The opening round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 is complete, with all 48 nations having played at least once across the three host countries. Over seven intense days, supporters witnessed 75 goals, a string of upsets, flashes of individual brilliance, and no shortage of controversy.

Underdogs refusing to lie down

Before a ball was kicked, critics warned the expanded 104-match format would deliver a string of lopsided contests. One week in, those fears have largely been put to rest.

Brazil, Uruguay, and Switzerland were all held to draws by teams ranked well below them, while Spain — the reigning European champions — were frustrated by debutants Cape Verde in one of the most remarkable results in World Cup history. The fact that one of the smallest nations ever to qualify managed to hold their own against Spain helped shatter the narrative that expansion would simply mean mismatches.

Other so-called smaller nations made their mark too: fellow debutants Curacao scored against Germany, Jordan pushed Austria for long periods, and DR Congo held Portugal. Asian Football Confederation sides have been particularly sharp, with Australia and South Korea winning and Japan holding the Netherlands.

With 32 of the 48 teams advancing from the group stage, bigger nations can perhaps afford an off-day — but the early results suggest this tournament will not be a procession for the traditional powers.

United States ready to capture a nation's imagination

A host nation that performs well can transform a World Cup's atmosphere, and the United States delivered a powerful statement in their opening match. A 4-1 demolition of Paraguay silenced doubters and generated genuine excitement across the country.

Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic stood out as potential national heroes-in-the-making, and with the NBA season wrapped up, conditions are ripe for soccer to seize the American sporting moment. More performances of that quality will be essential if the United States are to sustain the momentum.

Hydration breaks drawing loud boos

Mandatory three-minute hydration breaks — introduced to protect players from the intense heat — have rapidly become one of the tournament's most contentious features. Supporters in stadiums have booed the stoppages, and frustration has spread to managers and players alike.

United States manager Mauricio Pochettino described the breaks as