The World Cup never waits for reputations. After every team has now played its first match at World Cup 2026, the favorites picture looks much more interesting than it did before kickoff.
Some giants made powerful statements. Germany, Argentina, England and the USA all opened with wins that immediately changed the mood around their campaigns. France also started with three points, even if their performance was not completely comfortable.
But other major names have already been reminded that this tournament will not be easy. Spain, Portugal, Brazil, Belgium, Uruguay and the Netherlands all dropped points in their opening games, while several outsiders showed enough courage and organization to make the group stage feel wide open.
It is still early, but the first signs are already impossible to ignore
Germany remain the team with the strongest opening-game statement after their ruthless 7-1 win over Curaçao.
The scoreline alone was huge, but the performance mattered just as much. Germany looked sharp, aggressive and confident from the first whistle. Their attacking rhythm was natural, their movement was quick, and their finishing was ruthless.
No team wins a World Cup in the first game, but Germany did exactly what a favorite should do against an opponent they are expected to beat. They avoided drama, controlled the game, scored heavily and sent a message to the rest of the tournament.
Among the current World Cup 2026 favorites, Germany still look like the team that made the cleanest football statement.
Argentina also opened strongly with a 3-0 win over Algeria, reminding everyone why the defending champions remain one of the serious title contenders.
The pressure on Argentina is different from most teams. Every match comes with expectation, history and the weight of defending a crown. That can make opening games difficult, especially when opponents are motivated to create a major shock.
Instead, Argentina handled their first test with control. A 3-0 win gives them points, confidence and a healthy goal difference. It also tells the rest of Group J that the champions are not here only to protect their status — they are here to attack the tournament again.
Germany may have produced the biggest scoreline, but Argentina produced one of the most important statements.
England’s 4-2 win over Croatia was one of the most entertaining results of the opening round.
Scoring four goals against a strong European opponent is a serious sign of attacking power. England showed speed, quality and belief in the final third, and that kind of firepower can carry a team deep into a tournament.
However, conceding twice also leaves questions. World Cup winners usually need more than attacking talent. They need control, balance and defensive authority in difficult moments.
England’s opening win was impressive, but it was not perfect. That may actually make them one of the most interesting favorites to watch. If they tighten the defensive details, their attack already looks dangerous enough to trouble anyone.
France started with a 3-1 win over Senegal, which is exactly the kind of result a favorite wants on paper.
Still, the performance was not a simple domination. Senegal made France work, created uncomfortable moments and showed that even elite teams can be tested by organized, brave opponents.
For France, the positive side is clear: they won, they scored three, and their attacking quality eventually made the difference. That is what big teams do. They survive difficult periods and still find a way to win.
But the opening game also showed that France are not untouchable. Opponents will believe they can find space, create chances and make the game uncomfortable.
France remain one of the World Cup 2026 favorites, but their first match was more of a warning survived than a complete statement.
Fans can keep track of upcoming matches through the official World Cup 2026 fixtures and results.
Some of the biggest names in world football did not lose their opening games, but they did leave points behind.
Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco raised real questions. Brazil still have elite quality, but Morocco showed courage, organization and personality. The Atlas Lions were not intimidated, and their performance proved again that reputation alone will not win matches at this World Cup.
For a full recap, see the Brazil vs Morocco World Cup 2026 draw.
Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde was another major talking point. Spain dominated possession but could not turn control into goals. That is the danger for teams built around the ball: if the final action is missing, possession alone becomes frustration.
Portugal’s 1-1 draw with DR Congo was also a reminder that this tournament will punish slow or predictable performances. Portugal had the bigger names, but DR Congo showed discipline, belief and enough attacking threat to earn a historic point.
Brazil, Spain and Portugal are still dangerous. Their squads are too strong to dismiss after one game. But after the opening round, none of them look as comfortable as expected…
The group-stage pressure is not limited to the biggest favorites.
Belgium opened with a 1-1 draw against Egypt, a result that keeps their group open and adds early pressure before the second match. Belgium still have quality, but they need more authority if they want to be seen as a serious threat.
Uruguay were also held 1-1 by Saudi Arabia. For a team with Uruguay’s history, competitiveness and talent, that result feels like two points dropped. They now need a stronger response to avoid complicating their path.
The Netherlands played out a 2-2 draw with Japan, another result that shows how dangerous this World Cup can be. Japan are disciplined, technical and fearless, and the Netherlands learned quickly that even a strong football nation cannot expect easy control.
These draws are not disasters, but they do change the tone. The second group match now becomes much more important for all three teams.
Not every strong start came from the traditional title favorites.
The USA made a powerful host-nation statement with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. The result had energy, emotion and confidence. Playing at home can bring pressure, but the Americans looked lifted by the occasion rather than trapped by it.
Fans wanting a deeper breakdown can revisit USA’s 4–1 win over Paraguay.
Sweden also impressed with a dominant 5-1 victory over Tunisia. That kind of opening result immediately makes people pay attention, especially because it combined goals with control.
Colombia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan was another strong start. It puts them in control of Group K after Portugal dropped points, which could become very important as the group develops.
Norway also deserve attention after beating Iraq 4-1. With that result, they sit above France on goal difference in Group I after the opening round.
These teams may not all be traditional favorites, but tournament momentum can change quickly. After one game, they have earned respect.
One of the biggest stories of the opening round is the performance of teams outside the usual favorite conversation.
Morocco’s draw with Brazil was not only about the result. It was about the way they played. They showed confidence, structure and maturity. That makes them a dangerous dark horse.
DR Congo’s draw with Portugal was just as meaningful. Against one of the tournament’s biggest names, they refused to collapse after conceding early and earned a result that could change the entire mood of their group.
Cape Verde also deserve huge credit for holding Spain to a 0-0 draw in their World Cup debut. That result alone shows how much the expanded tournament can offer when smaller nations arrive with belief and tactical discipline.
The message is simple: the gap is closing. The favorites still have the biggest squads, but they will have to earn everything.
After every team has played once, Germany sit at the top of the conversation because of the scale and quality of their opening win.
Argentina also look strong. The champions handled their first test with control and reminded everyone that they remain serious contenders.
England made an exciting attacking statement, although defensive questions remain. France won too, but their performance showed enough vulnerability to keep the debate open.
The USA, Sweden, Colombia and Norway all boosted their tournament mood with strong wins, while Morocco, DR Congo and Cape Verde proved that underdogs can shape the story of this World Cup.
Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Uruguay and the Netherlands are not in trouble yet, but they have already been warned. The second match will tell us whether their opening draws were just slow starts — or signs of deeper problems.
The World Cup 2026 favorites picture is still open. But after the first round of matches, one thing is clear: reputations are no longer enough.
For comparison with expectations before kickoff, readers can also revisit our pre-tournament World Cup 2026 prediction
Even recent rule adjustments, including IFAB’s latest match-flow and player behaviour updates, continue to influence how matches are managed.
That is why the race among the World Cup 2026 favorites remains open. Fans can also follow the evolving group picture through the latest World Cup 2026 standings.
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