The Round of 32 is over and the last 16 are set. Germany and the Netherlands are out, Paraguay and Morocco are celebrating, all three host nations are still alive – and Cape Verde bowed out with a performance to remember against Argentina.

First Germany fall to Paraguay on penalties, then the Netherlands are beaten by Morocco just a few hours later. The new Round of 32 immediately delivers what it promised: drama, surprises and big names going home much earlier than expected.

The group stage of the biggest World Cup ever is over. The favourites have made it through, some big names are already gone - and debutants Cape Verde have written one of the stories of the tournament.

Germany took the lead against Ecuador after less than two minutes – and still lost 2-1. They remain group winners, but ahead of the knockout stage the DFB team leaves more questions than answers.

After the second matchday, the 2026 World Cup is starting to separate the strong from the shaky. Mexico, the United States, Germany and Argentina have already secured top spot in their groups. Other favourites still have work to do – and for some teams, the final group match is already a knockout game in all but name.

ermany had to fight hard against Ivory Coast before Deniz Undav secured a 2–1 win deep into stoppage time. The result sends the DFB team into the knockout stage early – and, thanks to Ecuador’s 0–0 draw with Curaçao, even confirms them as group winners.

The first round of group-stage matches is complete - and the 2026 World Cup has already delivered plenty: clear wins by favorites, surprising stumbles, strong hosts and early underdog moments. Time for a compact first review.

Germany opened its World Cup with a 7-1 win over Curaçao. The debutant had its historic moment, but then the German attack took over – and Group E already looks more demanding than the scoreline suggests.

The 2026 World Cup is underway: Shakira and Burna Boy delivered the show, Mexico delivered the first win. The 2-0 victory over South Africa was festive, historic – and fiery in the end.

Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan will play at a World Cup for the first time in 2026.

The 2026 World Cup will be bigger, longer and much harder to predict.