Record draws, plucky underdogs, Messi magic: the trends that are already shaping the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup is only a week away, and yet it already seems impossible to predict. Giants rocked, newcomers announced themselves, and some of football’s biggest stars wasted no time in taking center stage. With 75 goals, a record number of draws in the opening round and several shock results, the first 24 matches Football World Cup The 2026 edition offered a glimpse into a tournament where reputation matters little, and surprises lurk around every corner.
Goals Festival from the beginning
Numbers set the tone before any analysis can. Seventy-five goals in 24 matches, an average of just over three goals per match. Only one match in the opening round ended in a goalless draw: Spain’s shock 0-0 draw against Cape Verde, a result that carried a story of its own.
The match that saw the most goals went to Germany, who sent a reminder to the rest of the field when they thrashed Curacao 7-1. England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, the 2018 runner-up, came in second place.
There were concerns that the expanded 48-team format would dilute quality and produce low-risk football. Instead, the opening round provided the opposite. The Davids stood against the Goliaths, making this one of the most entertaining starts to a World Cup in recent memory.
But what about standard withdrawals?
While the goals flowed freely, draws became the hallmark of the first round.
On Monday alone, four consecutive matches ended in draws: Spain tied with Cape Verde, Belgium tied with Egypt, Saudi Arabia shared points with Uruguay, and Iran tied with New Zealand 2-2. This was the first time since June 15, 1958, that four World Cup matches on the same day had ended in a draw.
Overall, the tournament saw eight draws in the opening round, the most ever at this stage of the World Cup. The previous record was seven years, set in 1974, 1982 and 1986.
As third-place teams continue to reach the playoffs, caution is becoming a more viable strategy. Teams have a greater margin for error, and the early draw numbers reflect that fact. As the group stage progresses, this trend could become more pronounced.
Europe is advancing, Africa is astonishing
Europe arrived with 16 teams and largely justified its position as the dominant continental confederation in the tournament. Germany scored seven goals. France beat Senegal 3-1. Norway defeats Iraq 4-1 England beat Croatia 4-2 in one of the most exciting matches of the round. However, cracks have appeared between some candidates.
Spain, which was widely considered favorites to compete for the title, felt frustrated against Cape Verde. Portugal suffered a similarly disappointing start, with DR Congo drawing 1-1 despite Roberto Martinez’s side enjoying 75 per cent of possession. Once again, Portugal’s over-reliance on Cristiano Ronaldo has become a talking point.
South America had to wait for its first victory. Four of the continent’s matches ended in draws before Argentina and Colombia finally qualified. Lionel Messi led Argentina to a historic 3-0 win over Algeria, while Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 the next day.
Asia was also impressed. South Korea defeated the Czechs. Japan came from behind twice to draw with the Netherlands. Saudi Arabia and Qatar earned reliable draws against Uruguay and Switzerland respectively.
But Africa produced the biggest surprises. Morocco holding Brazil. Egypt draws with Belgium. The Democratic Republic of the Congo thwarted Portugal. Cape Verde’s heroic draw against Spain became one of the stories of the opening week of the tournament.
The big names live up to the hype
Despite his personal struggles off the field, Messi reached the World Cup finals and reminded everyone why he remains football’s biggest attraction. His hat-trick against Algeria – the first of his World Cup career – saw him equal Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament record of 16 goals.
Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane were also handed over immediately. The trio combined to score six goals as the sport’s biggest attacking stars ensured the spotlight remained on them.
But Cristiano Ronaldo has endured another frustrating outing. The 41-year-old failed to score against the Democratic Republic of Congo, continuing his drought at major international tournaments.
Among the teams, Argentina seemed the most convincing. France was impressive. Germany was devastating in attack, albeit against modest opposition.
Spain faltered. Portugal disappointed. Brazil survived and was not convinced. For Carlo Ancelotti, there are indeed more questions than answers.
Moment of the round: two wins
Every World Cup produces a story that goes beyond football. This tournament found one before the first round was completed.
His name is Josimar Dias. The football world knows him as Fusinha. The 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper has spent most of his career out of the limelight, playing in Portugal, Angola, Moldova, Cyprus and Slovakia. He turned professional when he was just 25 years old, and has reached the World Cup finals with only one major title to his name.
Then came Spain. Facing one of the tournament’s favourites, Fosinha delivered a memorable performance for the ages. He blocked seven shots, denied Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Ferran Torres and Neco Williams, and inspired Cape Verde to a famous 0-0 draw. When the final whistle blew, he collapsed to his knees crying.
The effect was immediate. His social media following exploded overnight, rising from about 46,000 to millions.
But the most poignant moment came off the field. After reports emerged that his mother would miss the World Cup due to visa difficulties, US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries – himself of Cape Verdean descent – intervened. Within 48 hours, the visa fees were waived.
Fosinha’s mother is now expected to be in the stands when Cape Verde takes on Uruguay in Miami.
Eighty matches remaining. The first round has already brought in goals, shocks, records, rising stars and enough stories to fill an entire tournament. The World Cup has made one thing clear: it will not follow anyone’s script. This, more than anything else, is exactly what makes it special.
