World Cup 2026: Goals Galore, Stars Shine, FIFA's Double Game – The Hits and Misses of the First Week

The 2026 World Cup is off to a spectacular start, with an abundance of goals and star power captivating fans in its opening week. Across the first 24 matches, an impressive 75 goals have been scored, averaging more than three per game. This offensive surge is attributed to teams adopting ambitious, attacking strategies, leading to high-scoring encounters like Sweden's 5-1 victory over Tunisia and Germany's 7-1 win against Curaçao.

Beyond the goals, the tournament is showcasing its biggest stars. Lionel Messi, in his likely final World Cup, opened with a hat-trick for Argentina, while Kylian Mbappé scored twice for France against Senegal. Other notable performers include Harry Kane, Kai Havertz, Erling Haaland, Vinicius Jr., and João Neves, who have all made significant contributions for their national teams.

The vibrant atmosphere extends beyond the pitch, with fans creating memorable experiences. Scottish supporters illuminated Boston with songs and bagpipes before their team's match, and Times Square in New York has become a daily gathering point for hundreds of fans from various nations, fostering a sense of communion despite occasional incidents.

This expanded 48-team World Cup is also delivering unique narratives, such as the inspiring story of Vozinha, the heroic goalkeeper for Cape Verde, who has become a fan favorite after his remarkable performance against Spain. The tournament, hosted across three countries, is proving to be a massive spectacle, blending elite athletic performance with passionate fan engagement and compelling human interest stories.