2026 World Cup - 75 goals in 24 matches, historic encounters, top scorers…: A recap of the first day of the group stage



The first day of the 2026 World Cup group stage has come to a close. Twenty-four matches were played by 48 teams divided into 12 groups. A first in the history of the World Cup.

History is being written for Cape Verde and Congo

This World Cup is strongly marked by Cape Verde's historic achievement against

Spain. A match that ended in a draw (0-0). In 90 minutes, the

The Spanish national team only saw the vast ocean where the Cape Verde Blue Sharks swim.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, for its part, achieved a major feat on

June 17, 2026, during their opening match, they held Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to a historic 1-1 draw in Houston. The Leopards' first-ever World Cup goal was scored by striker Yoane Wissa, forever etched in the annals of Congolese football. This historic first point came in their second World Cup appearance, following their participation in 1974 (then known as Zaire).

A goal record just for the first day

Seventy-five goals scored in 24 matches. Never before had a World Cup seen such a record.

also a prolific start in goals since Sweden-1958.

The Germans, for their part, made short work of the underdog, Curaçao. The duel

between the behemoth with eight finals and four world titles and the little piece

The Netherlands Antilles' World Cup debut went as planned:

Germany crushed Curaçao, who salvaged some pride by scoring a goal (7-1).

France defeated Senegal 3-1 in a match during which the

The French team alternated between very disappointing and very good performances. With a brace, Kylian Mbappé started his World Cup in the best possible way, breaking Olivier Giroud's record for goals for the French national team with his 57th and 58th goals for Les Bleus.

Argentina also recorded an opening triumph against Algeria (3-0). A match marked by a hat-trick from the insatiable Lionel Messi, who is playing in his sixth World Cup.

At 39, the Albiceleste legend became the competition's all-time top scorer, equalling the record of 16 goals held by Germany's Miroslav Klose.

Finally, England made an encouraging start to the World Cup against Croatia (4-2) thanks to a brace from their star Harry Kane.

The top scorers ranking for the first day is dominated by Lionel Messi (3 goals), Kylian Mbappé and Harry Kane (2 goals).

This is definitely the World Cup of superlatives. The 2026 World Cup has already

broke all the records of previous editions on its first day alone.