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The first round of the 2026 World Cup has been and gone, and boy have we seen some strong performances.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe showed why they are the cream of the crop – on the same day no less – while the opening matches allowed new heroes to emerge, such as Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vojinha. Going from 50,000 followers to 10 million in a few days is one way to measure how historic your display was.
Others caught the eye, but who really shined through the first 24 games? That’s where Sky Sports’ real performance lies Here to help
Kane is England’s main man – but the opposition are out of pace
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Sky Sports’ Jay Bothroyd and Jamie Weir analyze Harry Kane’s man-of-the-match display in England’s opener against Croatia
England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas was one of the Three Lions’ most exciting performances at a major tournament in recent memory. Especially in the second half.
On paper, there were quite a few who put on a remarkable display. Noni Maduke impressed on his World Cup debut, as did Elliott Anderson. Statistically though, they were off the pace.
Only two England players returned with scores of 90+. Judd Bellingham silenced the doubters and proved his supporters right with a display that highlighted his penchant for the big show. His second half strike led him to a score 90.0 Right, aided by a steady and efficient display at both ends of the pitch.
Surprisingly, Harry Kane took the crown for Thomas Tuchel 92.0. The captain scored twice, was the most present in the opposition penalty area with seven shots and nearly doubled his XG. It’s also important to note, his missed penalty was not factored into the equation because a retake was ordered. As if it never happened.
Harry Kane’s heatmap and shotmap vs Croatia
Despite leading his country to glory once again, Kane’s performance was not among the top 10 among openers. Erling Haaland’s double on his World Cup debut Norway’s talisman left with a score 93.7. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak’s display for Sweden was decent 93.6. Kane has some work to do to get to that height.
How good was Vozinha’s show really?
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Hayley McQueen brings you a bite-sized roundup of everything you need to know from the 2026 World Cup, the day after Cape Verde stunned Spain with a draw and Bukayo Saka confirmed he is fully fit to face Croatia.
He’s been mentioned before, but Cape Verde shotstopper Vojinha won the hearts of the world – minus the Spanish – with his incredible display against the European champions.
He became the first 40-year-old to make seven or more saves in a 40+ World Cup game since Pat Jennings in 1986. He had the most touches of any Cape Verde player with 78.
It was a heroic display that will live long in the memory and left him with a score 93.4. But how did the tournament compare to the other ‘keepers?
Vozinha kept a clean sheet despite having the fourth highest xg against Spain
Only one other goalkeeper scored in the 1990s: Scotland’s Angus Gunn. As for other notable names, Jordan Pickford scored 42.8. Thibaut Courtois is a weakling 20.4. Manuel Neuer returned to international football only to pick up and 18.4.
It really puts into perspective just how heroic Vozinha was.
‘Just’ what the doctor ordered
New Zealand’s Elias Just celebrates after scoring against Iran
Heading into the World Cup, New Zealand were the lowest ranked team in the competition. 82nd in the FIFA world rankings, many predicted that they would be one of the teams to leave the tournament without a point.
However, thanks to one, they are firmly in the hunt for a place in the knockout stages. Elijah Just saw Darren Bazeley’s doubleIts team earned a point against Iran, leaving Egypt and Belgium in a tall position to win their group as they also drew.
Not only did he find the net twice, but the winger was also a top-three performer on the night in chances created, final third passes and a conversion rate of 100 per cent, his best performance from the Motherwell star.
Messi and Mbappe top the charts – but separated by one man
Finally, who was on top of the pops after the first 24 games? After his hat-trick against Algeria, it was always going to be difficult to take the crown away from Messi. Three goals, most chances created, most touches in the opposition box, second most forward passes. The list goes on.
As a result, the Argentines scored perfectly 100 Does that rating actually mean it had perfect performance? Not necessarily. It sets the bar for the rest of the tournament to achieve. If someone else has a better game, that 100 rating may drop down. But for now, this is what everyone else will have to try and match.
Lionel Messi’s touch map and shot map vs Algeria
Perhaps more interestingly, even Mbappe’s show-stealing effort against Senegal wasn’t enough to finish second. He grabbed the bronze medal spot as a surprise runner-up.
That man is Brighton’s Yasin Ayari. That’s right. On the biggest stage with the biggest players, a man who started half of his 29 Premier League appearances mixed with the best.
Despite contributing less goals than compatriot Isak, his double from midfield puts him head and shoulders above every midfielder. Vitinha, Pedri, Declan rice. No one can hold a candle to a 22-year-old. Expecting more surprises like the World Cup.
