First Week Recap — The Opening Days of World Cup 2026
June 11–21, 2026
The first 11 days of the 2026 World Cup delivered 36 matches, 109 goals, and a tournament already finding its shape. Here is everything you need to know from the opening week.
The Statement Result: Germany 7-1 Curaçao
Germany served notice to the rest of the tournament with a ruthless 7-1 demolition of Curaçao on Matchday 1. Deniz Undav was the star — a hat-trick and two assists, putting him top of the Golden Boot race. Kai Havertz added a brace as Germany's fluid attack carved Curaçao apart. The result gives Germany a goal difference cushion (+7) that could prove crucial if Group E goes to tiebreakers.
USMNT Roll On
The United States made it two wins from two in their first two matches, following up a 4-1 opening win over Paraguay with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia. Folarin Balogun scored in both matches. Christian Pulisic pulled the strings from the left, while Tyler Adams anchored the midfield. The US sits top of Group D with six points and a +5 goal difference.
Netherlands Find Their Swagger
After drawing 2-2 with Japan in their opener, the Netherlands responded emphatically with a 5-1 thrashing of Sweden. Memphis Depay ran the show. Japan kept pace with a 4-0 win over Tunisia, setting up a fascinating Group F table where the Netherlands and Japan are level on four points.
Brazil Bounce Back
Brazil's opening 1-1 draw with Morocco raised questions. Their response was a dominant 3-0 win over Haiti. Vinicius Junior scored one and set up another. Morocco kept pace with a gritty 1-0 win over Scotland.
Mexico Lead the Hosts Charge
Mexico kicked off the tournament with a 2-0 win over South Africa and followed it with a 1-0 victory over South Korea. Six points from six, Group A is theirs to lose.
Canada Make Statement
Canada's 6-0 demolition of Qatar was the biggest win of the tournament. Jonathan David and Cyle Larin are forming a lethal partnership up front.
Golden Boot Race
Deniz Undav (Germany) — 3 goals, 2 assists. The surprise leader.
Lionel Messi (Argentina) — 3 goals on his tournament debut.
Jonathan David (Canada) — 3 goals in two matches.
Vinicius Junior (Brazil) — 2 goals, 2 assists.
Folarin Balogun (USA) — 2 goals in two matches.
Standings at a Glance
Group A: Mexico 6pts, South Korea 3pts, Czechia 1pt, South Africa 1pt
Group B: Canada 4pts, Switzerland 4pts, Bosnia-Herzegovina 1pt, Qatar 1pt
Group C: Brazil 4pts, Morocco 4pts, Scotland 3pts, Haiti 0pts
Group D: USA 6pts, Australia 3pts, Paraguay 3pts, Turkey 0pts
Group E: Germany 6pts, Ivory Coast 3pts, Ecuador 1pt, Curaçao 1pt
Group F: Netherlands 4pts, Japan 4pts, Sweden 3pts, Tunisia 0pts
Looking Ahead
Matchday 2 continues across all groups before the tournament reaches its critical final round. Argentina faces Austria, France takes on Iraq, and several groups will be decided in the final matchday.
The expanded 48-team format means 16 teams go home after the group stage. For Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, and Iraq — every remaining match is effectively a knockout.
Coming next: Daily Digests covering each matchday as the tournament progresses.