FIFA’s expanded tournament has produced an abundance of moments and storylines, making the early stages of the 2026 World Cup one of the most entertaining openings in recent memory, according to ESPN. The competition’s larger field has created more narratives and more knockout-round participants to follow.
Stars have shone: Lionel Messi recorded his first World Cup hat trick, and Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland all looked spectacular in the opening matches. Mohamed Salah also made a timely impact for Egypt in their second group game, according to ESPN.
There have also been unexpected breakout performers and results. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha starred against Spain, and Curacao’s Eloy Room tied a World Cup record versus Ecuador. Traditional powers looked dominant at times — France, England, Germany and Argentina — while supposed minnows earned meaningful points, highlighted by Cape Verde’s draw with Spain and Congo DR’s draw with Portugal, according to ESPN.
An incredible 32 teams will advance to the World Cup knockout rounds, which begin Sunday in Los Angeles. ESPN stated the site will review why each of those teams could still win the tournament and why each might fall short, with Opta odds updated alongside advancing teams and projected matchups.
Brazil enter the knockouts with Opta title odds of 5.5% and a projected Round of 32 opponent of Japan on June 29. Their case rests on elite attacking talent: Vinícius Júnior (two goals and an assist so far), Matheus Cunha, Igor Thiago and other forwards such as Gabriel Martinelli, Luiz Henrique, Rayan and Endrick remain available despite Raphinha’s hamstring injury. Neymar, listed at age 34 and carrying an injury, also remains in the squad. Vinícius Jr. produced a decisive moment against Morocco, and manager Carlo Ancelotti draws credit for unlocking such moments, according to ESPN. Concerns include an imbalance in personnel, spare options at fullback — with Danilo (34) and Douglas Santos (32) noted as top choices — and reliance on an aging Casemiro to cover defensive midfield duties, even though center backs Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are strong.
Canada are listed with Opta title odds of 0.9% and a projected next opponent of Belgium on July 3, per ESPN.
