In-depth match reports, key stats, and football analysis
Our analysis reflects our own interpretation of the match stats and events. The numbers are provided so you can review the evidence for yourself and draw your own conclusion. Another analyst may read the same data differently, and that is part of football analysis. KnowFut provides the facts, then offers our view based on them.
Iran twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. E. Just scored both All Whites goals, each assisted by C. Wood, while R. Rezaeian scored and later assisted M. Mohebi's second-half equaliser in a balanced Group G opener.
Australia claimed a remarkable 2-0 win over Turkiye at BC Place in Vancouver, surviving heavy pressure and 30 total shots from a statistically dominant opponent. Goals from N. Irankunda and C. Metcalfe, plus an outstanding 8-save defensive display, gave the Socceroos a huge Group D victory.
Germany opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dominant 7-1 win over Curacao at NRG Stadium in Houston. Curacao briefly responded after Germany's early opener, but goals from F. Nmecha, N. Schlotterbeck, J. Musiala, N. Brown, D. Undav, and a K. Havertz brace powered Germany to the top of Group E.
Japan came from behind twice to snatch a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. D. Kamada's 89th-minute equaliser completed Japan's second comeback and left both sides on one point in Group F.
A. Diallo's late 90th-minute goal from a W. Singo assist gave Ivory Coast a 1-0 win over Ecuador at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Ecuador slightly edged possession and passing, but Ivory Coast created the better chances and struck late to claim all three points.
Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey in one of the opening round's most emphatic results. Y. Ayari scored twice, A. Isak contributed a goal and two assists, and Sweden were ruthless in front of goal despite Tunisia slightly edging possession.
Switzerland dominated the major attacking numbers but were denied victory in the 90th minute when Miro Muheim's own goal handed Qatar a dramatic equaliser at Levi's Stadium, leaving Group B completely level after matchday one.
Brazil and Morocco shared the points in a competitive FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C opener at MetLife Stadium, with Vinicius Junior cancelling out I. Saibari's early goal in a balanced 1-1 draw.
John McGinn's 28th-minute goal gave Scotland a hard-fought 1-0 win over Haiti at Gillette Stadium, but the stats told a deeper story as Haiti created more chances, had more possession, and pushed hard for an equaliser.
Canada fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina at BMO Field in Toronto, with Cyle Larin cancelling out J. Lukić's first-half opener in a physical FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B contest.