For years, the FIFA World Cup has been an unforgiving stage for Asian teams. While occasional giant-killing acts captured global attention, they were often dismissed as one-off surprises rather than evidence of a broader shift in football's balance of power. Asian nations arrived at World Cups hoping to compete; few were expected to genuinely challenge.
Within just one week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the football world has seen countless dramatic moments, record-breaking performances and several unexpected results. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Cristiano Ronaldo and a few underdog teams have been at the center of discussion since the start of this tournament held on North American soil, making the World Cup more attractive by showing glimpses of their capabilities.
The first whistle on the World Cup stage marks the beginning of the race of dreams. Some sprint straight towards the destination, while others face a tough equation right after the first blow. After the completion of the first match for the 48 teams in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the football world now stands at such a turning point. In this new format World Cup, there are only three matches. As a result, one win can open the door to the knockout stage, while one mistake can put the entire World Cup in uncertainty.
Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama in their World Cup Group L opener in Toronto, with Caleb Yeremky scoring in stoppage time to give the Black Stars all three points.
The first half of the World Cup Group L match between Ghana and Panama in Toronto ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock in a competitive contest.
England kicked off their World Cup Group L campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, earning three points in a match filled with attacking football, counter-attacks, and drama.
England have regained the lead in their World Cup Group L match against Croatia, with Jude Bellingham scoring early in the second half to make it 3-2.
The first half of the Group L World Cup match between England and Croatia in Dallas has ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Harry Kane scoring a brace for England.
Croatia have made a stunning comeback in their Group L World Cup match against England in Dallas, levelling the score at 1-1 after going behind early.
England have taken a 1-0 lead against Croatia in their Group L World Cup opener in Dallas, with captain Harry Kane scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute.
Portugal were unable to secure a winning start to their World Cup campaign despite taking an early lead, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their Group K opener at the NRG Stadium in Houston on Wednesday, June 17.
DR Congo scored their first ever World Cup goal deep into first-half stoppage time to level the score at 1-1 against Portugal in their Group K opener at the NRG Stadium in Houston .