Rabat– Following the opening matchday of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, which produced a total of 75 goals across 24 games, it is time to look back at a hectic first week of competition. Which teams have already established themselves as serious contenders? Which outsiders have outsmarted the bookmarkers? And which teams have disappointed despite good hopes? Here is the first balance.

Top

England

The Three Lions sent a strong message in Thomas Tuchel’s first World Cup match, producing in Dallas the best match of this first matchday thanks to their constant intensity and tactical versatility.

Against a Croatia side coming out off two impressive World Cup campaigns, Harry Kane’s teammates drew 2-2 at half-time thanks to his brace, before the English storm breaks with a magistral Jude Bellingham and finally secure a 4-2 victory. England already top Group L, a perfect position to qualify ahead of their next fixture against Ghana.

United States

The host nation completely dismantled Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles. Mauricio Pochettino’s men impressed with their fluid passing and constant attacking intent, racing to a 3-0 lead before half-time thanks to a Folarin Bolagun brace and an unstoppable Christian Pulisic.

Paraguay pulled one back after the break, but Giovanni Reyna’s stunning trivela sealed an emphatic victory. Team US now top Group D and already look well placed to reach the Round of 16 before the second game against Australia.

Argentina

Lionel Messi is definitely timeless. His hat-trick inspired the Argentina opening match to a comfortable 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. The world champions dominated from start to finish, with Messi opening the scoring with a stunning long-range strike before adding two more after the break.

The World champions, without changing their fundamentals, confirmed they remain serious suitors for the back-to-back. The South Americans already take control of Group J ahead of their next match against Austria.

Honourable mentions : France, Germany

Surprises

Cape Verde

The smallest nation to participate in a World Cup played its first match ever against Spain, one of the big favourites. The chances of the Blue Sharks getting a result were extremely low, but thanks to a solid defence, and, overall, Vozinha, the 40-year-old goalkeeper, on fire in Atlanta, Cape Verde made history with a 0-0 draw against the European champions.

Already marking this World Cup with their courage and resilience, Cape Verde can dream of qualification in Group H with this first-ever World Cup point, before their next game against Uruguay.

Egypt

The Pharaohs deserved better against Belgium in Seattle, but Mohamed Salah’s teammates secured a precious point with this 1-1 draw against a more experienced and talented side on paper, less on the pitch.

Emam Ashour’s superb longshot put Egypt in control, dominating the first half with their trademark defensive intensity and counter-attacking style. Mohamed Hany’s second-half own-goal denied the seven-time AFCON winner their first-ever World Cup victory, but can seriously aim for top spot in Group G ahead of playing New Zealand.

DR Congo

Back at the World Cup after 52 years, DR Congo secured a historic 1–1 draw against Portugal in Houston, earning their first-ever World Cup point and goal. Despite Joao Neves opening the scoring early, Leopards responded with defensive solidity and dangerous counter-attacks, Yoane Wissa equalizing before half-time.

By frustrating Portugal throughout the second half, the Congolese secured an encouraging result. DR Congo now have every reason to believe qualification is within reach ahead of their next match against Colombia.

Honourable mentions : Qatar, New Zealand

Flops

Spain

Many bookmakers see Spain as the future winner of this World Cup, but few expected the shock draw 0-0 against newcomers Cape Verde. Despite Lamine Yamal not starting the match, La Roja were expected to be clearly superior technically and tactically. They dominated possession with 74%, but lacked efficiency.

Spain attempted 23 shots with only 2.10 xG, reflecting an uncharacteristic lack of attacking sharpness, reminiscent of old struggles before 2024. Qualification is not compromised but Spain must get up against Saudi Arabia.

Portugal

More was expected from Portugal, one of the tournament favorites and clearly superior on paper against DR Congo. The Seleçao started well in Houston, opening the scoring early, but then faded as the game went on.

Even with one of the strongest midfields in the tournament, Portugal lacked creativity, producing few clear chances, with Cristiano Ronaldo unable to convert the limited opportunities. With just one point, Portugal now face pressure in a tough Group K, where victory against Uzbekistan in the next match will already be crucial.

Tunisia

Things were already going from bad to worse for Tunisia even before their opening match against Sweden. In Monterrey, a 5-1 defeat in what was supposed to be their most manageable fixture only confirmed their struggles.

The Tunisian defence collapsed against the Gyokeres-Isak duo and a Yassin Ayari brace, despite Omar Rekik pulling one back before half-time. Bottom of Group F, Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi and appointed Hervé Renard for an almost impossible mission against Japan and the Netherlands.

Honorable mentions: Brazil, Switzerland