2026 World Cup: What did we learn from an exciting first week?

Before the ball is hit There were concerns. The expanded tournament – which has a record 104 matches – will produce several boring one-sided contests.

But it took less than a week to dispel those fears.

Traditional powerhouses Europe and South America – continents that occupy 15 of the top 20 positions in the current FIFA rankings – have not had things entirely their own way.

Brazil, Uruguay and Switzerland were all drawn in the so-called ‘lesser’ countries, while Spain were also tied. Cape Verde was upset by the debutants In one of the biggest surprises of the World Cup.

The fact that the third-smallest country to qualify for the World Cup has put itself at odds with the European Championship, disproving the myth that the competition is overcrowded.

Others had their moments: fellow countrymen Curacao scored against Germany – despite a drink – Jordan pushed Austria long and DR Congo held Portugal.

In particular, the countries of the Asian Football Confederation were impressive, with Australia and South Korea winning, Japan, the Netherlands and Qatar, and Saudi Arabia drawing.

The caveat here is that it’s very early days. We’re only a third of the way through the group stage, and the big teams will probably get an off day with 32 of the 48 teams going through to the next phase.

“There’s been a lot of talk about the expansion, but you can see it’s bringing out the best in the team,” United States Women’s manager Emma Hayes told ITV.