From Cape Verde holding Spain and Uruguay to draws, to Curacao, Qatar and Congo frustrating football heavyweights, the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup is proving that the gap between global giants and emerging nations is narrowing rapidly.
Cristiano Ronaldo found himself at the centre of unexpected fan reactions after Portugal’s opening match in the FIFA World Cup 2026 ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Group K.