Matchweek 1: Mega World Cup Gets Fitting Mega Start in North America

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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off in North America. The 48-team mega tournament has already given us shock moments, inspired performances, and plenty of drama, all the hallmarks of a great World Cup. So, let’s take a look at some of the bad, the good, and the great from Matchday One.

Winners

Cape Verde

The biggest story of the opening week has been the tiny African island nation’s debut on the world stage. Cape Verde shocked the globe by drawing 0-0 with European champions and tournament favorites Spain in their opening fixture in Atlanta.

The Cape Verdeans put up a brick wall against Spain’s formidable attack. Spain were missing starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, yet they still underperformed far more than expected.

The defenders, and in particular 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, stood out for the World Cup debutants. Despite not getting a win, Cape Verde will continue through this tournament with their heads held high, and even elimination would not diminish what they have already achieved.

Germany

The actual biggest winners of the week were Germany, who thrashed debutants Curaçao 7-1 on Sunday, a result all too familiar for Brazilian fans.

It was an expected demolition job given the gap in quality, but it was also a necessary statement performance from the Germans.

After triumphing in 2014, Germany suffered embarrassing group-stage eliminations in both 2018 and 2022, a low not seen since the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Entering 2026 with such a dominant victory has put them in a fantastic position moving forward. Keep an eye on them because they will be gunning for that fifth star.

USA

The United States has faced skepticism and criticism from all directions, including within the soccer world. Prior to the tournament, Fox Sports released an advertisement showing the U.S. lifting the World Cup trophy, which was met with ridicule across the footballing world.

After their opener against Paraguay, however, those odds have certainly improved.

A complete attacking performance saw the Americans crush Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. A brace from Folarin Balogun, a standout display from Christian Pulisic proving why some call him “the LeBron James of soccer,” and passionate home support combined to give the Stars and Stripes the perfect start.

It’s safe to say the world should not laugh them off just yet because, in a World Cup, anything is possible.

Losers

Spain

A 0-0 draw against a nation of roughly 500,000 people is effectively a defeat when you enter the tournament as European champions, ranked second in the world, and boasting some of the brightest talents set to define the next decade.

The absences of Yamal and Williams undoubtedly had an impact, but creativity was not the issue. Finishing was.

Spain’s lack of clinical finishing will need to be addressed as the competition gets tougher. The return of their world-class wingers should provide a much-needed boost in attack.

Brazil

Brazil also drew, but against a formidable Morocco side ranked just one place below them and the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal.

Even so, when you possess one of the most talented squads in the world and are coached by Carlo Ancelotti, a stronger performance is expected.

What makes the result disappointing is that Morocco outclassed Brazil during many stretches of the game. The Seleção’s World Cup legacy is arguably the hardest in football to maintain, and based on their opening performance, the wait for a sixth title may continue.

Portugal

Ironically, all three “losers” of the week did not actually lose their matches.

Portugal drew 1-1 with DR Congo in a game they realistically could have won. However, an aging Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to hinder their attacking flow. The 41-year-old repeatedly inserted himself into scoring opportunities created by Portugal’s midfield, leading to criticism from Thierry Henry.

Just as in 2022, Ronaldo’s desire to finally win a World Cup may be negatively impacting Portugal’s otherwise well-oiled system. Coach Roberto Martínez will have an important decision to make regarding his tactics moving forward. The question is whether he will truly have a say given Ronaldo’s influence within the squad.

Stars of the Week

Lionel Messi

Where one GOAT struggled, the other reminded everyone of his greatness.

Messi has already won it all, but he began Argentina’s title defense in spectacular fashion, scoring his first World Cup hat trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria. The performance saw him draw level with Miroslav Klose’s record for most World Cup goals.

Like Ronaldo, Messi was heavily involved in attacking moves, something that has become increasingly rare at this stage of his career. Unlike his longtime rival, however, Messi did not force himself into the action. Instead, he created space, found open positions, and made decisive contributions when it mattered.

This is exactly the type of performance that makes Argentina favorites once again as they seek to become the first nation to successfully defend a World Cup title since Brazil in 1962.

Vozinha

Cape Verde’s hero, Vozinha, produced the game of his life at the age of 40.

The veteran goalkeeper made seven saves against a powerful Spanish side and quickly became a cult hero following the performance. In the week that followed, he reportedly gained more than 10 million social media followers.

His personal journey has resonated with fans around the world. The U.S. government even took additional steps to grant Vozinha’s mother a visa so she could watch her son play at the World Cup.

These are exactly the kinds of stories that make the FIFA World Cup special, and it is always a delight to see them unfold with each edition of the tournament.

Upcoming fixtures

• Czech Republic vs South Africa @ Atlanta, Thu 18 June 2026, 12:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina @ Toronto, Thu 18 June 2026, 3:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• Canada vs Qatar @ Vancouver, Thu 18 June 2026, 3:00 PM Local Time (PDT)
• Mexico vs South Korea @ Guadalajara, Thu 18 June 2026, 7:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• United States vs Australia @ Philadelphia, Fri 19 June 2026, 3:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• Scotland vs Morocco @ Houston, Fri 19 June 2026, 5:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Brazil vs Haiti @ Dallas, Fri 19 June 2026, 7:30 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Turkey vs Paraguay @ Los Angeles, Fri 19 June 2026, 8:00 PM Local Time (PDT)
• Netherlands vs Sweden @ Boston, Sat 20 June 2026, 1:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• Germany vs Ivory Coast @ New York/New Jersey, Sat 20 June 2026, 4:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• Ecuador vs Curaçao @ Seattle, Sat 20 June 2026, 5:00 PM Local Time (PDT)
• Tunisia vs Japan @ Vancouver, Sun 21 June 2026, 2:00 AM Local Time (PDT)
• Spain vs Saudi Arabia @ Mexico City, Sun 21 June 2026, 10:00 AM Local Time (CDT)
• Belgium vs Iran @ Monterrey, Sun 21 June 2026, 2:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Uruguay vs Cape Verde @ Guadalajara, Sun 21 June 2026, 5:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• New Zealand vs Egypt @ Kansas City, Sun 21 June 2026, 11:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Argentina vs Austria @ Miami, Mon 22 June 2026, 1:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• France vs Iraq @ Dallas, Mon 22 June 2026, 5:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Norway vs Senegal @ Houston, Mon 22 June 2026, 8:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Jordan vs Algeria @ Los Angeles, Tue 23 June 2026, 1:00 AM Local Time (PDT)
• Portugal vs Uzbekistan @ Toronto, Tue 23 June 2026, 1:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• England vs Ghana @ Philadelphia, Tue 23 June 2026, 4:00 PM Local Time (EDT)
• Panama vs Croatia @ Kansas City, Tue 23 June 2026, 6:00 PM Local Time (CDT)
• Colombia vs DR Congo @ Seattle, Tue 23 June 2026, 7:00 PM Local Time (PDT)