MIAMI — FIFA World Cup 2026 has already delivered goals, drama and a series of unexpected results after the completion of the opening round of group-stage matches.
A total of 75 goals were scored across the first 24 matches, producing an average of 3.13 goals per game, the highest rate at this stage of a World Cup since 1958.
The expanded 48-team format had raised concerns about competitiveness before the tournament, but the opening round has largely silenced those doubts. Nine of the 24 matches ended in draws, representing 37.5 percent of all games, the highest figure after the first round of group matches since 2010.
Several underdogs earned valuable results against higher-ranked opponents, including Cape Verde’s goalless draw with Spain, Saudi Arabia’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay, Egypt’s draw with Belgium and New Zealand’s 2-2 result against Iran.
The tournament’s biggest stars have also made their mark.
Lionel Messi produced the standout individual performance of the opening round with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. The three goals took the Argentine captain to 16 World Cup goals, drawing level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
England captain Harry Kane also enjoyed a memorable start, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over Croatia. His brace moved him level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 10 goals.
Both Messi and Kane were among only two players who scored after attempting six or more shots during their opening matches.
Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari and New Zealand forward Elijah Just emerged as surprise early stars, with both players scoring twice and maintaining a perfect shot-conversion rate.
Spain midfielder Pedri topped the creativity charts despite his side’s frustrating 0-0 draw against Cape Verde. The Barcelona playmaker led the tournament in expected assists and also regained possession in the attacking third more often than any other player.
Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich finished the opening round as the leading assist provider with two assists during Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Brazil winger Vinícius Júnior endured a frustrating evening against Morocco despite scoring. The Real Madrid star attempted nine dribbles without success, more than any player in the tournament so far.
Among defensive standouts, Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Jovo Lukić delivered one of the most dominant performances, winning all nine of his aerial duels against Canada.
Panama defender Jiovany Ramos and Senegal winger Krépin Diatta were the most successful players in ground duels, consistently winning their individual battles throughout their opening matches.
With 24 matches completed and all teams having played once, the early numbers suggest World Cup 2026 is producing both entertainment and unpredictability, a combination likely to keep fans captivated as the race for the knockout stage intensifies.
Source: Saudi Gazette