist in the end.

Kane found the net twice, adding to his fantastic 2025-26 season. He first scored on a penalty kick that had to be retaken after Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic didn't have a foot on his line while saving Kane's first effort. The England striker later delivered a magnificent header on a corner kick perfectly taken by Rice. Kane's 10 World Cup goals have tied Gary Lineker for the most by an England player.

Bellingham also left his mark with a key second-half goal, thundering forward to score and justify his inclusion in the starting lineup. He's now scored more goals in major tournaments (four) than England legends Paul Scholes, David Beckham, and Frank Lampard (three each).

When Kane, Bellingham, and Rice are firing on all cylinders, England can keep up with anyone. Wednesday's performance was another great example of how high this team's ceiling is with coach Thomas Tuchel. There are still questions, though. Jordan Pickford didn't inspire confidence and probably could've saved Croatia's first goal. And Tuchel should consider moving defender Marc Guehi back into the starting lineup over Ezri Konsa or John Stones.

For now, however, England passed its toughest group stage test on paper. The Three Lions should cruise into the knockout stage, where the real challenge begins. There's immense pressure on England to bring the trophy home, but the Group L opener indicates that this team is more prepared to make a run on the biggest stage under Tuchel's watch. - Caio Miari

CR7, Portugal lay an egg

Portugal entered the 2026 World Cup with one of its most talented squads in recent memory. The likes of Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Bruno Fernandes - all coming off world-class seasons for their clubs - were supposed to give Portugal enough tactical versatility, creativity, and firepower to break out and make another deep run at international soccer's greatest tournament.

The team's Group K opener - an uninspiring 1-1 draw with DR Congo - suggests that Roberto Martinez's side has a lot of work to do. Portugal finished the game with 769 passes (against DR Congo's 222) on a solid 93% passing accuracy. The Europeans had 75% of the possession. Yet, their lack of efficiency in the final third resulted in just three shots on target, only one more than DR Congo.

The Leopards, who recorded their first World Cup goal and point Wednesday, had a higher expected goal total (xG) than Portugal (0.82 compared to Portugal's measly 0.69).

Portugal's entire system looked disconnected, but we need to address the elephant in the room. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't able to make a difference. Again. The 41-year-old barely troubled the opposing goalkeeper on a pair of shot attempts. He's now failed to score in Portugal's last 10 games at the World Cup or Euros, according to Opta. He registered only 25 touches overall, his fewest while playing the full 90 minutes at a major tournament game for his country, and lacked sharpness inside the penalty area.

So, what's next for Portugal? Ronaldo's spot in the starting XI has been a hot topic for years now. He was even left on the bench for two games during the 2022 World Cup. Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos aren't the most exciting options to replace him, but Martinez needs to do something to ensure Portugal doesn't waste this brilliant squad by trying to force-feed a misfiring striker who offers very little in open play. Portugal needs a victory Tuesday against Uzbekistan to have a chance to win Group K and avoid a potential do-or-die bout versus Colombia in the finale. - Caio Miari

Tuesday, June 16

Anything you can do ...

What. A. Day.

The 2026 World Cup has been spectacular thus far, with endearing upsets enlivening the tournament in the early days. But things kicked up another gear Tuesday, when a trio of the game's biggest superstars made their mark and stole the show. First it was Kylian Mbappe with a brace in France's win over Senegal. Then Erling Haaland, making his World Cup debut, matched the Frenchman with two goals of his own in a victory over Iraq.

But the last word, as it so often does, belonged to Lionel Messi.

His hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 triumph over Algeria - the first three-goal game of his already storied World Cup career - simultaneously tied him with Miroslav Klose for the all-time tournament scoring record (16 goals) and reminded the likes of Mbappe, Haaland, and any other challengers that Messi is still the guy. The GOAT isn't going to relinquish his throne without a fight, wonky hamstring and advancing age be damned; Messi turns 39 next week, but you wouldn't know it the way he shredded Algeria in Kansas City.

Something special happens when he pulls on the Albiceleste shirt.

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Haaland quickly took to social media to call Messi a "madman" after the sensational performance, while sports stars like Patrick Mahomes - who was in attendance in his home NFL stadium - said all that was needed with the simple usage of one familiar emoji.

If this World Cup turns into a game of constant one-upmanship amongst a collection of the sport's best and brightest, this could end up being an all-timer of a tournament. (Cristiano Ronaldo, you're on the clock). Frankly, we all deserve to see it.

We're not even a full week into the competition, and the 2026 World Cup has already had a little bit of everything. Long may it continue. - Gianluca Nesci

Haaland has arrived

Erling Haaland wasted absolutely no time making his mark in his first World Cup match. The prolific Norway superstar scored twice in the opening half of his tournament debut against Iraq, showing off all the attributes that have made him one of the most dominant strikers on the planet.

His first goal in the 29th minute was quintessential No. 9 work.

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Haaland then pounced on a brutal defensive error from Iraq to double his World Cup total late in the first half. His two goals came on just 11 first-half touches. He's inevitable (and clinical, clearly).

Haaland now has 57 goals in just 51 appearances for his country. We're talking about video game numbers here.

A reminder: the record for most goals ever scored at a single World Cup is Just Fontaine's remarkable tally of 13 from the 1958 tournament. It was long believed that would simply never be eclipsed. Haaland may have something to say about that this summer. - Gianluca Nesci

France flips the switch

Soccer fans were probably asking the same question at halftime of France's goalless draw versus Senegal: What's happening with Didier Deschamps' men? France, the champion in 2018 and a finalist four years ago, looked disconnected and vulnerable in the first half Tuesday, registering just one shot that wasn't even on target. Senegal created better openings and should've been ahead after the initial 45 minutes in New Jersey.

Then, France reminded us why no one wants to go up against its superb side this summer.

Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and Co. - who had an uncharacteristically quiet first half - flipped the switch to lead France to a 3-1 victory. Olise's incredible assist for Mbappe's clinical finish opened the scoring. Adrien Rabiot then delivered an outstanding assist of his own to help substitute Bradley Barcola score. An absolute banger from Mbappe in the final minutes - moments after Senegal had trimmed down the lead - sealed the triumph in spectacular fashion.

Barcola was one of many standouts who weren't even included in France's star-studded starting XI, proving this team's absurd depth. Rayan Cherki also came off the bench late, too. And Deschamps didn't even need to use attackers Marcus Thuram and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

France's biggest stars woke up in the second half, and the team explored its unfair depth up front to take down a strong Senegal squad. Just like that, the two-time champion turned a concerning first half into a statement victory. Good luck to the other 47 teams. - Caio Miari

France robbed of penalty?

Perhaps the most questionable call of the 2026 World Cup so far took place Tuesday in New Jersey when referee Alireza Faghani determined that Sadio Mane's sliding challenge on Kylian Mbappe in the box wasn't a penalty.

The VAR told Faghani to review the incident on the pitch-side monitor, but after a brief check he concluded the French superstar "initiated the contact" on the play. Mbappe looked flabbergasted when the referee announced his final decision to the crowd. The incident instantly set social media ablaze, with fans and pundits criticizing the non-call. Was it a penalty? You be the judge.

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Mbappe might have taken the non-call personally, as he opened the scoring for France against Senegal with a clinical finish minutes later. He then sealed the victory with a banger in the dying seconds to become the all-time top scorer for France's men's team with 58 goals. - Caio Miari

Monday, June 15

Group H already bonkers

It wasn't quite in the same category as Monday's earlier shocker between Spain and Cape Verde, but Uruguay's 1-1 stalemate against Saudi Arabia in the group's other contest was certainly a surprise. (The Saudis are making a habit of opening their World Cup campaigns with eye-popping results against South American powers that wear blue and white.)

What looked on paper to be the most straightforward quartet of all is suddenly very messy after the first round of fixtures, and the looming group finale between presumptive favorites Spain and Uruguay creates even more potential for chaos and an unexpected finishing order. The two sides combined for 59 shot attempts Monday in their respective matches but mustered just one goal; Saudi shot-stopper Mohammed Al-Owais made 10 saves, including a brilliant late fingertip stop on Uruguayan captain and long-range shooting expert Fede Valverde. Who had Al-Owais and Cape Verde's Vozinha as the two standout players of the day? Not me.

The most interested onlooker in all this might just be Argentina.

Group H crosses over with Argentina's Group J in the round of 32, where the reigning world champion is expected to come out on top - after what we've seen so far, perhaps it's foolish to expect chalk. Most probably anticipated an Argentina versus Uruguay last-32 encounter once the dust settled. Now? Absolutely anything is possible. - Gianluca Nesci

Stunner for Spain

Well, who saw that coming?!

Pretournament favorite Spain was held to a shocking 0-0 draw against World Cup debutant Cape Verde on Monday. Not even Lamine Yamal, who came off the bench in the 71st minute after overcoming his hamstring injury, could save Spain against one of the smallest nations to ever compete in the global showpiece. Every major tournament needs an early stunner to really get the adrenaline going, and they don't come much bigger than this one.

The inquest has likely already begun for Luis de la Fuente and his staff. Spain lacked any type of incisive movement for roughly 60 minutes, often settling for feeble sideways passes and, most surprisingly, high crosses as things became more and more desperate; Spain fired 40 crosses into the box, and Cape Verde's defenders diligently kept smacking them away from danger.

On the rare occasions La Roja did craft openings, goalkeeper Vozinha stood tall with a series of great saves. The 40-year-old netminder made seven stops, and Spain failed to hit the target with 20 other efforts. Bubista's Blue Sharks delivered a heroic defensive performance in front of him, putting their bodies on the line to block shots and make last-ditch tackles to keep the European powerhouse off the board in the Group H contest in Atlanta.

Spain, the overwhelming group favorite, still has time to recover in matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. Yamal and fellow winger Nico Williams, who was also thrown on in the closing minutes, should start going forward now that they're fit again, and that should give Spain a massive boost. But Monday's goalless draw is yet another reminder that anything can happen at the World Cup, and no match is guaranteed.

If any team knows and understands that lesson, it's Spain. The Spaniards' lone World Cup win came in 2010. Their first result in that tournament? A 1-0 loss to Switzerland. - Gianluca Nesci

Numbers behind Cape Verde's heroics

Cape Verde's unexpected draw with Spain is already one of the main storylines of the 2026 World Cup, and some jaw-dropping numbers illustrate how big an accomplishment the Blue Sharks recorded Monday.

• Spain had 74% of ball possession, yet Cape Verde conceded just one foul all game, the fewest by a team at a World Cup game since 1966.
• The Blue Sharks became the first African nation since 2002 to avoid a defeat in its World Cup debut.
• Spain and Cape Verde place second and 67th on FIFA's world rankings, respectively. The gap between the two nations was the ninth largest ever in a World Cup game.
• Vozinha, Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper, is the oldest 'keeper to have a clean sheet in his World Cup debut.
• Since 2018, no goalkeeper has made more saves from inside the box while keeping a clean sheet at the World Cup than Vozinha (six).

Vozinha, who plays for second-tier Portugal club Chaves, headed into the game with roughly 50,000 followers on Instagram. His profile is now at 7.6 million (and counting). - Caio Miari

Sunday, June 14

Koeman's subs doom Dutch

Going into this summer's tournament, Ronald Koeman made it clear the Netherlands was targeting a first-ever World Cup title. If the Oranje's opening match was any indication, the biggest impediment might be Koeman himself.

The Dutch tactician's conservative second-half substitutions came back to bite his side in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Japan. Leading 2-1 in the 70th minute, Koeman removed Crysencio Summerville - scorer of his team's second goal - Donyell Malen, and Tijjani Reijnders. Not long after, he subbed Ryan Gravenberch in favor of adding a fifth defender, Nathan Ake, to the mix to try and see out the win. Japan promptly equalized from a corner kick in the 88th minute after mounting pressure in the Dutch half.

"I have no regrets," Koeman said after the contest when asked about his subs. He should have plenty.

The moves totally handed the initiative to Japan. Instead of trying to stay on the front foot and put the game out of reach, Koeman's alterations forced the Netherlands to retreat, sit deep, and invite pressure. Yes, Japan's late equalizer involved a big slice of luck - Daichi Kamada unknowingly redirected the ball into the net for one of the most fortuitous goals he'll ever score - but Koeman's moves paved the way for Japan to tilt the field in the latter stages. Removing Summerville and Malen, two rapid players who would've had space to exploit on the counter while Japan pushed forward in search of an equalizer, was particularly baffling considering he replaced them with significantly slower players in Memphis Depay and Teun Koopmeiners, who were largely anonymous after coming on.

The Netherlands has the squad balance and top-end talent to make a very deep run in this competition ... if the oft-criticized coach doesn't get in the way. - Gianluca Nesci

Curacao's historic debut

Forget the final score.

Curacao played its first World Cup match Sunday against Germany and left a good impression while making history along the way. Dick Advocaat's side, representing the smallest nation ever to participate in the tournament, came to play in the first half versus the four-time champion and should be proud despite a 7-1 loss. The CONCACAF team wasn't intimidated by one of soccer's global powerhouses despite the talent gap between them.

Curacao's courage, early discipline, and willingness to play slick football were rewarded with a stunning debut goal in the 21st minute (against Manuel Neuer, no less). The reaction and emotion from fans and players at Houston Stadium are already among the best images from the 2026 tournament. The Blue Wave belong at the World Cup.

Curacao even had some momentum and offered relative danger to Germany after scoring in the first half. However, it only lasted a few minutes until the first "hydration break," the (widely despised) three-minute mandatory stoppage in play that's enforced at the midway point of each half, regardless of the playing conditions at this summer's tournament.

If in-game timeouts were a thing in soccer, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann presumably would have considered calling one halfway through the first half to calm things down and adjust his team. That's basically how the break affected Sunday's game, killing Curacao's momentum and ultimately helping Germany take control of the match; the Germans found the net again in the 38th minute en route to a blowout victory.

Let's be clear: Germany would've beaten Curacao even without the hydration break. The talent gap between the two nations is immense. However, we've now seen multiple teams adversely impacted by the in-game break - Haiti had a similar experience against Scotland - and this will likely continue to be an issue throughout the tournament. - Caio Miari

Germany ready for bigger tests?

Germany added another eye-popping victory to its World Cup resume with Sunday's big win. Six different players scored for the four-time champion, including Kai Havertz, who contributed with two goals.

The blowout triumph also helped Germany rewrite the record books. No other nation has more World Cup goals than the Germans, whose 239 tallies now rank ahead of Brazil (238). Additionally, Germany is the only country to score seven or more goals in a World Cup game four different times. Hungary ranks second, accomplishing the feat in three games.

It's hard to make much out of Germany's lopsided win, though. Curacao, making its World Cup debut, did give Germany some trouble early on, but Julian Nagelsmann's team eventually dominated to seal an expected win.

However, the team will need to show some improvement in key areas - particularly in its defensive system - ahead of real tests in a tricky Group E. Ivory Coast (June 20) and Ecuador (June 25) await. - Caio Miari

Saturday, June 13

Brazil must improve quickly

Of all the teams with a legitimate chance to win the 2026 World Cup, Brazil is by far the most lopsided. The Selecao opened their tournament with a 1-1 draw against Morocco on Saturday, getting bailed out by a sumptuous Vinicius Junior goal that rescued an otherwise disjointed display.

"We started on a really bad note," the Real Madrid star said after the match. "For certain, we got to hold on to the ball. We have to move better."

Decorated manager Carlo Ancelotti, brought in to end the five-time champion's distressing 24-year title drought, cited nerves as the main reason for Brazil's poor outing against Morocco. But while Brazil should improve as the players get more settled, there's no magical instant fix for this team. This is who the Selecao are: an unbalanced squad with huge question marks in central midfield (and at full-back) that will succeed or fail based almost entirely on what Vinicius and the star-studded attack can produce.

Ancelotti obviously wants to get as many of his gifted forwards on the pitch together as possible, but doing so leaves his team extremely vulnerable in midfield, where Bruno Guimaraes and 34-year-old Casemiro were badly outplayed by teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi in New Jersey. It seems unlikely that Ancelotti will totally overhaul his tactics this late in the process, which means it's primarily up to Vinicius to carry the team on his back. - Gianluca Nesci

Friday, June 12

USMNT rises to the occasion

The United States men's national team sure picked a perfect time to deliver its best single-game performance at a World Cup since a pair of 3-0 wins all the way back in the inaugural 1930 tournament. More than just the four goals scored - the most the squad has ever recorded in one World Cup match - Friday's 4-1 demolition of a shell-shocked Paraguayan side was as complete a showing as we've seen from this team on the sport's grandest stage.

To wit: Paraguay had just two touches in the U.S. box in the first half. Both of them came in the opening minute. The South Americans were totally smothered after that, unable to handle the relentless ferocity of the U.S. press, the intricate dribbling of Christian Pulisic, or the clever movement and finishing instincts of Folarin Balogun, who found the net twice. Aside from a small dip in intensity during the second half while already leading 3-0 - totally understandable - this was flawless from Mauricio Pochettino's team, and precisely the kind of result that can get an entire country behind its squad on home soil. (The crowd at SoFi Stadium was electric from the first minute, which also bodes very well going forward.)

The lone concern coming out of the Group D opener was Pulisic's early substitution, but both he and Pochettino seemed to downplay the calf knock after the match.

The United States' road to this World Cup was long and labored. There was scandal, coaching drama, dour performances, and the threat of a frustrated fan base becoming apathetic. Friday, though, was near perfection in every way. - Gianluca Nesci

Should Marsch drop David?

Canada's 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the co-host's opening match Friday in Toronto was both an historic result and an aggravating missed opportunity; the Canadians recorded their first-ever point at a men's World Cup, but could easily have collected all three were it not for some atrocious finishing and bad luck in front of goal.

The stalemate leaves head coach Jesse Marsch with more questions than answers after the contest. Integral striker Jonathan David was once again out of sorts, missing a glorious opportunity just moments before Bosnia's opening goal, and looks totally bereft of confidence after a difficult first season at Juventus. He was substituted in the 61st minute - a rarity under Marsch - and Canada's attack looked more threatening and dynamic without him. David hasn't scored a goal since April, and hasn't found the net in open play for his country since last year.

"Without him at his best, we are not the same team," Marsch said after the match, according to TSN's Matthew Scianitti.

Cyle Larin, whose benching was Marsch's biggest lineup decision going into the match, scored Canada's lone goal, and should get an opportunity to start the next game against Qatar.

Meanwhile, Ali Ahmed's introduction in place of Tajon Buchanan, another stalwart, gave Canada a new attacking dimension with his ability and comfort to cut inside and combine with the strikers after Buchanan's more direct and vertical approach was largely kept quiet on the wing.

David and Buchanan have long been considered untouchable pieces of Canada's starting lineup, but after seeing the instant impact that Larin, Ahmed, and even Jacob Shaffelburg and Promise David made off the bench, Marsch may need to make some very tough calls going into the team's next game against a Qatar side that will sit in a defensive shell. - Gianluca Nesci

The new normal?

Welcome to the new-look World Cup, where soccer matches are broken up into four quarters, and you're liable to miss some of the action on TV because certain broadcasters are desperately trying to cram more and more advertisements into their match coverage.

When FIFA announced that every 2026 World Cup match would have mandatory three-minute "hydration breaks" at the midway point of both halves - regardless of the playing conditions, mind you - the governing body insisted it was in the interest of player welfare.

However, it wasn't difficult to see through that messaging, and the widespread concern was justified quickly. In the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa, U.S. broadcaster FOX cut away to full-screen ads (as expected) during the second-half hydration break and didn't return to the game until after play had already resumed. Viewers were ... not pleased.

Relitigating the hydration breaks is pointless since they're here to stay for the next month-plus. And there's obviously nothing wrong with broadcasters showing ads while the game's paused. This is, of course, entirely common throughout the sports world, and perhaps it was naive to think the "Beautiful Game" wouldn't eventually get in on the money-making opportunity. Notably, Telemundo, the Spanish-language U.S. rights holder, won't cut to commercials during the breaks and will instead have analysts discuss the match during the intervals.

But missing live game action because you wanted to squeeze in an extra commercial is obviously unacceptable and a total disservice to fans. Viewers will mostly be willing to forgive a one-time blip if that's all it was, but anything more will spark serious outrage. - Gianluca Nesci

Thursday, June 11

Mexico inspires home crowd

Co-host Mexico kicked off the 2026 World Cup with a solid 2-0 win over South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca on Thursday. Mexico scored early, played with a man advantage for most of the second half, and took a comfortable win to give Mexican fans hope that history can repeat itself on home soil for El Tri.

Mexico's best World Cup campaigns to date came in 1970 and 1986 when the team reached the quarterfinals, both times as the host. Hosting again in 2026, El Tri will play all their group stage matches in their homeland. Topping Group A would keep the team in Mexico City for the round of 32 (and possibly the round of 16), giving Mexico an advantage in what could be a special tournament for Javier Aguirre's men. The roar of the home crowd when Julian Quinones scored the tournament's first goal was electric. - Caio Miari

South Africa exposes early concerns

Mexico deserves credit for its opening victory, but we need to address the elephant in the room here. The quality of the expanded World Cup with 48 teams is already concerning. South Africa didn't look good at all Thursday, and its head-scratching display fell well short of the standard we'd like to see at soccer's greatest tournament. South Africa sits 60th in the FIFA rankings, still ahead of eight teams competing in North America this summer.

South Africa's first game also shows what teams should avoid in this tournament. Goal difference will be huge for third-place teams to potentially qualify for the knockout rounds. South Africa is already at minus-two with zero goals scored; it faces Czechia next without two starters who received red cards against Mexico. Not ideal. - Caio Miari

And we're off!

Co-host Mexico scored the first goal of the 2026 World Cup within the opening 10 minutes of Thursday's tournament opener against South Africa. Winger Julian Quinones - the top scorer in Saudi Arabia this past season - capitalized on a brutal defensive error to send the already raucous Estadio Azteca into raptures.

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After four long years of waiting, the greatest sporting spectacle on the planet is back. - Gianluca Nesci

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