The opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced memorable moments, surprise results and compelling storylines, with Lionel Messi, Cape Verde and packed stadiums among the major talking points across North America.
Messi still defying age
Argentina captain Lionel Messi once again demonstrated why he remains one of football’s greatest players, scoring a hat-trick in his side’s victory over Algeria. Just months before his 39th birthday, Messi rolled back the years with two stunning long-range strikes and a poacher’s finish to move level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals. The Argentine now has the opportunity to claim the record outright when his side face Austria in their next group match.
Ronaldo struggles to make impact
While Messi stole the spotlight, Cristiano Ronaldo endured a frustrating outing in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo. The 41-year-old forward managed only 25 touches throughout the match, his lowest tally in a major tournament game for Portugal when completing the full 90 minutes. Ronaldo has now gone 10 consecutive matches at major international tournaments without scoring, increasing pressure on coach Roberto Martinez ahead of Portugal’s next fixture.
Cape Verde justify expanded World Cup
One of the biggest surprises of the tournament came in Atlanta, where World Cup debutants Cape Verde held European champions Spain to a goalless draw. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha produced a series of remarkable saves to frustrate the Spaniards and secure a historic point for the island nation. The result also strengthened the argument in favour of FIFA’s expanded 48-team format, with Cape Verde proving they belong on football’s biggest stage despite pre-tournament scepticism from some critics.
Fans flock to stadiums despite high costs
The tournament has also enjoyed impressive attendance figures, with supporters filling venues across the United States, Canada and Mexico. A crowd of 68,527 watched Austria face Jordan at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, while FIFA reported that more than 281,000 fans attended matches on Tuesday alone, setting a new World Cup single-day attendance record and underlining the competition’s strong appeal despite concerns over ticket prices.
Referees show restraint after opening controversy
Officiating has also been a topic of discussion after three players were sent off during Mexico’s opening victory over South Africa. However, referees have since adopted a more measured approach, with no red cards shown in the following 23 matches. The shift has helped maintain the flow of games and reduced concerns that the tournament could be overshadowed by disciplinary controversies as the group stage gathers momentum.
