World Cup 2026 — The 5 Biggest Surprises So Far

Five Days In — And Already Full of Shocks

World Cup 2026 has already delivered more drama, more surprises, and more talking points than most tournaments manage in their entire group stage. Here are the 5 biggest surprises of the tournament so far.

1. Ayoub Bouaddi vs Brazil

An 18-year-old midfielder nobody outside of French football had heard of dominated Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes — two of the best midfielders on earth — for 90 minutes. 91% passing accuracy. 9 duels won. The most extraordinary debut in recent World Cup memory. Nobody saw it coming.

2. Australia 2-0 Turkey

Turkey arrived with Arda Guler and genuine attacking quality. Australia arrived without their captain and vice-captain — both dropped by Tony Popovic in two extraordinary gambles. The gambles paid off. Australia won 2-0 and are now in serious contention to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2006.

3. Germany 7-1 Curaçao

The scoreline was not a surprise — the manner was. Germany were not just efficient. They were brilliant. Musiala, Havertz, and Wirtz combined with a fluency and creativity that suggested a team capable of winning the tournament, not just reaching the semi-finals. After two consecutive group stage exits, this Germany side looks genuinely different.

4. Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

Switzerland were expected to win comfortably. Qatar — playing their second World Cup and still rebuilding after the 2022 host nation experience — held on for a 1-1 draw with a last-gasp equalizer in the 94th minute. Historic moment for Gulf football.

5. Scotland Leading Group C

Scotland qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. In their opening match, they beat Haiti 1-0 with a professional performance that belied their underdog status. They lead Group C above Brazil and Morocco after matchday one. Nobody predicted this.