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Every FIFA World Cup writes its own story. Each edition leaves behind moments of brilliance, heartbreak, unforgettable triumphs, and painful failures that remain part of football folklore until the next tournament arrives to create new legends and bid farewell to old heroes.
When FIFA awarded the 2026 World Cup to a joint bid from the United States, Mexico, and Canada, many questioned the logistical and operational challenges of staging the tournament across three countries. Those concerns have largely faded as the biggest World Cup in history has begun in spectacular fashion, producing record-breaking performances, colorful celebrations, and compelling storylines.
Among the tournament’s early highlights is Argentine captain Lionel Messi, who registered the first FIFA World Cup hat-trick of his illustrious career against Algeria. Messi could have ended the night with four goals, but an early strike was ruled out for offside.
The second hat-trick of the tournament came from Canadian star Jonathan David, who scored three times in Canada’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar. The match also became notable for disciplinary reasons. Following the Mexico–South Africa clash, which produced three red cards, Canada versus Qatar became the second match of the tournament to feature multiple dismissals. Qatar finished with nine men and played more than 40 minutes with a two-player disadvantage.
Mexico, meanwhile, has emerged as one of the tournament’s early success stories. After opening its campaign with a victory over South Africa, El Tri became the first nation to secure qualification for the knockout stage after edging South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara.
The decisive moment came in the 50th minute when midfielder Luis Romo capitalized on a costly misunderstanding between South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gi-hyeok, tapping into an empty net after the goalkeeper spilled the ball.
South Korea pushed hard for an equalizer. In the 87th minute, Cho Gue-sung came closest, but his header was brilliantly saved by Mexican goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who then denied the follow-up effort from Yang Hyun-jun.
Earlier, captain Son Heung-min thought he had found the breakthrough after chipping Rangel, but defender Edson Alvarez cleared the ball off the line before an offside flag was raised. Mexico nearly doubled its advantage in the 75th minute when Raul Jimenez forced another save from Kim, while substitute Obed Vargas also tested the South Korean goalkeeper late in the match.
The victory-maintained Mexico’s perfect start to the tournament and confirmed Javier Aguirre’s side as Group A winners. With two wins from two matches, Mexico will remain in Mexico City for both its Round of 32 match and a potential Round of 16 encounter. If England tops its group and advances through the first knockout round, a high-profile Mexico-England clash could await.
Despite the defeat, South Korea remains well positioned to advance after its opening victory over the Czech Republic. The Koreans will face South Africa in Monterrey, while Mexico concludes its group-stage campaign against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
Canada could soon enjoy a similar advantage. Following its dominant victory over Qatar, the co-hosts need only a draw against Switzerland in their final group match to secure advancement and remain in Vancouver for the Round of 32.
The only concern for Canada is the injury suffered by midfielder Ismael Kone, who reportedly fractured his leg following a heavy challenge from a Qatari defender. Despite the setback, Canadian confidence is soaring after one of the most impressive performances of the tournament so far.
The third co-host, the United States, also finds itself in a strong position. After opening its campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay, the Americans require just one win from their remaining matches against Australia and Turkey to reach the knockout stage.
The United States faces Australia on Friday in what could prove to be one of the most significant matches of the group phase. Australia, having already defeated Turkey, is equally well placed, making the encounter crucial for both teams as they seek to secure qualification and favorable positions in the knockout bracket.
Just days into the tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is already delivering everything football fans hoped for—historic milestones, emerging heroes, dramatic contests, and the promise of many more memorable stories still to come.
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