Messi Gets an A+, Ronaldo Struggles: World Cup 2026's First Report Card
The opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup produced standout displays from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane, while Cristiano Ronaldo endured a difficult start. Here's a look at how football's biggest stars performed.
19th June, 2026: All great stories are judged by how they end, but in a tournament as demanding as the FIFA World Cup, first impressions often matter just as much. The opening round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already provided plenty of talking points, with some of the game's biggest stars living up to expectations while others struggled to make an impact.
As always, the spotlight was firmly on football's biggest names. By the end of the first round, their performances had become a major topic of discussion. If the opening matches were graded, Lionel Messi would undoubtedly earn top marks. Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland would not be far behind. Cristiano Ronaldo, however, faces far greater scrutiny after a disappointing start to the tournament.
Messi delivered a masterclass against Algeria, scoring a stunning hat-trick — the first of his World Cup career. The feat also saw him move level with the highest scorers in World Cup history. Despite approaching his 39th birthday, the Argentine legend showed little sign of slowing down. In just 80 minutes, he registered 57 touches, completed the majority of his passes, created two big chances and fired six shots, four of which were on target.
Messi Shines, Ronaldo Struggles as World Cup Stars Make Their Mark
While Messi dazzled, Ronaldo endured a frustrating evening against DR Congo. The 41-year-old Portugal captain struggled to influence the game and missed two clear opportunities. Although he attempted three shots — the most by any Portuguese player — none tested the goalkeeper. Portugal's disappointing 1-1 draw has increased the pressure on the five-time Ballon d'Or winner heading into the next round.
Mbappe and Haaland, meanwhile, delivered the kind of performances fans have come to expect. Mbappe scored twice in France's victory over Senegal, including a spectacular long-range strike moments before full-time. His teammate Ousmane Dembele may not have found the net, but his attacking creativity caused constant problems, highlighted by nine passes in the final third.
Haaland was equally influential as Norway marked their return to the World Cup after a 27-year absence. The Manchester City striker scored twice in a commanding 4-1 victory over Iraq, with two of his four attempts finding the target.
🚨 Les grands joueurs répondent PRÉSENT dans ce début de Coupe du monde : 🌍
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 17, 2026
⚽️⚽️ Kylian Mbappé 🇫🇷
⚽️⚽️ Erling Haaland 🇳🇴
⚽️⚽️⚽️ Lionel Messi 🇦🇷
⚽️⚽️ Harry Kane 🏴 pic.twitter.com/YHJUsxIGFB
England captain Harry Kane also opened his campaign in style with a brace against Croatia. However, his contribution extended far beyond goals. Kane was involved in seven attacking sequences while also contributing defensively with tackles, blocks, clearances and recoveries. He completed 14 of his 21 passes and once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most complete forwards in world football.
Brazil may have been held to a 1-1 draw by Morocco, but Vinicius Junior provided a bright spot for the five-time world champions. The Real Madrid star scored Brazil's equaliser and was a constant threat throughout the match. He recorded 53 touches, completed four accurate long balls and made five touches inside the Moroccan penalty area, showcasing his importance to Brazil's attack.
The opening round has offered an early glimpse of which stars are ready to shape the tournament. Yet the World Cup is a marathon, not a sprint. For those who have started strongly, the challenge is to maintain their level. For those who have fallen short, there is still time to rise to the occasion and leave their mark on football's grandest stage.
