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The triumphs and disappointments from the opening act of the global tournament
Messi/@eurosport
21.06.26
12:00
World Cup
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Lionel Messi’s hat-trick, Cape Verde’s historic debut against Spain, Tunisia’s collapse… Let’s look back at the highs and lows from the first day of the World Cup.
The first day has revealed its last secrets. After the initial 24 matches, it’s time to review the best and worst teams, players, coaches…
The highs of matchday 1
Morocco makes Brazil sweat
In their opening match, Morocco held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in a fiercely contested encounter, once again proving they can compete with the world’s elite, just as they did at Qatar 2022. The Atlas Lions could have even clinched victory had it not been for Vinicius Jr.’s equalizer before halftime.
World Cup 2026: The official and complete group stage schedule
Germany’s demolition job
Germany wobbled only briefly against World Cup newcomers Curaçao (the score was 1-1) before running away with a 7-1 victory—a result reminiscent of their famous win over Brazil in the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
A spectacular Netherlands vs. Japan clash
The showdown between the Dutch and the Japanese was a thrilling contest, rewarding viewers with end-to-end drama. Japan showed tremendous character, twice coming from behind to snatch a draw.
The Cape Verde shocker
Without a doubt, the biggest surprise came from Cape Verde, who held Spain to a 0-0 draw in their very first-ever World Cup finals match. The Blue Sharks stood firm, repelling wave after wave from Lamine Yamal and his teammates.
Lionel Messi’s sensational hat-trick
He is eternal, and he proves it time and again. In his sixth World Cup, Lionel Messi carried Argentina against Algeria with a stunning hat-trick, drawing level with Miroslav Klose as the joint top scorer in World Cup history—a record he’s almost certain to break in the matches to come.
The lows of matchday 1
Three red cards in the opener
The opening match between Mexico and South Africa ended 10 vs. 9. Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Zwane followed in the 83rd for a reckless challenge, and finally, Mexico’s Montes saw red for a late challenge in stoppage time (90+2’).
Tunisia’s fiasco
The Carthage Eagles were outclassed by Sweden, suffering a 1-5 defeat despite a goal from Omar Rekik. The result drew the ire of Tunisian supporters, who were stunned by such a heavy loss—something never before seen in the country’s football history. Sabri Lamouchi paid the price, being dismissed after the match and replaced by Hervé Renard.
Big names stumble out of the gate
Several giants failed to impress. Besides Spain being held by Cape Verde, Portugal couldn’t get past DR Congo (1-1). Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates lacked cutting edge in front of goal. Belgium also had to settle for a draw with Egypt (1-1), and Uruguay was held by a spirited Saudi Arabia (1-1).
🚨 Roy Keane on Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal:
🗣️ “The only player I’ve seen still performing at the highest level at 40 or 41 is usually a goalkeeper.
I genuinely don’t understand why Ronaldo is still leading the line for Portugal.
There seems to be this desperation to keep… pic.twitter.com/J6f1fl0ok2
— The Arsenal Stand (@ArsenalN41) June 19, 2026
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Piala Dunia 2026
Piala Dunia FIFA 2026 akan menjadi edisi paling revolusioner dalam sejarah sepak bola dunia. Turnamen ini untuk pertama kalinya akan diselenggarakan di tiga negara sekaligus, yaitu Amerika Serikat, Kanada, dan Meksiko. Selain itu, jumlah peserta juga meningkat dari 32 menjadi 48 tim, membuka peluang lebih besar bagi negara-negara dari berbagai konfederasi untuk tampil di panggung global. Format baru ini akan menghadirkan lebih banyak pertandingan, atmosfer kompetisi yang lebih luas, serta jangkauan penonton yang semakin besar di seluruh dunia.
Dengan skala yang jauh lebih besar, FIFA menargetkan turnamen ini sebagai ajang yang tidak hanya kompetitif tetapi juga spektakuler dari sisi teknologi dan pengalaman penonton. Stadion-stadion modern di berbagai kota tuan rumah telah dipersiapkan untuk menghadirkan pertandingan berkelas dunia, didukung oleh inovasi seperti peningkatan sistem VAR dan pengalaman digital bagi fans. diprediksi akan menjadi tonggak baru dalam evolusi sepak bola internasional, memperkuat popularitas olahraga ini sekaligus menciptakan momen-momen bersejarah yang akan dikenang dalam waktu lama.
