Records are already tumbling, stars are making their mark, and the opening days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have provided no shortage of drama and talking points.

However, not every big name has lived up to the hype so far, with several pre-tournament favourites finding the going tough in their first outings.

Here’s a recap of the major storylines emerging from the early action.

Former Paris Saint-Germain teammates Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi began the tournament in dazzling fashion, living up to their reputations as two of football’s most electrifying figures.

Both men, driven by the pursuit of further World Cup history, wasted no time in stamping their authority on the competition.

Mbappe starred as France defeated Senegal 3-1, scoring a superb brace in the second half. In doing so, he became the first player in World Cup history to score at least two goals in five different matches.

The Real Madrid forward also surpassed Olivier Giroud to become France’s all-time top scorer and now sits just two goals shy of Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record.

But Messi struck first in the record books, matching Klose’s tally with his maiden World Cup hat-trick as Argentina cruised past Algeria 3-0.

After guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar four years ago, the Inter Miami icon arguably has nothing left to prove. Yet, the 39-year-old appears determined to settle the ‘Greatest of All Time’ debate once and for all.

Mbappe and Messi weren’t the only forwards making headlines. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland announced himself on the World Cup stage with a first-half brace, leading Norway to a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq.

If the first round of matches is any indication, the contest for the Golden Boot could become one of the tournament’s defining narratives.

Four years after Messi’s triumph in the Middle East, global attention has turned to another legend — Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese captain led his side into their Group K opener against DR Congo, still chasing the one major trophy missing from his illustrious collection.

At 41, Ronaldo’s mission in North America is clear: to finally deliver the World Cup to Portugal.

Yet, despite his immense motivation, things did not go to plan. Congo, making their World Cup debut, showed no fear after falling behind early and managed to hold Roberto Martinez’s side to a 1-1 draw.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, endured a frustrating evening, spending long spells isolated up front, starved of service and unable to showcase his trademark finishing prowess.

Sebastien Desabre’s men deserve credit for neutralising one of football’s greatest ever players, restricting Ronaldo to just two off-target efforts all game.

It was far from the start Portugal and their captain had envisioned.

Meanwhile, Spain entered the tournament as favourites to lift the trophy after their dominant 2024 UEFA European Championship campaign, but their opener brought an unexpected setback.

Debutants Cape Verde produced a sensational defensive display in Atlanta, holding La Furia Roja to a goalless draw. The absence of key wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams from the starting eleven offered some explanation, but little comfort.

Criticised by the Spanish media, Luis de la Fuente’s squad has returned to its Tennessee base to regroup before facing Saudi Arabia in a must-win clash.

The disappointing result has increased pressure on the reigning European champions, but midfielder Mikel Merino sought to calm nerves during a recent press conference, saying, “You have to swallow the disappointment.”

He added that the team must “recover as soon as we can.”

With little margin for error, De la Fuente is expected to restore several star names to the starting lineup, including Yamal and Williams, as Spain look to find their rhythm again.

Elsewhere, the second round of group matches begins with a pair of critical fixtures.

The Czech Republic, beaten on their World Cup return, cannot afford another slip when they meet South Africa, who themselves are seeking redemption after a 2-0 defeat to co-hosts Mexico.

The Czechs haven’t lost their first two World Cup matches since 1970 and will look to get back on track at the expense of Bafana Bafana’s knockout stage hopes.

In Group B, Switzerland and Bosnia & Herzegovina face off in a crucial encounter, both aiming to seize early control after opening draws.

Having lost just two of their last 17 group-stage matches at major tournaments, Murat Yakin’s Switzerland side enter as favourites, but Bosnia — buoyed by their fighting spirit and having drawn with Qatar — cannot be underestimated.

While Bosnia’s only previous win against Switzerland came in a 2016 friendly, they’ll hope history repeats itself as they chase a famous victory.