We are now two weeks into the FIFA World Cup 2026 and have had the opportunity to see all 48 teams take the field. We’ve seen top performances from the host nations as well as perennial powerhouses, but have also watched world-class sides stumble in their first outings. Here’s a recap of all things 2026 World Cup from the past week as we near the Round of 32 elimination matches.

Host nations continue to impress

Canada dominates Qatar 6-0

Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory in dominant fashion last Thursday, thrashing Qatar 6–0 at a packed house in Vancouver. Driven by an explosive hat trick from Jonathan David and additional goals from Cyle Larin, Nathan Saliba, and an own goal, “Les Rouges” scored early and never looked back, maintaining 79% possession and benefiting from two red cards issued to a struggling Qatari side. The historic win propelled Canada to the top of Group B on goal difference, though the celebration was tempered by a serious leg injury to midfielder Ismael Kone, who is expected to miss several months.

Canada faces its toughest group stage test against Switzerland Wednesday in Vancouver. Although the team has all but qualified for the Round of 32, securing a result against the Swiss is vital to clinching the top spot in the group. With depth in the midfield, coach Jesse Marsch will need to adjust his lineup to account for the loss of Kone and questions remain about the availability of star Alphonso Davies. 

Get a full preview of the match here.

Mexico take care of business

The other two hosts also turned in excellent performances in their second group matches. Mexico defeated South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara, capitalizing off an error from Korean goalkeeper Kim Sueng-gyu allowing Luis Romo to lodge the ball in the empty goal for the match’s lone score. “El Tri” are two from two in Group A play and have clinched first place. Wednesday in Mexico City, they finish group play against European playoff qualifiers Czechia, a tough side to break down and also fighting to secure a knockout place.

The United States look great

The United States bested Australia 2-0 Friday in Seattle. The Americans have been by far one of the most impressive sides so far this tournament, scoring a pair of first-half goals through a Cameron Burgess own goal and an Alex Freeman header from close range. The “Stars and Stripes” have also secured first place status and will be eager to continue their superb run of form into elimination football in a week’s time. In their final group stage match they get Türkiye, who are shockingly already eliminated after losses to Australia and Paraguay. 

Top goalscorers seize the spotlight

No Messi-ing around

Lionel Messi made history Monday against a stubborn Austria side. With 18 goals and counting, he broke the all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals held by German striker Miroslav Klose. Inter Miami’s Messi, whom many consider the greatest player ever, scored a hat trick to open Argentina’s group stage against Algeria in Kansas City a week earlier and showed no signs of letting up in his sixth(!) World Cup. His five goals to date lead the tournament and place him firmly in the running to win the Golden Boot. As has been the case for 20 years or so, there is no bigger story in soccer than Messi.

Kylian is killin’ it

France’s Kylian Mbappe is hot on Messi’s tail. Through his first two games in the group stage he has found the net four times and led “Les Bleus” to six points and an assured spot in the Round of 32. He bagged two goals in each of his games including this spectacular effort against Senegal last Tuesday. Now on 100 appearances for his country, Mbappe stands on 16 World Cup goals himself in his third tournament. With France the top favourite to lift the trophy on July 19, he will seek to eclipse Messi’s freshly broken record and assert himself as one of the World Cup’s greats. 

Haaland keeps row-ling

World Cup newcomer and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland has arrived on football’s biggest stage in resounding style. He’s also collected four goals through his two group stage matches against Iraq and Senegal, drawing level with Mbappe and one behind Messi in the Golden Boot race. He snagged this second goal after pressing a pass back to the Iraqi goalkeeper and making no mistake from close range. In Norway’s first World Cup appearance since 1998, they sit on six points with a blockbuster match against France this Friday to determine the winner of Group I. 

Deniz’s over/undav 

Deniz Undav has found the net three times so far and is tied for fourth in the Golden Boot race through the first two games of Germany’s campaign. He has led “Die Mannschaft” to two victories over World Cup debutants Curacao 7-1 and Ivory Coast 2-1. He has also registered two assists to cap off a fine start to his tournament. The Germans will look to carry on and make a deep run in this year’s tournament, having missed out on the knockouts each of the last two World Cups. 

Notable nations report

Spain back on track

After stumbling at the first hurdle in a surprising 0-0 draw with Cabo Verde last week, “La Furia Roja” bested Saudi Arabia 4-0. The match was highlighted by goals from wonder boy Lamine Yamal, his first of surely many for Spain at the World Cup, and a brace from starting XI mainstay Mikel Oyarzabal.

The Spanish are one of the premier frontrunners for the Cup and arguably the best possession team in world football, holding the ball for 74% and 67% respectively against Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia. While they didn’t find the crucial goal against their first opponents, they more than made up for missed opportunities putting four past the Green Falcons on 2.3 expected goals. 

Samba style

Brazil also drew their first match thanks to a stiff challenge from African side Morocco, but proved too strong for Haiti. Three first-half goals from Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior put the match to bed. Next time out they face Scotland and with the knockout places up for grabs for both and Morocco. The stakes will be massive and will require a strong performance to secure top spot in Group C.

Three Lions roaring

England started their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over European rivals Croatia. A side that has fallen to Croatia a number of times in recent memory, the “Three Lions” found goals via a brace from marksman Harry Kane, star midfielder Jude Bellingham and winger Marcus Rashford. The English last won the World Cup 60 years ago and got as far as the semifinal in 2018, losing to — you guessed it — Croatia. They look to reach the final for the first time since 1966. 

Where’s Ronaldo?

Portugal have left themselves some work of their own, drawing DR Congo 1-1 in their opening contest. They found an opening goal early through PSG midfielder Joao Neves but DRC got the important equalizer in first half stoppage time. Portugal only securing one point has given South American group rivals Colombia the advantage in Group K after they beat Uzbekistan 3-1. Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to find a goal in this year’s tournament and will aim to rectify this statistic today against Uzbekistan. 

Have World Cup fever but new to sports betting?

Find everything you need to know about how sports betting works right here. 

How to bet on World Cup 2026

  1. Log in or register at ToonieBet.
  2. Navigate to the sports betting page and World Cup hub.
  3. Play futures and player props, build SGPs or bet live.

How to live bet the 2026 World Cup

  1. Log in or register an account.
  2. Navigate to the live sports page.
  3. Follow the match trackers, real-time odds and stats, and bet.
Photo courtesy AP Photo/Julio Cortez via Canadian Press Images.
Statistics courtesy Opta via fotmob.com and sofascore.com.
ToonieBet is invested in responsible gaming. Please play safe.

The content is provided for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute betting advice, financial advice, or a recommendation to place any wager. Odds are subject to change. Sports wagering involves risk, and there is no guarantee of success or profit. For Ontario residents, participation in regulated online gaming is restricted to individuals 19 years of age or older. Please play responsibly. If gambling is no longer fun or may be causing harm, support is available through recognized gambling resources like ConnexOntario. Terms and conditions apply where applicable.