The first matchday of the 2026 World Cup across Groups A to H has been completed.
Interestingly, Asian nations have shown strong performances against European and American sides.
Out of the six Asian representatives who have already played, none have suffered a defeat.
South Korea and Australia emerged as the two Asian teams who managed to secure victories in their opening matches.
South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.
The goals for South Korea came from Hwang In-beom (67') and Oh Hyeon-gyu (80'). The Koreans had initially fallen behind when Ladislav Krejci scored for the Czech Republic in the 59th minute.
Australia, meanwhile, pulled off a surprise win over Turkey with a 2-0 scoreline.
The goals for the Socceroos were scored by Nestory Irankunda (27') and Connor Metcalfe (75').
In other results, Qatar, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Iran all registered draws in their respective matches.
Qatar held Switzerland to a draw, Japan drew with the Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia shared points with Uruguay.
Most recently, Iran played out a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.
Three Asian teams—namely Iraq, Jordan, and Uzbekistan—are yet to play their first matches.
Among the other teams that recorded wins on the opening matchday were Mexico, Scotland, the United States, Germany, Ivory Coast, Sweden, and New Zealand.
Group A:
Mexico: 3 Points
South Korea: 3 Points
Czech Republic: 0 Points
South Africa: 0 Points
Group B:
Switzerland: 1 Point
Canada: 1 Point
Qatar: 1 Point
Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1 Point
Group C:
Scotland: 3 Points
Morocco: 1 Point
Brazil: 1 Point
Haiti: 0 Points
Group D:
United States: 3 Points
Australia: 3 Points
Turkey: 0 Points
Paraguay: 0 Points
Group E:
Germany: 3 Points
Ivory Coast: 3 Points
Ecuador: 0 Points
Curacao: 0 Points
Group F:
Sweden: 3 Points
Japan: 1 Point
Netherlands: 1 Point
Tunisia: 0 Points
Group G:
Iran: 1 Point
New Zealand: 1 Point
Belgium: 1 Point
Egypt: 1 Point
Group H:
Uruguay: 1 Point
Saudi Arabia: 1 Point
Spain: 1 Point
Cape Verde: 1 Point
