QtrendsThe 2026 World Cup kicks off with major storylines across all three co-hosts. The USA edged Paraguay 1-0 courtesy of an early own goal in front of a raucous SoCal crowd. Canada earned their first-ever World Cup point with a late Larin equalizer against Bosnia. Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada over visa issues, ruling him out of Ghana's opener. The opening ceremony in Mexico City featured Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek in a star-studded show.
The United States opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Paraguay, taking the lead just minutes into the match after a Paraguayan own goal. The game was played before a raucous Southern California crowd, with tensions running high given the heated history between the two sides. The result gives the co-hosts a vital three points to start Group play.
Canada secured their first-ever World Cup point with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Cyle Larin scored the equalizer in the 78th minute after Bosnia had taken the lead early in the second half. The result marks a historic moment for Canadian soccer as co-hosts, with Larin becoming just the second Canadian to score at a World Cup.
Cyle Larin wrote his name in Canadian soccer history by scoring the equalizer against Bosnia, becoming only the second Canadian male player to ever score at a World Cup. His 78th-minute strike rescued a point for the co-hosts in their Group B opener. The milestone adds to a growing legacy for Canadian soccer on the global stage.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was refused entry into Canada due to a visa denial, ruling him out of his team's World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto. The decision, reportedly made by Canadian authorities, has sparked controversy and left Ghana without one of its key players. FIFA confirmed the situation but did not intervene in the immigration matter.
The 2026 World Cup kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony in Mexico City featuring performances by Shakira, Andrea Bocelli, and Salma Hayek. Arab artists Elyanna and Nora Fatehi also performed, bringing diverse cultural representation to the event. Michael Bublé headlined the pre-match show before Canada's opener in a celebration that showcased the tournament's multinational spirit.