India, June 24 -- Twenty-four more matches into the tournament and the FIFA World Cup 2026 is beginning to develop a clear identity. More records have fallen. More upsets have arrived. More chaos has unfolded. If the opening round tore up the script, the second round proved the script was never coming back.

With the second set of group-stage fixtures now complete, several teams have already booked their places in the Round of 32, a few have seen their hopes take a painful hit, and others continue to survive on a wing and a prayer. Along the way, goalkeepers, record-breakers and debutants have produced moments that are already finding a place in World Cup folklore.

After 44 matches, the World Cup has already produced 128 goals, averaging...