A few weeks ago, football fans around the world were busy making predictions.
Now many of those predictions are already sitting in the dustbin.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 has produced goals, shocks, dominant performances and enough debate to keep football fans arguing until the next tournament.
With the group stage approaching its decisive rounds, some traditional giants have looked unstoppable, some outsiders have exceeded expectations, and a few teams have discovered that World Cup football is not always as friendly as the qualification campaign.
Let’s take a detailed look at the tournament so far.
Germany Have Been Absolutely Ruthless
If there is one team that has sent a warning to the rest of the competition, it is Germany.
Their opening match against Curacao ended in a stunning 7-1 victory.
Many expected Germany to win.
Few expected a seven-goal demolition.
The Germans followed that result with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
After two matches:
- Played: 2
- Wins: 2
- Goals scored: 9
- Goals conceded: 2
Germany currently look like one of the most complete teams in the tournament.
Their attack has been efficient.
Their midfield has controlled games.
Their defense has handled pressure well.
Most importantly, they are winning without appearing to be at full speed yet.
That should worry everyone else.
Argentina Are Quietly Building Momentum
Argentina have done exactly what strong tournament teams do.
Win matches.
Avoid unnecessary drama.
Move on.
The South Americans opened with a convincing 3-0 victory over Algeria before defeating Austria 2-0.
Two matches.
Two wins.
Five goals scored.
Zero goals conceded.
That defensive record may be even more impressive than the attacking numbers.
Argentina have looked organized, disciplined and confident.
The team does not appear interested in entertaining opponents.
Their focus is on advancing.
And so far they are doing that very well.
The Netherlands Have Been One of the Most Exciting Teams
The Dutch began with a 2-2 draw against Japan.
Then came one of the tournament’s most impressive performances.
A 5-1 victory over Sweden.
That result instantly pushed the Netherlands into conversations about potential semifinal contenders.
What has stood out most is their attacking football.
They move the ball quickly.
They create chances consistently.
They have shown an ability to punish mistakes.
For neutral fans, they have been one of the most enjoyable teams to watch.
Mexico Are Delivering for the Home Crowd
As one of the host nations, Mexico entered the tournament carrying huge expectations.
So far they have handled that pressure well.
Results:
- Mexico 2-0 South Africa
- Mexico 1-0 South Korea
Two matches.
Two victories.
Two clean sheets.
Mexico’s supporters have responded with incredible energy, turning every stadium appearance into a celebration.
The challenge now is maintaining that momentum as the tournament becomes more difficult.
Canada Produced the Biggest Winning Margin by a Host Nation
Canada’s campaign began with a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Then came a remarkable response.
Canada 6-0 Qatar.
The result surprised many observers.
The Canadians attacked relentlessly and looked dangerous throughout the match.
After that performance, Canada’s chances of reaching the knockout rounds improved dramatically.
The Canadian supporters certainly enjoyed it.
Qatar probably did not.
The United States Looking Dangerous
Another host nation enjoying a strong start is the United States.
Results so far:
- USA 4-1 Paraguay
- USA 2-0 Australia
Six points from two games.
Six goals scored.
Only one conceded.
The Americans have combined pace, physicality and tactical organization.
They have also benefited from massive home support.
At this stage they look capable of making a deep run in the tournament.
Spain Have Recovered Well
Spain’s tournament started with frustration.
A goalless draw against Cape Verde raised questions about their attack.
Those questions did not last long.
Spain responded with a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
The Spanish attack suddenly looked far more dangerous.
The result reminded everyone why Spain remain one of football’s elite nations.
Morocco Continue to Impress
Morocco’s remarkable rise in international football appears far from over.
Results:
- Brazil 1-1 Morocco
- Morocco 1-0 Scotland
Taking four points from matches against Brazil and Scotland is a significant achievement.
Morocco have remained organized, disciplined and difficult to break down.
At this point, they look capable of causing problems for any team.
Brazil Finding Their Rhythm
Brazil opened with a draw against Morocco.
Some critics immediately began asking questions.
Football critics are very efficient.
Sometimes they ask questions before the match even starts.
Brazil answered with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti.
The South Americans now appear settled and increasingly dangerous.
The upcoming clash against Scotland could be decisive for group positioning.
Japan Turning Heads
Japan have quietly assembled one of the strongest starts in the competition.
Results:
- Netherlands 2-2 Japan
- Japan 4-0 Tunisia
The four-goal victory over Tunisia highlighted their attacking quality.
Japan continue to demonstrate why Asian football keeps gaining respect on the world stage.
England Started Strong
England’s opening match against Croatia delivered plenty of entertainment.
Final score:
England 4-2 Croatia.
The English attack looked sharp and effective.
Their next challenge comes against Ghana, a team that opened with a 1-0 victory over Panama.
That fixture could have a major impact on Group L.
The Biggest Upsets So Far
Every World Cup needs surprises.
So far, several results have raised eyebrows.
Cape Verde 0-0 Spain
Most expected Spain to win comfortably.
Instead, Cape Verde earned a valuable point.
Belgium 0-0 Iran
Belgium entered as favourites.
Iran left with a deserved draw.
Uruguay 2-2 Cape Verde
Another impressive Cape Verde performance.
The island nation has become one of the tournament’s feel-good stories.
Portugal 1-1 DR Congo
Portugal were expected to dominate.
DR Congo had other ideas.
Highest Scoring Matches So Far
Some matches have produced plenty of goals.
The most entertaining contests include:
- Germany 7-1 Curacao
- Canada 6-0 Qatar
- Netherlands 5-1 Sweden
- Sweden 5-1 Tunisia
- USA 4-1 Paraguay
- Spain 4-0 Saudi Arabia
- Japan 4-0 Tunisia
Fans who love attacking football have had little reason to complain.
Defensive coaches, however, may require stronger coffee.
Teams Under Pressure
Not every nation has enjoyed a positive start.
Several teams face crucial final group matches.
Among them:
- Qatar
- Curacao
- Tunisia
- Saudi Arabia
- Algeria
- Jordan
For these teams, the margin for error has largely disappeared.
One bad result can end a World Cup campaign.
VAR Continues to Generate Debate
No World Cup would feel complete without discussions about VAR.
The technology has helped officials make important decisions.
Yet debates continue regarding:
- Review times
- Handball decisions
- Marginal offsides
- Penalty incidents
One thing remains certain.
VAR may be controversial.
But football fans discussing VAR is now as predictable as fans blaming referees.
What Matches Are Coming Next?
Several huge fixtures are approaching.
Among the standout matches:
- France vs Iraq
- Norway vs Senegal
- England vs Ghana
- Portugal vs Uzbekistan
- Switzerland vs Canada
- Scotland vs Brazil
- Ecuador vs Germany
- Uruguay vs Spain
These games will determine group winners, qualification spots and potential knockout matchups.
Early Favorites to Win the Tournament
Based on performances so far, the strongest contenders appear to be:
- Germany
- Argentina
- Netherlands
- United States
- Mexico
- France
- Brazil
- England
Of course, World Cups rarely follow predictions.
A team can look unbeatable one week and be heading home the next.
That uncertainty is what makes the tournament special.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered memorable moments.
Germany have been ruthless.
Argentina have been efficient.
The Netherlands have been entertaining.
Mexico, Canada and the United States have thrilled home supporters.
Morocco, Japan and Cape Verde have continued proving that international football is becoming more competitive than ever.
Most importantly, the tournament still has plenty of football left.
The knockout rounds are approaching.
History suggests that this is when the real drama begins.
So if your favourite team is winning, enjoy it.
If your favourite team is struggling, remember that football changes quickly.
And if your prediction bracket has already collapsed, welcome to the club. Millions of fans are sitting there with you.
