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\u2019ve 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\u2019s a recap of all things 2026 World Cup from the past week as we near the Round of 32 elimination matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory in dominant fashion last Thursday, thrashing Qatar 6\u20130 at a packed house in Vancouver. Driven by an explosive hat trick from Jonathan David<\/strong> and additional goals from Cyle Larin<\/strong>, Nathan Saliba<\/strong>, and an own goal, \u201cLes Rouges\u201d 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<\/strong>, who is expected to miss several months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong> will need to adjust his lineup to account for the loss of Kone<\/strong> and questions remain about the availability of star Alphonso Davies<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a full preview of the match here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s lone score. \u201cEl Tri\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u201cStars and Stripes\u201d have also secured first place status and will be eager to continue their superb run of form into elimination football in a week\u2019s time. In their final group stage match they get T\u00fcrkiye, who are shockingly already eliminated after losses to Australia and Paraguay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lionel Messi<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. Inter Miami\u2019s Messi<\/strong>, whom many consider the greatest player ever, scored a hat trick<\/a> to open Argentina\u2019s 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.\u00a0As has been the case for 20 years or so, there is no bigger story in soccer than Messi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n France\u2019s Kylian Mbappe<\/strong> is hot on Messi\u2019s tail. Through his first two games in the group stage he has found the net four times and led \u201cLes Bleus\u201d 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<\/a> against Senegal last Tuesday. Now on 100 appearances for his country, Mbappe<\/strong> 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<\/strong>\u2019s freshly broken record and assert himself as one of the World Cup\u2019s greats.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nMexico take care of business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The United States look great<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top goalscorers seize the spotlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No Messi-ing around<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kylian is killin\u2019 it<\/h3>\n\n\n\n