Top 12 Standout Performances from the First Round of the 2026 World Cup

Big Names Shine in Opening Matches

The opening round of the 2026 World Cup has wrapped up, showcasing all 48 teams and offering a glimpse of what lies ahead. Among the hosts, Germany and Sweden celebrated wins while Argentina dominated. Big teams like Spain and Portugal found challenges early, and "hydration break" became a phrase fans heard too often.

With many stars hitting the field fresh despite a long season and heat, some players truly stood out. Here are 12 individuals who grabbed attention in these first games.

12. Ayyoub Bouaddi

At just 18, Ayyoub Bouaddi faced tough opponents like Casemiro and Bruno Guimarães during Morocco’s impressive 1–1 draw with Brazil in Group C. The young talent didn’t look overwhelmed. Arsenal and Real Madrid scouts have reportedly been watching closely. Former France striker Olivier Giroud compared him to Sergio Busquets and joked about his finishing, saying, “If he has that quality, he will be playing for Real Madrid next year.”

11. Julián Quiñones

Julián Quiñones made history by scoring the tournament’s first goal for Mexico against South Africa in Group A. His energetic performance included a shot that hit the woodwork and constant threat throughout the match.

10. Kai Havertz

Despite fitness struggles with Arsenal this season, Kai Havertz showed his form when it mattered. He scored twice in Germany’s Group E opener against Curaçao. Although the opposition wasn’t the toughest, Havertz took advantage, firing four shots and making 11 touches inside the box.

9. Yasin Ayari

Yasin Ayari struck twice in Sweden’s 5–1 win over Tunisia. His non-celebration apology was unique, given his father’s Tunisian roots. Considering Tunisia hadn’t conceded a goal in qualifying, Ayari’s impact was impressive.

8. Folarin Balogun

Only Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland had a higher expected goals (xG) on target than the USA’s Folarin Balogun in the first round. Balogun scored two goals in the 4–1 victory over Paraguay, including a stunning curled shot into the top corner after evading defenders.

7. Harry Kane

Harry Kane started his campaign for a third Golden Boot with two goals against Croatia in England’s 4–2 win. Despite a demanding season with Bayern Munich, he showed no signs of wear, leading the game with seven shots and nine touches inside the box. Kane also dropped deep to distribute passes like a quarterback.

6. Elijah Just

New Zealand’s Elijah Just was a standout in the thrilling 2–2 draw with Iran. Partnering well with Chris Wood, Just’s performance elevated what some expected to be a low-key Group G match into one of the tournament’s most exciting so far.

5. Vozinha

The surprise of the tournament came from Cabo Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who kept a clean sheet against Spain in a 0–0 draw. At 40 years old, he made seven saves and frustrated stars like Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal.

4. Michael Olise

Michael Olise brought his vibrant Bayern Munich style to France’s midfield in their Group I win over Senegal. He controlled the game and impressed fans with his creativity and flair.

3. Kylian Mbappé

Questions about France’s reliance on Kylian Mbappé vanished after his two-goal display in the 3–1 victory over Senegal. One goal was particularly memorable, reminding everyone that despite a turbulent club season, Mbappé remains a world-class force.

2. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland answered Mbappé’s challenge with his own two goals and an assist for Norway against Iraq. His power and speed overwhelmed the Iraqi defense, especially when he chased down goalkeeper Jalal Hassan for his second goal—a moment resembling a scene from a thriller. The race for the Golden Boot is heating up.

1. Lionel Messi

At almost 39, Lionel Messi continues to amaze. Celebrating his 200th cap for Argentina, he scored a hat trick against Algeria and matched Miroslav Klose’s record as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 16 goals.

Algeria midfielder Ibrahim Maza summed it up simply after the game: "Messi things."