World Cup – After one game, several squads are already facing urgent questions—Turkey after a shock loss despite dominant possession, Austria after a win shaped by an own goal and a penalty, and Ivory Coast after a tight opener that offered a flicker of momentum.
Turkey’s World Cup return lasted just long enough to feel the floor drop out. In Group D, Turkey lost 2-0 to Australia even after holding more than 70% possession. It was a stunned start—hardly the dream comeback for a team back since finishing third in 2002.
Austria’s opening win in Group J wasn’t built on dominance so much as luck turning into a result. Austria beat Jordan 3-1, needing an own goal and a penalty to seal it. They’ll take the points, but the match offered little comfort as the next test arrives: world champions Argentina.
For Ivory Coast, the Group E opener came with a familiar grind—until a moment of lift. They beat Ecuador 1-0 after huffing and puffing in their first match. The introduction of Amad Diallo added a spark, and the result gives them something to build on as the tournament continues.
Ghana’s Group L win over Panama 1-0 came late, and not the way anyone wants to rely on. Ghana looked poor in large periods against Panama, but a 95th-minute winner saved their opening. Even with the victory in hand. they’ll struggle against better opposition next. with England and Croatia already on the horizon.
Algeria’s night in Group J was brutal in its simplicity. They lost to Argentina 3-0, hit by Messi magic, and they didn’t register a shot on target. Jordan felt the same pressure from the other side of Group J—scoring a really nice goal. but never really threatening Austria in a 3-1 defeat. Their task to get out of the group looks difficult after that start.
In Group B, Bosnia-Herzegovina looked set for an opening win against Canada, then had it stolen by a deflected goal in Toronto. The match ended 1-1, with the swing in the score coming at the worst possible time.
Canada, in the next Group B result, needed similar circumstances to avoid defeat at home. They drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in front of a home crowd, but only after needing a deflected leveller to snatch a late draw.
Iraq’s Group I debut against Norway turned into a lesson they couldn’t escape. Iraq lost 4-1, with Erling Haaland proving impossible to stop. Not many teams can stop him, and Iraq certainly couldn’t.
Ecuador’s second outing in this early snapshot landed them back in the same discomfort: they lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast. Despite creating a few chances, they were disappointing in the defeat. The results may not be matching the billing—Ecuador were tipped as tournament dark horses—but at least the uniforms will turn heads. because they brought a nice kit.
The sequence across groups is stark: possession without breakthrough for Turkey. wins for Austria and Ghana shaped by sudden swings. and several sides left with more questions than answers after limited impact. Across the board. the first game didn’t just hand points—it set the tone for who has momentum. and who has work to do before the tournament tightens.
World Cup 2026 group stage results Turkey vs Australia Austria vs Jordan Ivory Coast vs Ecuador Ghana vs Panama Algeria vs Argentina Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Canada Canada vs Bosnia Iraq vs Norway Ecuador vs Ivory Coast