Key Moments and Anticipation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has offered exhilarating moments since its kickoff. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa was historic. Three red cards were issued, marking the highest in a World Cup match in two decades—a first in an opener. Mexico secured a 2-0 victory in Mexico City.

On the same evening, South Korea staged a comeback to defeat Czechia. Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu contributed two second-half goals for the win. On Friday, in Toronto, Canada and Bosnia-Herzegovina finished 1-1. The USMNT thrilled over 70,000 fans at SoFi Stadium with a 4-1 triumph over Paraguay.

Over the weekend, Qatar secured a last-second equalizer against Switzerland. Boualem Khoukhi’s goal brought all four Group B teams to an even standing. Brazil and Morocco drew 1-1 at MetLife Stadium; Australia defeated Turkey 2-0, and Japan achieved a stunning four-goal comeback tie with the Netherlands.

While the tournament’s start has been electrifying, attention remains on Erling Haaland. Norway qualifies for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, ending a 28-year absence. Haaland, hailed as Norway’s greatest striker, feels the significance as his team prepares to face Iraq on Tuesday, June 16.

“It felt missing in 2022 in Qatar and the Euros in 2024,” Haaland told ESPN. “Now it finally happened, and it was about time.” He bears the weight of expectations and recognizes the historical value for Norway and future fans.

In his lifetime, Haaland never watched Norway in a World Cup, though he vividly recalls global icons’ spectacular performances. He seeks to create legacy-defining memorability for Norway’s youths.

“I’m just happy now that we qualified, and all the young Norwegian kids can experience how it is to have their country there,” Haaland remarked. “I want to create something special together with the whole nation.”

Norway finds itself in Group I. Post-Iraq match, the squad faces Senegal on Monday, June 22, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. They meet France on Friday, June 26, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match with France, featuring Haaland versus Mbappe, is one of the most eagerly awaited group stage showdowns.