We’ve now had the chance to witness all 48 nations take the field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it feels like the perfect moment to deliver some instant reflections on what has unfolded so far.

FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament was met with understandable skepticism. Many saw it as a financial move by football’s governing body, especially given that much of the event is hosted in one of the world’s most commercially driven nations. The so-called hydration breaks, which often seem more like advertising slots, have done little to silence those critics.

The global football calendar is already under immense strain. With last summer’s revamped Club World Cup and the introduction of additional European competitions, players are being stretched to their limits — raising serious concerns over sustainability.

While some might argue that well-paid athletes deserve little sympathy, there’s a genuine risk of diminishing the overall quality of play when exhausted stars struggle to perform at their peak levels.

Yet, this expanded format has also introduced fresh faces and compelling stories. Cape Verde produced one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history by holding favourites Spain in their tournament debut. Their 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who only turned professional at 25, delivered a remarkable performance that reduced him to tears at the final whistle. His following on social media has since exploded into the millions.

Adding to the fairytale, Pico Lopes — a Shamrock Rovers defender discovered via LinkedIn — joined the African debutants for the tournament. His journey is a vivid reminder of how the World Cup continues to produce storylines unmatched in world sport.

When Lionel Messi moved to Major League Soccer in 2023, most viewed it as the beginning of his winding-down phase. But the 38-year-old has proven far too dominant for the MLS — and, as it turns out, still too talented for the rest of the world as well.

Messi led South America’s qualifying campaign in goals (8) and opened his record-breaking sixth World Cup with a spectacular start. His sublime hat-trick powered Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Algeria, drawing him level with Miroslav Klose as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history.

Argentina’s hopes of defending their title remain firmly dependent on their talisman, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to show he has plenty left in the tank.

Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and Ousmane Dembele may be the heirs apparent, yet the reigning monarch is not ready to relinquish his throne just yet.

Spain’s draw against Cape Verde was easily the biggest surprise of the opening round, as the reigning European champions were held by the tournament newcomers. Luis de la Fuente’s men dominated with 74% possession and 27 shots on goal, but could not find a way past the inspired Vozinha. Missing both Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain seemed to lack the creative spark that propelled them to Euro 2024 glory.

The result also reignited debate over Spain’s striking options. Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal featured but failed to make an impact — neither being natural centre-forwards. Spain’s emphasis on possession football has long stifled traditional number nines, contributing to their shortage of elite goal poachers.

It’s been 18 years since a Spaniard last topped the La Liga scoring charts, and Spain arguably hasn’t produced a world-class striker since Fernando Torres and David Villa. There’s no immediate cause for alarm, but this void could haunt them in the knockout stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s role in Portugal’s lineup continues to be the unavoidable topic. As captain, national icon, and international football’s all-time leading scorer, Ronaldo remains central to the team’s identity — yet time is catching up.

Since joining Al-Ittihad in 2023, the 41-year-old has notched 129 goals in 148 appearances, but the intensity of the World Cup is far removed from the Saudi Pro League. In Portugal’s draw with DR Congo, Ronaldo was a peripheral figure, registering only 25 touches and failing to test the goalkeeper. He is now 33 shots and 10 matches without a goal in international tournament play, and remarkably, still awaits his first World Cup knockout-stage strike.

Portugal’s continued reliance on their ageing superstar could well cost a gifted generation their best chance at glory.

England supporters have endured their share of uninspiring displays over the years — from the forgettable goalless draw against Algeria in 2010 to the disastrous group-stage exit in 2014. Typically, the Three Lions aren’t associated with attacking flair, but their thrilling opening win against Croatia may be rewriting that narrative.

Under Thomas Tuchel, England put on an exhilarating show in Texas, netting four times in a 4-2 victory that ranks among the tournament’s most entertaining matches. With potent attacking play and occasional defensive frailty, England might just become the World Cup’s most watchable side.

A blistering start to the second half saw England devastate the Croatian defence, with Jude Bellingham on the scoresheet and the team firing nine shots — seven on target — in a breathless 12-minute spell. If they maintain this attacking verve, the Three Lions could well become the neutrals’ new favourites.