The 2026 FIFA World Cup has arrived and already delivered everything fans have hoped for: standout performances, unexpected results and plenty of drama. Whilst one match is far from enough to define a team’s tournament, the first round of group-stage fixtures often shows a clear indication of which team is ready to contend, and who may already be under pressure.
In the first part of this World Cup review series, we take a closer look at Groups A through F, focussing on the biggest talking points. From multiple red cards in the opening game, to a shock Australia win, here is our review.
Group A: Referee’s can be Ruthless!
The World Cup kicked off in Mexico City, Mexico with an attendance of 80,824 people witnessing the opening game between host nation Mexico and South Africa in a repeat fixture of the opener from the 2010 world cup. Even though South Africa put up a fight, Mexico dominated the ball in a routine 2-0 victory. However the game will go down in history after some very questionable red cards.
Three red cards were shown in the second half, equalling the joint second most in World cup game with the other being in 2006 between Netherlands and Portugal. Sphephelo Sithole was given the first after fouling Brian Gutierrez in a last man situation. However the other two were interesting to say the least. Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane only lasted 23 minutes on the pitch after a VAR check saw him see red after a slap on Roberto Alvardo
The 3rd was truly astonishing as Mexico Captain Cesar Montes made a tactical foul in the 92nd minute, only to see a red card to the shock of everyone watching. Even with all the chaos, goals from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez mean Mexico sit joint top of the group with South Korea who beat Czech Republic 2-1 later in the day.
Group B: This could be anyone’s group!
Canada kicked off their World Cup campaign with their first ever point in the competition against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who have the catchiest World Cup theme song of any team. Jesse March’s men looked very exciting with their highly paced attacking style troubling the Bosnia defence throughout the game. Jovo Lukic gave Bosnia the lead in 21st minute from a poorly defended corner, but Southampton striker Cyle Larin was the Canadian hero with his equaliser in the 78th.
The other fixture in Group B was Qatar vs Switzerland. The Swiss were large favourites heading into this game and it showed with 26 total shots at Mahmud Abunada’s goal. They did take the lead 17 minutes in with Rennes Striker Breel Embolo netting a penalty, but no matter how much they tried, the Swiss couldn’t find a second.
In the 94th, substitute Miro Muheim’s own goal confirmed Qatar’s first ever point in a World Cup. After hosting the tournament in 2022, this moment was huge for a county who have only ever scored one previous goal in the competition. So after two games, all four teams are tied with one point each, making match day two a very exciting time.
Group C: Have Brazil been overhyped?
Group C saw the ‘on paper’ game of the tournament so far as Brazil took on the AFCON Champions Morocco in New Jersey. Although being managed by former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil didn’t show off their usual World Cup flair as they failed to win their opening fixture for the sixth time in 23 appearances. Ismael Saibari opened the scoring when a through ball completely caught out the Champions League finalist duo Gabriel and Marquinhos before the PSV Striker chipped it over Allison.
Vinicius Junior answered back with an exceptional strike just 11 minutes later, but the match ended 1-1 after no one could capitalise on their first goal. Brazil’s midfield looked completely out matched with the ageing Casemiro coming off at half time for another ageing player in Fabinho. Newcastle United Captain Bruno Guimaraes had to do most of the work but a rethink for the midfield will need to happen going into their next game vs Haiti.
Scotland made their 28-year World Cup drought worth the wait after a 1-0 win against Haiti. John McGinn scored a crucial goal 29 minutes in to secure three points and put the Scotts top of their group. Scotland will face Morocco next in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in a game which is sure to be a nervous one.
Group D: Are USA Dark Horses?
The final host nation, USA, have started with a bang as they defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opening match. Mauricio Pochettino looks to have his team clicking as they dominated from start to finish. After an early own goal from centre midfielder Damian Bobadilla, Folarin Balogun announced himself on the biggest stage as he scored a brilliant brace to extend their lead to three before half time. Paraguay did get a goal back with Mauricio scoring in the 73rd minute, but Giovanni Reyna’s strike put the nail in the coffin in a five star performance for the United States.
The second game in Group D was the biggest shock of tournament so far as Australia faced Türkiye. The Turk’s had 30 shots in total but Melbourne City’s Patrick Beach was in impeccable form as he registered eight saves and won man of the match. Goals from Watford winger Nestroy Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe completed a massive snatch and grab win for the Aussie’s, putting them joint top of the group on three points.
Group E: Yan Diomande is the next Superstar!
Ivory Coast and Ecuador put on one of the games of the tournament, even if the score line didn’t show it. Leipzig’s Yan Diomande was electric, skipping past Premier League champion Piero Hincapie on numerous occasions. But the likes of William Pacho, Moises Caicedo and Joel Ordonez made it incredibly difficult for a breakthrough goal. Ecuador had a fair amount of chances to win the game but substitute Amad Diallo’s late winner meant Ivory Coast ended Ecuador’s 19-match undefeated streak, their first loss under coach Sebastian Beccacece.
Germany did not mess about in their first game of the tournament as they beat debutants Curacao 7-1. Felix Nmecha opened the scoring before 15 minutes later, Livano Comenencia scored the equaliser in a moment the small country of Curacao would of only ever dreamed about. But Germany had no plans on being apart of this fairy tale as goals from Nico Shlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Denis Undav and a brace from Kai Havertz cemented a dominant display from the German’s.
Group F: Sweden’s Strike Force might be Unstoppable.
Monterrey Stadium in Guadalupe was host to Sweden vs Tunisia, the 5-1 result saw the shocking managerial sacking of as Sabri Lamouchi. Premier League star Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres combined for all five Swedish goals in a dominant win. Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari scored two wonderful strikes to open and close the Swedish floodgates. Tunisia sacking their manager after one game could be detrimental to the team, as they will most likely have to learn a new system in a very shot amount of time.
Netherlands and Japan put on an entertaining 2-2 draw leaving both teams in joint second place. Holland went 1-0 up through Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk, before Japan levelled the game thanks to Keito Nakamura. Crysenio Summerville put the Netherlands back in front with a wonderful left-footed finish which looked to seal the points, but Japan had other ideas. Junya Ito’s corner found the head of Koki Ogawa, before Daichi Kamada put it past Bart Verbruggen for the equaliser.
Six groups covered, another six to talk about. The 2026 FIFA World Cup has finally arrived and, so far, it has not disappointed.
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