First match over, all eyes on second match to keep WC dream alive

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.

After the first round, the most confident team is undoubtedly Germany. By thrashing Curaçao 7-1, the four-time world champions have not only secured three points but also gained a huge advantage in goal difference. England have also made it clear that they have come this time not just to participate, but with the aim of winning the title. Their 4-2 victory against Croatia showcased the sharpness of their attack, although some weaknesses in defence are still a concern.

Argentina, France, USA, Colombia, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea, Austria, Scotland, and Ghana have also started the World Cup with wins. Another win in the second match will take many of them to the doorstep of the round of 16. So confidence is now their biggest strength.

But the biggest story of the World Cup’s first round has been written by some unexpected results. Five-time world champions Brazil drew 1-1 against Morocco. Despite leading in ball possession, attacks, and chances, the Seleção failed to secure a victory. As a result, the second match against Haiti has now become a do-or-die battle for them.

Spain and Portugal present the same picture. Spain drew goalless against Cape Verde, while Portugal dropped points against DR Congo. Netherlands, Belgium, Uruguay, Switzerland, Canada, Qatar, Bosnia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand also failed to win their first match. As a result, their sole target in the second match is victory. Any other result will make their final match even more difficult.

However, the first round of this World Cup has also brought forward another truth — there is no such thing as a small team in football. Morocco held Brazil, Cape Verde kept Spain goalless, and DR Congo stopped Portugal. Bosnia drew against Canada, Qatar against Switzerland, and Iran against New Zealand, proving that it is not the name but on-field performance that is now the biggest identity.

The equations in the groups have also become very exciting. In Group A, Mexico and South Korea are ahead, but the battle is not over yet. In Group B, all four teams have equal chances. In Group C, Scotland is ahead, but Brazil and Morocco are still in strong positions. In Group D, the USA is in a favourable position; in E, Germany is well ahead. In F, Sweden is ahead, but the Netherlands still have the opportunity to bounce back. In Groups G and H, all four teams have one point each, making the fight there the most thrilling. In I, France and Norway; in J, Argentina; in K, Colombia; and in L, England are currently in advantageous positions.

The history of the World Cup, however, gives hope to the teams that are lagging behind. In 2010, Spain lost their first match but still became world champions in the end. The past therefore says that stumbling in the first match does not mean the dream is over. However, there is almost no room for error in the second match.

For this reason, the second match is now not just another group match for Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, or Belgium; it is their fight to keep their World Cup alive. On the other hand, Germany, England, Argentina, France, or the USA will want to strengthen their excellent start further and secure the knockout stage.

After the first match, one thing is clear — in this 48-team World Cup, every match feels like a final. Here, a moment’s mistake can change the story of the entire tournament, while a single win can open a new door to making history. Therefore, the second-round matches are not just a battle for three points; for many teams, they are going to be the biggest test of keeping their World Cup dream alive.