The FIFA World Cup 2026 has kicked off with a record number of draws, fearless underdogs, and Messi magic, making it an unpredictable tournament so far.
With 75 goals scored in the first 24 matches, the average is just over three goals per game, defying expectations that the expanded 48-team format would dilute quality.
Germany's 7-1 demolition of Curaçao and England's 4-2 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia were among the highest-scoring games, while Spain's 0-0 draw against World Cup debutants Cape Verde was a shock result.
The tournament has seen eight draws in the opening round, the most ever at this stage of a World Cup, with teams adopting a more cautious approach due to the third-placed teams' pathway to the knockout rounds.
Europe dominated the first round, but cracks appeared among some of the favourites, while Africa produced the biggest surprises, including Morocco's draw against Brazil and Egypt's match against Belgium.
Lionel Messi inspired Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria with a historic hat-trick, while Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Harry Kane also delivered immediately.
The tournament has already produced a story that transcends football, with Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha's heroic performance against Spain and his mother's visa difficulties being waived thanks to US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' intervention.
