World Cup 2026 Opening Weekend: Germany Dominates, USA Impresses, Brazil Held

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and the opening weekend delivered everything fans could hope for — goals galore, statement victories, and a few surprises that have already shaken up the group dynamics.

Germany 7–1 Curaçao: A Statement of Intent

Germany delivered the most emphatic performance of the opening weekend, dismantling World Cup debutants Curaçao 7–1 in Houston. Felix Nmecha opened the scoring in the 6th minute, and Die Mannschaft never looked back. Kai Havertz scored twice, including a penalty, while Jamal Musiala and substitutes Deniz Undav and Nathaniel Brown all got on the scoresheet.

The result puts Germany firmly in control of Group E with a +6 goal difference — the best in the tournament so far.

USA Open With Convincing Win

The host nation made a statement of their own, defeating Paraguay 3–0 in front of a raucous home crowd. Christian Pulisic captained the side and delivered an assist, while the American defense kept a clean sheet against a Paraguay team that struggled to create chances.

USA sit top of Group D alongside Australia, who beat Türkiye 2–0 in Vancouver.

Brazil Held by Resilient Morocco

Five-time champions Brazil were the biggest disappointment of the weekend, held to a 1–1 draw by Morocco. The Atlas Lions took a shock lead through Youssef En-Nesyri before Brazil equalized late. The result leaves Group C wide open, with Scotland surprisingly leading after their 1–0 win over Haiti.

Other Notable Results

• Sweden 4–0 Tunisia — Sweden announced themselves as dark horses with a demolition of Tunisia in Group F.
• Mexico 2–0 South Africa — The co-hosts opened the tournament at Estadio Azteca with a professional win in Group A.
• Netherlands 2–2 Japan — The best game of the weekend. Japan led twice before Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville rescued a point for the Dutch.
• France 2–0 Senegal — Kylian Mbappé scored as France began their campaign with a clean win in Group I.
• Iran 1–0 New Zealand — A late winner gave Iran an important three points in Group G, while Belgium and Egypt played out a 1–1 draw.

What's Next

The group stage continues through June 27 with 2–4 matches every day. Today's highlight is England vs Croatia in Group L — the Three Lions begin their campaign against the 2018 World Cup finalists at AT&T Stadium in Dallas.