2026 World Cup Kicks Off with Early Upsets and Off-Pitch Drama

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has begun with a series of surprising outcomes and notable events within its first three days. Matches have delivered unexpected draws, while one of the tournament favorites has encountered an incident off the pitch.

In a Group B fixture, Switzerland played Qatar to a 1-1 draw at Levi's Stadium. Despite generating an xG of 3.15 and seemingly outclassing their opponents, Switzerland failed to secure a win. Breel Embolo scored a 17th-minute penalty, becoming the first Swiss player to convert a spot-kick at a World Cup. However, Boualem Khoukhi equalized for Qatar deep in second-half added time with a header, thanks in part to several saves by goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada. Switzerland's frontline, including Ruben Vargas, Dan Ndoye, and Embolo, was noted for its wastefulness, complicating their chances in the knockout stages ahead of matches against Canada and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Another significant fixture saw Morocco hold Brazil to a 1-1 draw at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Ismael Saibari put the Atlas Lions ahead with a goal, but Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior restored parity for Brazil midway through the first half. Morocco adopted a more conservative approach in the second half, and Brazil, reportedly missing Neymar and a cohesive game plan, struggled to convert their dominance into a winning goal.

Meanwhile, England's arrival at their base camp in Kansas City was overshadowed by a reported robbery. Footwear belonging to Harry Kane, along with equipment and personal items of other squad members, was allegedly missing from the team's van just before the Three Lions settled into their training base. The Kansas City Police confirmed the incident.

According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, these early events have already introduced exciting storylines to the World Cup.