FIFA World Cup 2026 Review: Top Players After Round 1; Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland Shine

The opening round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has officially concluded, and it has already delivered some of the most unforgettable moments in the tournament’s history. From established legends cementing their legacies to rising stars making their mark on the global stage, the first set of group-stage matches did not disappoint.

Following the opening round, superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have delivered standout performances that will be talked about for years to come. Here is a comprehensive look at the top players and the biggest storylines from the opening week of the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi Matches World Cup Immortality

Argentina’s captain is continuing his magical run on the international stage. Lionel Messi cemented his place at the top of the tournament rankings after delivering a scintillating hat-trick against Algeria.

This was not just another masterful performance; it was a deeply historic one. With his three goals, Messi’s performance tied Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup record of 16 goals. As Argentina looks to defend their crown, their talisman is proving he is still at the absolute peak of his powers.

Kylian Mbappe Surpasses a Legend

Not to be outdone by his former club teammate, Kylian Mbappe also had a record-breaking start to his 2026 campaign. Mbappe starred for Les Bleus, netting a brilliant brace against Senegal.

With these two crucial goals, the French forward officially surpassed Pele’s all-time World Cup goal tally. Still in the prime of his career, Mbappe is rapidly rewriting the World Cup history books.

A Dream Debut and a Rising Star

The opening round was also defined by brilliant debuts and breakout performances from the next generation of footballing talent:

Erling Haaland (Norway): The prolific striker finally made his highly anticipated arrival on the sport’s biggest stage. Haaland opened his World Cup account in style, putting his team on the scoreboard during their opening matchup.

Yasin Ayari (Sweden): The Swedish midfielder is rapidly emerging as one of the tournament’s best rising stars. Ayari dictated the play and delivered a two-goal masterclass in Sweden’s dominant 5-1 thrashing of Tunisia.

Harry Kane Leads the Three Lions

England also began their campaign with strong attacking intent. Harry Kane showcased his transcendent form with Bayern Munich, translating his elite club performances directly to the international stage. The captain offered a strong talismanic presence, expertly leading the English attack during the opening week of the tournament.