Ten days of competition, and already a World Cup unlike any other. The 48-team format promised surprises. It delivered them. Favorites challenged, outsiders resisting, and certainties confirmed match after match.
Here is exactly where the 2026 World Cup stands on June 21, between teams that confirmed their status, those who stumbled, and stories no one saw coming.
Certainties: those who confirmed their favorite status
The titleholder left no doubt in their debut. Lionel Messi leads what could be his last World Cup with a squad still as deep, supported by Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández. Argentina faces Austria tonight with the ambition to secure qualification by the second matchday.
A demonstration followed by a real test. After beating Curaçao, the Mannschaft had to raise their game against an Ivory Coast that had caused a surprise in the opener. Two wins, six points, a qualification already clearly shaping up for the titleholder.
Held by a Japan used to disrupting the big nations in the final phase, the Oranje responded with authority against Sweden. Five goals scored, a team rediscovering its historic offensive football in pursuit of a first world title awaited since 1974.
The stumbles: favorites put under pressure
The scenario that sparked the most discussion this week. Reigning European champion, La Roja faced Cape Verde playing their very first final phase match, held to a draw despite overwhelming dominance. The response came this Sunday: 4-0 against Saudi Arabia, a strong signal sent to the rest of Group H before the decisive meeting against Uruguay on June 27.
Morocco, 2022 semi-finalist, reminded Brazil that the Seleção will have to fight to end 24 years without a star. The reaction against Haiti was clear and flawless. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo are finding their footing before tougher opponents.
A frustrating start in a tough Group K, against a strong Colombia and an Uzbekistan that caused a sensation against Colombia. Portugal faces Uzbekistan on June 23 with the obligation to react to avoid complicating their qualification.
Unexpected stories
After barely earning their first-ever World Cup point, the co-host country exploded. Six goals scored against Qatar, a demonstration that immediately puts Canada back in the race to qualify from Group B. The most spectacular scenario of this first week.
The third least populated country ever to play in a World Cup, Cape Verde held the European champion to a draw in their very first finals match. With this point, the Blue Sharks still dream of a historic qualification for the round of 32.
First qualification since 1998, and a debut that leaves nothing to chance. Led by Erling Haaland, the Scandinavian country tops Group I ahead of France, in what is widely considered one of the toughest groups in the tournament.
What’s at stake today
Sunday, June 21 is one of the busiest days of this group stage, with several decisive matchups.
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