BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has burst into life across North America, with goals, surprises and standout performances already shaping the race for qualification to the knockout stages after the completion of the opening round of group matches.
From Mexico’s winning start in the tournament opener to the dramatic late victory by Ghana’s Black Stars over Panama, football fans have been treated to an exciting first week of action as the expanded 48-team competition gathers momentum.
Co-hosts Mexico got the tournament underway in style with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa in front of a packed home crowd at Mexico City Stadium.
The result gave El Tri an early advantage in Group A before Korea Republic edged Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara to move level on points at the top of the group.
In Group B, hosts Canada were held to a 1-1 draw by Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while Qatar and Switzerland also played out a 1-1 stalemate. Those results leave the group finely balanced heading into the second round of fixtures.
One of the most impressive performances of the opening week came from the United States. Playing before their home supporters in Los Angeles, the Americans swept aside Paraguay 4-1 to take control of Group D. Australia also made a strong statement with a 2-0 victory over Türkiye.
Group C produced one of the tournament’s most anticipated encounters as Morocco held five-time world champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw.
The Atlas Lions once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of the strongest teams in world football following their historic achievements in recent years. Scotland also secured an important 1-0 victory over Haiti to move ahead of Brazil and Morocco in the standings.
Germany delivered the most dominant performance of the tournament so far, demolishing Curaçao 7-1 in Houston to send a powerful warning to their rivals. Côte d’Ivoire joined the Germans on three points after edging Ecuador 1-0 in Philadelphia.
Group F witnessed plenty of goals, with Sweden crushing Tunisia 5-1 while the Netherlands and Japan shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
The opening round also produced several surprises. Cabo Verde held European giants Spain to a goalless draw in Group H, while Egypt earned a valuable 1-1 result against Belgium in Group G. Saudi Arabia and Uruguay also shared the points, as did Iran and New Zealand in another high-scoring encounter.
In Group I, France launched their campaign with an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal, avenging memories of their famous defeat to the West Africans at the 2002 World Cup.
Norway also announced their return to football’s biggest stage with a convincing 4-1 win over Iraq, as Erling Haaland’s side continued their strong form.
Defending champions Argentina made a commanding start to the defence of their title, defeating Algeria 3-0 in Kansas City. Austria also impressed with a 3-1 victory over World Cup debutants Jordan in Group J.
Group K saw Portugal frustrated by DR Congo in a 1-1 draw, while Colombia secured a strong 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to move to the top of the standings.
For Ghanaian supporters, the highlight came in Toronto where the Black Stars secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama. After struggling for much of the match, Ghana struck in stoppage time through Yirenkyi to secure a priceless three points and move into contention in Group L.
The victory was made even more significant after England defeated Croatia 4-2 in the group’s other fixture. The results leave England and Ghana level on three points heading into their highly anticipated showdown.
As attention turns to the second round of group matches, several crucial encounters are set to shape the qualification picture. Mexico face Korea Republic in a top-of-the-table clash in Group A, while Canada and Qatar meet in a potentially decisive contest in Group B.
Elsewhere, Morocco take on Scotland in one of the standout fixtures of Matchday Two, while Brazil will be expected to secure their first victory against Haiti. Germany face a stern test against Côte d’Ivoire, and Spain will seek their first win when they meet Saudi Arabia.
For Ghana, the biggest challenge lies ahead. The Black Stars will face England in a crucial Group L encounter that could determine who takes control of the group before the final round of matches. With confidence boosted by their opening victory, Ghana will hope to build on their strong finish against Panama and produce another memorable World Cup performance.
