Iran, New Zealand, Amir Ghalenoei, Ramin Rezaeian, Mohammad Mohebi
16 June 2026

Iran drew 2-2 with New Zealand in their World Cup opener, with Ramin Rezaeian and Mohammad Mohebi scoring as Team Melli twice came from behind. The result was quickly overshadowed by renewed travel restrictions after the match.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran were ordered to leave Los Angeles immediately and return to their Tijuana base, calling his squad the tournament’s most repressed team. He argued the sudden travel change damaged recovery after a tense buildup.

Belgium, Egypt, Romelu Lukaku, Mohamed Hany, Emam Ashour
16 June 2026

Belgium opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Egypt in Seattle after Romelu Lukaku came off the bench and helped force Mohamed Hany’s own goal. Emam Ashour had given Egypt a deserved first-half lead.

Egypt threatened a major upset through Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Ashour, while Belgium’s senior players struggled for rhythm. Lukaku’s physical presence changed the match within seconds, but Egypt’s long wait for a World Cup win continued.

Cape Verde, Spain, Vozinha, Luis de la Fuente
16 June 2026

Cape Verde marked their men’s World Cup debut by holding European champions Spain to a 0-0 draw in Atlanta. Forty-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha made seven saves as the tournament newcomers earned the most famous result in their football history.

Spain dominated possession and had 27 shots, but lacked sharp finishing after Lamine Yamal only entered late. Cape Verde defended with discipline, committed just one foul, and now have real knockout hope before facing Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Sweden, Tunisia, Yasin Ayari, Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres
15 June 2026

Sweden opened Group F with a 5-1 win over Tunisia, as Yasin Ayari scored twice and Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres both found the net. Mattias Svanberg also scored after a ball-sensor VAR check confirmed Isak’s touch.

Graham Potter’s side showed sharp finishing and attacking balance, with Ayari producing a stunning long-range opener against his father’s country. Tunisia briefly replied through Omar Rekik, but individual errors and Sweden’s forward quality turned the match into a rout.

Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Amad Diallo, Yan Diomande
15 June 2026

Ivory Coast opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Ecuador after substitute Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute. Yan Diomande starred on the wing, repeatedly troubling Ecuador’s defence and underlining his growing transfer reputation.

Ecuador hit the woodwork twice but faded late as Ivory Coast’s stronger bench changed the game. Wilfried Singo powered forward to set up Amad’s finish, giving Ivory Coast a first World Cup win over South American opposition.

Germany, Curacao, Kai Havertz, Livano Comenencia, Julian Nagelsmann
15 June 2026

Germany opened their World Cup campaign with a 7-1 win over debutants Curacao, despite Livano Comenencia briefly levelling with the island nation’s first tournament goal. Kai Havertz scored twice, with Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav also on target.

Curacao’s equaliser created a famous moment, but Germany regained control after the hydration break and led 3-1 by halftime. Julian Nagelsmann’s side showed attacking depth, though the early defensive vulnerability may concern them against stronger opponents.

Japan, Netherlands, Daichi Kamada, Koki Ogawa, Virgil van Dijk
15 June 2026

Japan earned a dramatic 2-2 draw with the Netherlands after Daichi Kamada’s late header rescued a point in Dallas. Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Dutch, while Keito Nakamura had levelled for Japan earlier.

Hajime Moriyasu’s side showed the structure and resilience behind their dark-horse reputation, twice responding after falling behind. The result keeps Group F open and denies Ronald Koeman’s side a winning start despite strong moments after halftime.

Australia, Turkey, Nestory Irankunda, Connor Metcalfe, Tony Popovic
14 June 2026

Australia stunned Turkey with a 2-0 win in Vancouver, moving level with the USMNT at the top of Group D. Nestory Irankunda opened the scoring before Connor Metcalfe sealed a major upset late on.

Tony Popovic’s side absorbed Turkey’s pressure and punished them on the break, with goalkeeper Patrick Beach making key saves. Turkey had 30 shots but lacked cutting edge, leaving their knockout hopes under early pressure.

Brazil, Morocco, Vinicius Junior, Carlo Ancelotti, Ismael Saibari
14 June 2026

Brazil opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco after Vinicius Junior produced a brilliant second-half equaliser. Morocco had taken the lead through Ismael Saibari and looked stronger for long spells.

Carlo Ancelotti admitted Brazil were anxious and unbalanced, with Casemiro and Roger Ibanez replaced at halftime. The result avoids Brazil’s first opening World Cup defeat since 1934, but raises early concerns over their midfield and structure.

Scotland, Haiti, John McGinn, Steve Clarke
14 June 2026

Scotland marked their men’s World Cup return with a tense 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston, their first victory at the tournament since 1990. John McGinn’s deflected first-half strike put Steve Clarke’s side top of Group C.

Haiti created late chances and pushed Scotland into a nervy finish, but Clarke’s team held firm for a crucial clean sheet. The result gives Scotland a strong platform before tougher group matches against Morocco and Brazil.