Colossal surprises, legends defying time, and a World Cup that challenges all expectations: the first matches of the 2026 World Cup have already left the football universe in a state of shock and euphoria. From Cape Verde’s impressive debut and Messi’s eternal brilliance to Portugal’s controversial reliance on Ronaldo, there are stories shaking the foundations of the beautiful game and rewriting the script of the most-watched competition on the planet.
With all 48 participants already on the field in North American cities, the new format of FIFA – subject to fierce criticism for alleged financial interests and the overload of the competitive calendar – immediately revealed its unpredictable side. Cape Verde was at the center of the biggest scandal of the opening day by drawing against the powerful Spain, the reigning European champions, in a debut that will forever remain in the memories of fans. Goalkeeper Vozinha, a true symbol of persistence, was the hero of the night: at 40 years old, having only turned professional at 25, he closed the goal with monumental saves and could not hold back tears at the final whistle. His story captured millions on social media, making him a global sensation almost overnight.
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But it wasn’t just Vozinha who won the hearts of fans. Pico Lopes, a defender for Shamrock Rovers, was recruited to the national team via LinkedIn, proving that the World Cup continues to be a stage for improbable dreams. These episodes show that, despite the criticisms of the tournament’s expansion, the magic of football remains alive and capable of surprising even on the most commercialized stage in world sports.
In the midst of this whirlwind of emotions, [Lionel Messi](https://apitofinal.pt/nacional/cristiano-ronaldo-alvo-de-duras-criticas-apos-estreia-no-mundial-2026/) once again claimed his throne. At 38 years old, after moving to MLS in 2023 and with many predicting the onset of his decline, the Argentine showed that he is, in fact, in top form. He led the South American qualifiers in goals (8), and right in his debut at his sixth World Cup – an absolute record – he scored a brilliant hat-trick against Algeria, equaling [Miroslav Klose](https://apitofinal.pt/internacional/messi-lidera-melhores-marcadores-do-mundial-2026-apos-inicio-brilhante/) as the all-time top scorer in finals. “Messi is still the best player on the planet,” say the experts, and in light of what was seen, no one dares to disagree. Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Ousmane Dembélé are being touted as successors, but “the king is still alive,” as summed up by an Argentine commentator after the match.
Spain, on the other hand, suffered a harsh blow after being held back by Cape Verde, raising doubts about the effectiveness of their attack. Luis de la Fuente’s team dominated with 74% possession and 27 shots, but could not find a way to beat Vozinha. The absence of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams took away creativity from the attack, exposing Spain’s chronic difficulty in forming a true striker. Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal were sidelined during the game, reinforcing the idea that the admirable tiki-taka school, while strong in possession, may be stifling the production of elite forwards. It is no coincidence that, for eighteen years, a Spaniard has not topped the La Liga scoring charts. The question is whether this shortage will cost the Roja dearly, as it has in previous World Cups.
The situation in Portugal is also a central and controversial topic. The dependence on Cristiano Ronaldo, now 41 years old, does not go unnoticed and raises questions about the national team’s ability to make a qualitative leap. Ronaldo, captain and living legend, boasts astronomical numbers at Al-Ittihad – 129 goals in 148 matches – but in the draw against DR Congo he was a shadow of his former self: just 25 touches on the ball and no shots on target. Worse: he has now gone 33 shots and 10 matches without scoring in knockout stages for Portugal, and has never scored in the round of 16 or beyond in World Cups. “Portugal’s refusal to distance itself from its aging talisman could cost a team full of talent dearly,” analysts warn. The pressure is mounting on Roberto Martínez to make difficult decisions before it is too late.
Finally, England, often associated with boring football and pragmatism, surprised everyone with a stunning start. Under the management of Thomas Tuchel, the English team defeated Croatia 4-2 in an electrifying match in Dallas. The attack was devastating, with Jude Bellingham scoring and the team firing off nine shots – seven on target – in just twelve minutes of the second half. Fans are already dreaming of a bold, offensive England, capable of winning over neutral supporters and, who knows, repeating the feats of 1966.
As the tournament moves into the second round, anticipation grows over how the narratives that have exploded in these first few days will unfold. Will Messi be able to guide Argentina to another title? Can Portugal reinvent itself without Ronaldo? Will Spain find a striker capable of delivering in big games? And has England finally discovered the formula for spectacle? With so many stories yet to be resolved, the 2026 World Cup promises thrilling emotions and twists at every corner of the pitch. The world of football is once again watching with keen interest – and no one wants to miss a moment.
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