The FIFA World Cup 2026 is well into its group stage, with the expanded 48-team tournament delivering compelling storylines across multiple host nations. England secured a statement 4-2 victory over Croatia — eight years after their 2018 semifinal heartbreak — while Portugal kicked off what is expected to be Cristiano Ronaldo's sixth and final World Cup campaign, and France confirmed their status as tournament favourites with a dominant display in their opening match.
England 4-2 Croatia: Revenge in Dallas
England, under manager Thomas Tuchel, produced a thrilling performance in Dallas to defeat Croatia 4-2, avenging their 2018 World Cup semifinal defeat. Harry Kane scored a brace, taking his England goal tally deeper into record territory, as the Three Lions showed the kind of attacking verve that Tuchel has instilled since taking charge. Croatia, still led by the ageless Luka Modric, fought back twice but ultimately could not contain England's relentless pressure. Up to 15,000 England fans are estimated to have made the trip to Dallas for the match, reflecting the enormous international interest in the tournament.
Portugal Begin Ronaldo's Farewell Campaign
Cristiano Ronaldo began his sixth World Cup campaign — almost certainly his last at age 41 — as Portugal faced DR Congo in Houston. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner, who has scored in five consecutive World Cups, is aiming to add a World Cup winners' medal to his trophy collection before retiring from international football. Portugal are considered among the dark horses for the tournament, with a talented squad that combines Ronaldo's veteran leadership with emerging stars. Questions remain about whether Portugal are better with or without Ronaldo in the starting XI — a debate that has followed the team throughout his later career.
Tournament Format and Key Storylines
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, with matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded format has produced some memorable group-stage encounters, with underdog teams like Ghana and Morocco impressing against more fancied opposition. Key trends so far include the dominance of South American sides (Brazil, Argentina), the strong showing of African teams (Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria), and the struggles of some Asian teams against physically superior opponents. The tournament has also seen FIFA mandate hydration breaks due to extreme heat concerns during afternoon matches in North American summer conditions.
India Angle: A Nation Watching
Although India did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup — the Indian football team has never qualified for a men's World Cup — interest in the tournament remains high across the country. FIFA dispatched a high-powered media rights team to India to secure a last-minute broadcasting deal, recognising the importance of the Indian market, which has over 200 million football viewers. Indian broadcasters are reporting strong viewership numbers, particularly for matches featuring star players like Messi (Argentina), Ronaldo (Portugal), and Mbappe (France). The absence of India from the tournament has renewed calls for more investment in football development and grassroots programmes, with the All India Football Federation targeting qualification for the 2030 World Cup.
