The opening days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico — have already produced the kind of drama the tournament is famous for.
Spain stunned by Cape Verde: In one of the biggest shocks of the group stage, 40-year-old Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha delivered a heroic performance to hold Spain to a 0–0 draw. Dubbed the “Hand of Voz” by British media, his display has turned him into an overnight social media sensation. According to German outlet Der Spiegel, Vozinha now boasts more than five times as many Instagram followers as Cape Verde has inhabitants.
Saudi Arabia lead Uruguay: In Group H, Saudi Arabia — who famously beat Argentina at the 2022 World Cup — looked to repeat those heroics, taking a 1–0 lead against Uruguay. Salem al-Dawsari, the hero of that 2022 upset, once again led the Saudi attack.
Argentina begin title defence: The reigning champions opened their campaign against Algeria in Kansas City. Lionel Messi, now nearly 39, is playing in his sixth World Cup with the singular aim of achieving something no nation has managed since Brazil in 1958 and 1962: winning back-to-back titles.
All Whites return: New Zealand confirmed their starting lineup for their first World Cup match since 2010, facing a disrupted Iran side in Los Angeles in Group G.
Meanwhile, Greek coach Giorgos Donis made history as only the second Greek to manage at a World Cup — and the first to do so with a foreign national team.
