World Cup 2026: Superstars Shine as Group Stage Begins to Take Shape

Rabat – The 2026 World Cup group stage continued with another entertaining matchday, producing 66 goals in total. While that is slightly fewer than on the opening matchday, it remains a higher tally than in previous editions at this stage of the competition. As the group standings begin to take shape, let’s take a look at the teams that have bounced back from last week, those already in danger, and those still defying the odds.

Top

The Netherlands

It took them time to get going, but the Oranje are now up in this World Cup, thrashing Sweden 5-1 in Houston after a rather underwhelming display against Japan. Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo both scored braces, while Crysencio Summerville added a superb long-range strike.

Sweden pulled one back through Anthony Elanga, but the Netherlands remained solid at the back and ruthless in front of goal. Virgil van Dijk’s side now top Group F alongside Japan and will face Tunisia to determine Morocco’s opponent in the round of 32.

Norway

Twenty-eight years after their last World Cup appearance, the Vikings are impressive in the Group of Death. Led by Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth in attack and Martin Odegaard in the midfield, they beat Iraq 4-1 before edging Senegal 3-2 in New York, thanks to another Haaland brace, his second in this World Cup.

Their transition pace and clinical finishing proved too much for one of Africa’s strongest defences. Already through to the round of 16, Norway will face France for top spot in Group I.

Portugal

After a disappointing draw against DR Congo in their opening match, the Selecao bounced back by thrashing Uzbekistan 5-0 in Houston, largely thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace.

The Portuguese legend answered his critics with a stunning half-volley and a composed finish, while Nuno Mendes also found the net after his captain allowed him to take the free-kick. Two more goals after the break completed the rout, lifting Portugal to second place in Group K ahead of a decisive clash with Colombia.

Honourable mentions: Canada, Japan

Surprises

Ghana

The Black Stars are one of the least entertaining teams to watch at this World Cup, but what matters more than the result? Their clash against England in Boston looked very unbalanced, with Ghana arriving at the tournament after a disappointing failure to qualify for the last AFCON.

But Carlos Queiroz’s defensive wall frustrated Harry Kane and his attacking teammates, keeping them scoreless. After an opening win against Panama, this goalless draw puts Ghana in an ideal position in Group L before playing their next fixture against Croatia.

Cape Verde

After their shock result against Spain, the Blue Sharks held Uruguay to a stunning 2-2 draw in Miami, earning another historic point. Kevin Pina scored the country’s first-ever World Cup goal with a superb free-kick from over 20 metres.

The Celeste regained the lead before half-time, but a costly misunderstanding between Matías Oliveira and Fernando Muslera allowed Hélio Varela to equalise into an empty net. Cape Verde now sit third in Group H and remain in a good position to qualify ahead of facing Saudi Arabia in their final group match.

Curaçao

The underdogs of this World Cup, qualified for the first time, are proving they belong on the big stage. After their opening defeat 7-1 against Germany, many expected Curaçao to finish pointless in a tough Group E.

But the Caribbean side bounced back with a heroic draw in Kansas City against Ecuador, one of South America’s strongest teams, thanks to an outstanding Eloy Room, who made 15 saves. It is the country’s first-ever World Cup point and keeps slim qualification hopes alive ahead of a decisive clash with Ivory Coast.

Honourable mentions: Iran, Paraguay

Flops

Türkiye

This round of games saw another crushing, utterly disheartening failure for Türkiye in international tournaments. Twenty-four years after their historic semi-final run, the Crescent-Star returned to the World Cup featuring elite players such as Arda Güler and Kenan Yildiz, and were drawn into an affordable Group D.

Turkïye started with a 2-0 defeat against Australia before losing 1-0 to Paraguay in Santa Clara; it was an embarrassingly underwhelming performance marked by striking inefficiency and collective tactical collapse. Despite good expectations, Vincenzo Montella’s men are already eliminated before even playing their final match.

Senegal

The Lions of Teranga were drawn into a difficult group, but expectations were higher for the last AFCON runners-up. Their opening 3-1 defeat to France was not a disgrace, as they were competitive in the first half.

Against Norway in New York, defeat was already forbidden, but the Kalidou Koulibaly disaster class allowed Norway to score three goals. Despite a reaction led by Ismaila Sarr, the 3-2 loss is a major blow for Senegal, who can now finish no higher than third in Group I. A large win against Iraq in the final match is imperative to qualify.

Belgium

Despite being drawn in a comfortable group, the Red Devils are already in danger. Their opening draw against Egypt could have been overlooked, but the 0-0 upset in Los Angeles with Iran is far more worrying. Belgium even came close to defeat after Iran had a goal disallowed and Nathan Ngoy’s red card.

Outstanding goalkeeper displays from Alireza Beiranvand and Thibaut Courtois kept the score level at 0-0. The Belgians can still finish either first or last before their final match against New Zealand.

Honourable mentions: Uruguay, England

Must-watch next matchday:

Norway vs France – Boston, June 26, 8 PM

Uruguay vs Spain – Guadalajara, June 27, 1 AM

Colombia vs Portugal – Miami, June 28, 0:30 AM