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Opinion National Interest PoV 50-Word Edit

ThePrint On Camera Videos In Pictures

Society & Culture Around Town Book Excerpts Vigyapanti The Dating Story

More Judiciary Education YourTurn Work With Us Campus Voice

The 48-team FIFA World Cup is producing football’s best stories

2026 FIFA World Cup so far—messy, expensive, controversial and brilliant.

With 24 games, 75 goals, nine draws, seven braces, and three own goals, the first week of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is proof that this tournament may be remembered for chaos and the upsets it has already produced. Tactical choices, team selections and managerial decisions took a back seat.

From three red cards in the first fixture to a magical Lionel Messi hattrick to the controversies surrounding the US as the host, there has already been high-velocity drama, emotions, heartbreaks and pure football.

The expanded 48-team format was criticised prior to the games, with naysayers claiming it would affect the quality of the world’s biggest tournament. However, it has injected unpredictability and closed the gap between football giants and emerging nations.

From Messi and Shakira to heavy scrutiny on players and referees, Matchweek 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was packed with action on and off the pitch. And that’s why it’s ThePrint’s Newsmaker of the Week.

Also read: All-female refereeing trio makes FIFA World Cup history in Czechia-South Africa clash

Messi’s hattrick to Falcao’s tears

It did not even take time for the drama to begin. The first fixture of the World Cup between Mexico and South Africa saw a historic three red cards issued.

It’s a rare sight in the tournament. The entire 2022 Qatar World Cup witnessed only four red cards.

With this, football announced the arrival of the 2026 World Cup and reminded us that the tournament is always unexpected.

Football legend Lionel Messi arrived in his own way. At 38, when most players usually retire from international football, the ‘Little Boy from Rosario, Argentina’ scored his........

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