World Cup 2026 kicks off with 48 teams and records broken from the very first round

The most anticipated tournament in global football has finally begun. The 2026 World Cup, played across the United States, Canada and Mexico, debuted with an unprecedented format – 48 teams, 104 games – and has already delivered results that will mark the history of the competition. In the opening days, records have been broken and some teams have already sent a clear message about their ambitions.

A tournament unlike anything that has existed before

For the first time in history, the World Cup is co-hosted by three countries. And not just any trio: the United States, Mexico and Canada share the responsibility of hosting 104 matches between 11 June and 19 July. The final takes place at MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Brazil already experienced this North American scenario exactly 32 years ago, at the 1994 edition – now North America returns to the centre of the football world.

The format has also changed radically. There are 12 groups of four teams. The top two from each group advance, plus the eight best third-placed sides. That means a mediocre group campaign no longer guarantees anything. The margin for error has shrunk, and the pressure has risen for everyone.

What has already happened and what is still to come

The Netherlands destroyed Sweden and broke the national team’s World Cup unbeaten record. Germany needed a substitute to get past Ivory Coast: Deniz Undav came off the bench and scored twice. Paraguay have already seen Miguel Almirón sent off – the first player punished for covering his mouth during a celebration, one of the tournament’s new rules. Haiti, meanwhile, were eliminated early, after a defeat to Brazil. The United States secured a knockout spot by beating Australia 2-0.

On the day’s schedule, Ecuador and Curaçao face each other at 8pm (Brasília time), at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, in Kansas City. The Ecuadorians are in Group E alongside Germany, Curaçao and Ivory Coast – one of the most competitive groups of the opening stage.

Brazil, Argentina and the fight for the throne

The Brazilian national team opened with a win and have already eliminated Haiti from the competition. Argentina arrive as defending champions – the title won in Qatar in 2022 is still fresh in the memory. There are six stars on the crest, and Lionel Scaloni is building a squad that mixes experience and youth. The Canarinho, in turn, landed in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland – a draw that, on paper, favours qualification, but which demands attention.

With 48 teams on the pitch, the range of title contenders has widened. Germany and the Netherlands have already signalled that they have come to compete. The tournament has barely begun – and there is already plenty to analyse.