The first round of matches in this year’s FIFA World Cup wrapped up on Wednesday night, highlighted by Colombia’s 3-1 win over Uzbekistan. Each of the 48 teams has now played at least one match in the group stage.
While the sample size is still pretty small, we’ve had a chance to see all the teams in action, which gives us a new perspective on what to expect going forward.
But there’s certainly more excitement to come over the next nine days. So, let’s pause briefly and reflect on what we’ve observed so far.
For the most part, the superstars have delivered.
With over 1,200 players in the tournament, certain athletes rise above the rest. After about a week, it appears these stars have largely met the expectations set by fans and analysts.
For example, Vinicius Junior showcased his skills by netting the equalizer in Brazil’s 1-1 draw against Morocco, while Harry Kane of England and Norway’s Erling Haaland each scored twice in their matches against Croatia and Iraq, respectively. Clearly, having a top-tier player can completely shift the course of a game.
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi also fall into this category. Both players are not just central to the success of their respective teams, France and Argentina—teams that faced off in the iconic 2022 final—but they’re in a tight contest for the title of the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
Mbappe started off strong with two goals in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, including a late winner in extra time. With 58 goals for France, of which 14 are from World Cups, he’s edging closer to the records held by Miroslav Klose and Messi.
Messi, too, made headlines by scoring all three goals as Argentina triumphed over Algeria. He’ll have a chance to surpass Mbappe in their upcoming match against Austria.
The notable letdown thus far has been Cristiano Ronaldo. The 41-year-old wasn’t impactful in Portugal’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo, despite having a strong support team. If Portugal wants to rise to their potential, Ronaldo needs to regain his sharpness soon.
Expanding the tournament hasn’t compromised quality
This World Cup marks a historical first with 48 participating teams, a significant increase from the 32 that played in Qatar in 2022.
A primary concern with this expansion was the potential dip in game quality and viewer interest. While not every match has delivered top-tier action like the France vs. Senegal or England vs. Croatia encounters, underdog teams have shown they can compete more than expected.
Strong teams faced surprisingly stiff competition, as seen when Cape Verde held Spain, a pre-tournament favorite, to a 0-0 draw, and DR Congo managed to secure a point against Portugal in their return to the World Cup after 52 years. Even in a 7-1 defeat to Germany, Curaçao performed better than the score indicates.
Ultimately, the goal is for the more established teams to secure their advancement in the group stage. While depth and talent become crucial over a three-game span, concerns about diluted competition due to an increased number of teams haven’t fully materialized.
Top teams face challenges
Shifting focus to the bigger nations, many of whom are traditionally contenders, some have started with impressive performances, with Argentina, France, and England looking particularly strong.
In contrast, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal have seemed to struggle.
Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco isn’t dire, as Morocco is a legitimate contender. Yet, their midfield play and overall structure need urgent work; depending too heavily on individuals like Vinicius Junior could be risky.
Spain and Portugal, on the other hand, couldn’t translate their offensive pressure into goals. It’s early, so tweaks in tactics might make a difference, but without improvement, these teams might not find success down the line.
For those looking for controversy, some might even bring Germany into the mix. Sure, they celebrated a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao, but up until the hydration break, the match was fairly competitive, casting doubt on how strong Germany truly is.
Hydration breaks disrupt gameplay
In a first for the World Cup, this tournament features mandatory hydration breaks. Not only will there be halftimes, but referees will pause the game during both halves to allow players to refresh.
While in theory, this could help players stay hydrated—especially in hot conditions—the regular implementation of these breaks feels more commercial than necessary. It seems like a way for FIFA to slot in extra ads, similar to the methods used in American sports.
One has to wonder, why would matches played in air-conditioned stadiums, like those featuring England and Croatia, need breaks? Players are typically conditioned for two uninterrupted 45-minute halves.
The World Cup has long been subject to over-commercialization, but this feels like a new low, actively disrupting the game. Hydration breaks introduce a stop-and-start rhythm to what is supposed to be a continuous sport. While interruptions aren’t entirely new, having them advertised as routine is unprecedented, and not all teams handle this pressure equally.
Take Curaçao as a case in point. Scoring an equalizer against Germany before the break, they seemed to gain momentum. But the pause allowed Germany to regroup, and they quickly found their rhythm again, leading to several goals. It’s a clear example of how breaks can diminish momentum for smaller teams.
While hydration breaks have existed in the past, they were typically used in extreme conditions and not for profit motives.
The initial matches of the tournament have indeed been close and competitive. Following that, the U.S. team debuted strongly with a decisive 4-1 victory over Paraguay, propelling them further in the tournament.
With impressive play and a goal differential of +3, the U.S. seems poised for a solid run in the tournament, earning them three points so far.
And once they get going, who knows what could happen?
