New Delhi, June 18 -- The first round of the extended FIFA World Cup 2026 got off to an entertaining start with several top teams suffering unexpected results in the opening week, across all the 12 groups. Expanded to 48 teams for the first time in history, several unheralded sides showed the world what they are capable off - Cabo Verde holding Spain to a 0-0 draw is the example.

While five-time champions Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco, Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal's 1-1 draw against DR Congo was also another unexpected result. Hosts USA started the campaign with a 4-1 win over Paraguay. Defending champions Argentina started their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria with Lionel Messi scoring his first World Cup hattrick....