The 2026 FIFA World Cup began this week with an Australian upset and a dominant victory for Germany in Mexico.
These opening matches set the tone for the expanded tournament format, which features 48 teams competing over a 39-day period [2, 3]. The results from the first weekend signal a shift in momentum for several traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders.
Matches took place in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico [2]. Australia provided the weekend's biggest shock by pulling off a surprise win [1, 2, 3]. The result disrupts early projections for the group stages and highlights the volatility of the new tournament structure.
Germany maintained its status as a favorite after securing a comfortable victory [1, 2, 3]. The team showed tactical discipline and efficiency, positioning itself as a primary contender for the title as the competition moves into its second week.
Brazil, conversely, struggled to find its rhythm. The team faced heavy pressure throughout its opening appearances [1, 2, 3]. While Brazil remains a global force in soccer, the difficulty they encountered suggests a period of adjustment for the squad in the Mexican climate.
Other national teams, including Scotland and Mexico, participated in the opening slate of games as the 39-day competition officially launched [2, 3]. The expanded field increases the number of matches and the physical toll on players, a factor that may have contributed to the varied performances seen in the first few days.
“Australia provided the weekend's biggest shock by pulling off a surprise win.”
The early results of the 2026 FIFA World Cup underscore the unpredictability introduced by the 48-team expansion. Australia's upset and Brazil's struggles indicate that the increased volume of teams and the 39-day duration may create more opportunities for underdogs to disrupt the established hierarchy of international soccer.
