Ronaldo struggles as Africa shines in 2026 World Cup opening round

The opening round of the 2026 World Cup has featured surprising performances, with Africa's teams showing strong form while traditional European powers face early challenges. Germany achieved a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao, while Messi's hat trick led Argentina to victory against Algeria. In contrast, Portugal managed only a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, where Cristiano Ronaldo's involvement was limited. The average goals per match reached 3.13, marking the highest scoring rate for an opening round in decades, indicating a more unpredictable tournament. The next matches will further test these early trends as teams adjust to the competition format.

• 7:13 PMYahoo Sports — 2026 World Cup Opening Round: Africa Shines, Europe Struggles, and Ronaldo Faces Early Criticism