World Cup 2026: The Biggest Moments from Week One
Five days. Eight matches. Thirty-five goals. The 2026 World Cup arrived with a bang — here's everything that happened in Week One, from the USA's statement win over Paraguay to Germany's seven-goal demolition and the upset nobody saw coming.
By World Soccer Wire Editorial
35 goals. Eight matches. One tournament that's already delivered more than anyone could have scripted. Here's what we learned from the first five days of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The biggest World Cup in history didn't waste any time proving it deserved that billing. From a stunning home statement by the USA to a German masterclass, a genuine upset on a Sunday afternoon, and a Caribbean island nation writing itself into football history, Week One handed us plenty to talk about. Here's the full breakdown.
USA 4–1 Paraguay — The Host Nation Announces Itself
If there were nerves inside a sold-out LA Stadium before kickoff, they didn't last long. A Damian Bobadilla own goal in the seventh minute — forced by Christian Pulisic — set the tone, and from that moment the USMNT were in complete control.
Folarin Balogun was the star of the night. The Monaco striker scored twice in the first half, becoming the first American to net two goals in a World Cup match since the inaugural tournament in 1930. His second, deep into first-half stoppage time, was a statement: outmuscling his marker, cutting inside the box, and rifling a left-footed shot into the top corner.
Pulisic was withdrawn at halftime as a precaution, and Paraguay grabbed a consolation through substitute Mauricio with 17 minutes left to make it 3–1. But the USA had the final word. Giovanni Reyna — introduced in the 82nd minute — collected the ball at the edge of the box in the eighth minute of stoppage time and curled a stunning effort into the top corner with the outside of his right boot. The crowd went delirious.
"In the first 45 minutes, I said we were amazing," Pochettino said afterward. "It's difficult to find a team to play like this."
The 4–1 scoreline was the USA's joint biggest ever World Cup win. They looked like a team that could go somewhere in this tournament.
Mexico 2–0 South Africa — The Opener Delivers
The tournament kicked off at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and the hosts didn't disappoint, beating South Africa 2–0 in front of a raucous crowd to get their group stage campaign off to a perfect start. Mexico vs South Africa was always going to be emotionally charged — the Azteca packed to the rafters, the weight of history on a co-host nation. Mexico handled it.
South Korea 2–1 Czech Republic — Early Upset Watch
Thursday's second match saw South Korea edge past Czech Republic 2–1 in a game that served early notice that Group A could be more competitive than expected. South Korea looked sharp and organized — a team to keep an eye on.
Canada 1–1 Bosnia and Herzegovina — A Solid Start
Canada's World Cup campaign began with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a reasonable result for a co-host nation playing their first home World Cup match. The point keeps them in solid shape in Group B going into the next round of fixtures.
Brazil 1–1 Morocco — The Giant Stumbles
The five-time world champions were held to a 1–1 draw by Morocco on Saturday — a result that sent a message to the rest of the tournament. Brazil are under enormous pressure at this World Cup, 24 years removed from their last title, and a draw in the opener against African opposition is not the start their fans were hoping for. Morocco, the 2022 semifinalists, showed they remain a serious force.
Scotland 1–0 Haiti — Quiet Efficiency
Scotland began their campaign with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Haiti. Not spectacular, but three points on the board is exactly what you want in Group C, which also features Brazil and Morocco. Scotland will need every point they can get.
Germany 7–1 Curaçao — History Made, Both Ways
Sunday produced the most eye-catching scoreline of the week. Germany dismantled Curaçao 7–1 in what Julian Nagelsmann called a performance he was "very satisfied" with — though he acknowledged the scoreline could easily have been 4–1. Manuel Neuer, 40 years old, became the oldest player to start for Germany at a major tournament in the process.
But the real story belonged to Curaçao. The Caribbean island nation — population just 156,000, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup — took the stage for the very first time and scored. That goal, in front of a global audience of hundreds of millions, was a moment their country will never forget. Their coach Fred Rutten had promised they weren't coming just to make up the numbers, and while the scoreline was brutal, the spirit was there. "The joy of the fans is fantastic," Rutten said afterward. "This is not a disgrace."
Australia 2–0 Turkey — Upset of the Week
The result of the week came on Sunday when Australia beat heavily favored Turkey 2–0 in what will go down as one of the summer's most notable upsets. The Socceroos were composed, clinical, and well-organized — Connor Metcalfe's low, hard finish inside the bottom corner to seal the win was one of the best goals of the tournament so far. Turkey will need to regroup quickly.
Netherlands 2–2 Japan — The Thriller
Japan and the Netherlands served up the most entertaining match of the week, sharing a 2–2 draw that left both sides with a point and plenty to build on. Japan showed they can more than compete with European heavyweights — a theme that's been building for years and showed no signs of stopping here.
Sweden 5–1 Tunisia — Statement Performance
Sweden announced themselves in emphatic fashion, hammering Tunisia 5–1 in a performance that should put every team in the group stage on notice. They'll be a dangerous opponent for anyone.
Ivory Coast 1–0 Ecuador — Group E Takes Shape
Ivory Coast edged Ecuador 1–0 in a tight, competitive match. With Germany also in Group E, every point matters — and Ivory Coast's narrow win puts them in a strong early position.
The Big Picture After Week One
Thirty-five goals in eight matches — that's an average of over four per game. The expanded 48-team format was always going to produce more variety, and so far it's delivered. We've had dominant host nation performances, a genuine shock, a couple of giants stumbling, and a debut goal from the smallest nation in World Cup history.
The tournament is five days old. There are 99 matches still to play.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs June 11 through July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Follow all the action at WorldSoccerWire.com.
USMNT World Cup Roster Leaked: Diego Luna Out, Gio Reyna In — And Pochettino Has Some Explaining to Do
Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players most fans assumed were locks. Here's what it means.
The 2026 World Cup roster for the US Men's National Team has been obtained by The Guardian ahead of Tuesday's official announcement at Pier 17 in Manhattan, and it's already generating serious debate.
Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players who most fans assumed were locks. Here's what you need to know — and what it tells us about how Pochettino plans to set up on home soil.
The headline omission: Diego Luna
This is the one that will sting the most. Luna, 22, has been one of the USMNT's most consistent contributors over the past year. He returned from a knee injury in April and went straight back to form for Real Salt Lake — four goals and two assists in seven MLS appearances. He's dynamic, he's young, and he's been a fan favorite.
He's not on the plane.
Pochettino may be taking a more long-term approach with the 22-year-old, but that's cold comfort for fans who watched Luna earn his spot. The omission leaves a real question about the attacking depth behind the front three.
Tessmann out too — but this one's easier to understand
Tanner Tessmann sustained a muscle strain at Lyon two weeks ago, and while he was still anticipated to be included, his omission appears to be injury-related. He featured heavily for Lyon this season and was widely expected to slot into the midfield. Whether this is a permanent door closed or an injury call that could change before June 1's official submission deadline remains to be seen.
The curious inclusion: Gio Reyna
Reyna is a talented but polarizing figure who has made only four USMNT appearances since the Copa América in the summer of 2024. His selection over Luna — who was producing at club level right up until selection — is the decision Pochettino will face the most questions about on Tuesday.
Reyna's ceiling is undeniable. But at a World Cup on home soil, with games that matter from day one, the gap between ceiling and consistency is a real risk.
Alejandro Zendejas gets the nod
Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned a spot despite receiving just 139 minutes under Pochettino. That's a significant vote of confidence from a coach who has repeatedly said no one is safe regardless of reputation.
What the roster tells us about Pochettino's plan
This roster reflects exactly what Pochettino set out to build: a squad without entitlement, where competition ran through every position group, and 71 players got a look before 26 were chosen.
The front three of Balogun, Pepi, and Wright is lean — just three pure forwards for six weeks of tournament football. Zendejas offers versatility higher up the pitch, but if Balogun picks up an injury, the depth chart gets thin fast.
What happens next
The official roster announcement is Tuesday, May 26 at Pier 17 on the East River in Manhattan — a live public event with player appearances and entertainment. Official rosters aren't due until June 1, and it's possible these leaks have inaccuracies. With two more friendlies against Senegal and Germany ahead of the Cup, the roster could still shift if FIFA approves injury-related changes.
The World Cup opener is June 11. Pochettino has 18 days to answer every question this roster just raised.