The FIFA World Cup 2026 is not only about controversies and criticism — the tournament is delivering great action, stories, and surprises that fans were hoping for. Whether it's Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez firing Mexico past South Africa, or Curaçao's debut against Germany, every story is unique and memorable.
The last three days were exciting for some favorites and disappointing for others. What made this tournament feel different right from the start were the three red cards in the opening match — something nobody expected. Fans got the sense that this edition would be strict and unpredictable. Group B had its moments too, but Groups A, C, D, E, and F delivered some truly unmissable football. Here's how it happened.
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Mexico Begin with a Victory
The Mexican team stayed undefeated at Estadio Azteca with a 2-0 victory over South Africa in Group A's opening match. Julián Quiñones got the party started with the tournament's first goal, and Raúl Jiménez sealed it with a header in the 67th minute — his first-ever World Cup goal, making it all the more emotional for the veteran striker. The home crowd celebrated loudly, sombreros flying, as Mexico got an early advantage and announced themselves as a side nobody wanted to face.
Later, South Korea secured a valuable 2-1 victory over Czechia despite going a goal down. The comeback was credited largely to Hwang In-Beom, who scored the equalizer and set up Oh Hyeon-Gyu's winner. It will be an interesting watch when Mexico and South Korea meet on June 18 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara — that match will decide who leads Group A.
USA Make a Strong Start
Another home side that stunned their opponents was the United States. The Americans beat Paraguay 4-1 in Group D. With clinical finishing, aggressive pressing, and quick transitions, the USA looked dominant from start to finish. Scoring once is never easy; scoring four is a statement in itself.
Before USA vs Paraguay, Canada faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group B where fans expected the co-hosts to control the match. It was Jovo Lukic's 21st-minute goal that gave the Bosnians the lead instead. Just when it looked like Bosnia's match to take, Cyle Larin came off the bench and scored an equalizer in the 78th minute to earn Canada a point.
Brazil Held by Morocco
The Bay Area was hoping for a big night when Switzerland took on Qatar in Group B. The Swiss got their chance early when Qatar's goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada conceded a penalty, and Breel Embolo converted to make it 1-0. Switzerland were centimeters from three points, but Boualem Khoukhi's iconic header in the 94th minute saved Qatar from defeat.
We saw how phenomenal Morocco were at the 2022 World Cup, and they proved it again in this tournament. Ismael Saibari struck first in the 21st minute, stunning Brazil. The Seleção fought back and scored in the 32nd minute, but the winning goal never came. It was a 1-1 draw that left Brazil with work to do.
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Australia Surprise Türkiye
In Group C, Scotland earned a crucial 1-0 victory over Haiti and sit at the top of the table. It may not last long — they face Morocco on June 20 and Brazil on June 25 — but they got the three points they needed in a tight, chance-limited game.
The biggest surprise of the week was Australia's dominance over Türkiye in Group D. A convincing 2-0 win put the Socceroos right behind the USA with three points. Their disciplined defense and clinical attack restricted Türkiye throughout. Türkiye now need to respond in their next match against Paraguay to keep their campaign alive.
Germany Send an Early Warning
If you're a Germany fan, get ready for a campaign to remember. Die Mannschaft dismantled debutants Curaçao 7-1, recording the biggest victory so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Germany controlled possession, created chance after chance, and exposed every gap in the Curaçao defense. Curaçao did manage a consolation goal — a historic moment for a nation making its World Cup debut, and one their fans will celebrate regardless of the scoreline.
Germany's performance sent a clear message to Group E. Ivory Coast reinforced the group's quality by edging Ecuador 1-0, with substitute Amad Diallo scoring a dramatic 90th-minute winner to claim all three points. The picture will become much clearer on June 20 when Germany face Ivory Coast and Ecuador take on Curaçao.
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Group F Delivers Goals and Drama
A little drama is always expected when strong sides share a group. Group F delivered some of the most thrilling moments of the week. After a scoreless first half, Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk headed the Netherlands in front in the 51st minute against Japan. Japan hit back through Keito Nakamura's smart finish, and just when the Netherlands looked to have it won through Crysencio Summerville's 64th-minute curler, Daichi Kamada deflected home in the 89th minute to earn Japan a deserved draw.
Later, Sweden played mesmerizing football against Tunisia, winning 5-1. That result puts Sweden at the top of Group F and gives them a real advantage over Japan and the Netherlands. With a relentless attack, clinical finishing, and a powerful defensive shape, Sweden are shaping up as a serious threat to everyone in their path.
