The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off with Egypt securing their first-ever victory in the tournament, beating New Zealand 3-1, yet the story extends beyond one match. This edition is unlike any before it: a record-breaking 48 nations are competing, making it the largest World Cup in history.
Egypt’s win over New Zealand in Group G was historic. Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool icon and Egypt captain, scored and assisted to lead his side to a 3-1 comeback victory, earning the Player of the Match award. Goals from Mostafa Zizo, Salah, and Trezeguet turned the match around after New Zealand’s Finn Surman had headed in an early corner. The victory moved Egypt top of the group with four points from two games, boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
“Egypt won their first World Cup match as the expanded 48-team tournament began.”
The 2026 tournament marks a major shift in World Cup structure. For the first time, 48 teams compete in the group stage, up from 32 in previous tournaments. This expansion was designed to include more nations from around the world, giving smaller footballing countries a chance to shine on the global stage. The group stage features 16 groups of three teams each, with the top two from each group advancing to a round of 32, followed by a knockout bracket.
For UK readers, this World Cup carries extra intrigue. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, are aiming to end a 60-year trophy drought. The expanded format means more matches and more opportunities for surprise results, which could benefit or challenge England’s path. Footballing legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely expected to be making their final World Cup appearances, adding an extra layer of drama.
The tournament also features several memorable moments beyond Egypt’s win. Cape Verde stunned Uruguay with a 2-2 draw, Curacao held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw for their first-ever World Cup point, and Germany snatched a last-gasp 2-1 win over Ivory Coast to qualify for the round of 32. The Netherlands hammered Sweden 5-1, while Spain dominated Saudi Arabia 4-0. All of these results show how the expanded tournament has already delivered unpredictability.
Here are some key questions answered:
Q: What is the format of the 2026 World Cup? The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams divided into 16 groups of three. Each team plays two group matches. The top two from each group (32 teams in total) advance to a round of 32 knockout stage, which leads to a single-elimination bracket culminating in the final.
Q: How did Egypt make history against New Zealand? Egypt won their first-ever World Cup match after 92 years of trying, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3-1. Mohamed Salah scored a crucial goal and provided an assist, and his side benefited from a bizarre moment when New Zealand’s Ben Old had to leave the pitch due to a torn kit, leaving the All Whites a man down during Salah’s goal.
Q: Why is the 2026 World Cup considered record-breaking? It is the first World Cup with 48 teams, the largest number in the tournament’s history. The expansion means more nations participate, more matches are played, and the group stage is structured differently from previous editions.
What happens next? The group stage will continue with remaining matches, and the round of 32 will begin once group standings are finalised. England’s campaign under Thomas Tuchel will be closely watched, as will the farewell appearances of stars like Messi and Ronaldo. The tournament is scheduled to conclude with the final in July.