A Somali Referee Was Denied Entry Into the United States and Removed From the Tournament
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, and FIFA subsequently removed him from its roster. The story received far less attention than it deserved.
South Africa Made History in the Opening Game — Not in a Good Way
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener at the Estadio Azteca, a match that produced three red cards: two for Bafana Bafana and one for the hosts. It was the most red cards in any World Cup opening game ever.
Cape Verde won their first World Cup game ever, with their goalkeeper instantly becoming a global sensation
Spain was held to a 0-0 draw by Cape Verde in their Group H opener. The man most responsible was Vozinha, a 40-year-old keeper who faced 27 shots and made seven saves. He went to sleep that night with millions of new followers.
Morocco Held Brazil and Vinícius Blamed the Grass
Morocco, which became the first African team to reach the semifinals at the 2022 tournament, faced five-time winners Brazil in one of the most anticipated group stage clashes of the tournament. Morocco drew 1-1 with Brazil in their opener; Vinícius Júnior reportedly blamed the heat and the pitch. Morocco reportedly did not care.
Ivory Coast Beat Ecuador With a Goal That Will Be On Highlight Reels All Tournament
Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 thanks to an instinctive Amad Diallo goal that settled a tight Group E contest. Three points, good start, exactly what Emerse Fae needed from his side’s first game.
Egypt Held Belgium. We Promise You, Nobody Expected That
Egypt drew 1-1 with Belgium in Group G, a result that surprised most observers. The Pharaohs sit level on points with one of Europe’s more expensively assembled squads. Salah and company still have two games to play.
Sweden Put Five Past Tunisia
Sweden beat Tunisia 5-1 in one of the more brutal early results. Tunisia arrived at this tournament having not conceded a single goal across ten qualifying games. That record did not survive their first match.
France Beat Senegal 3-1. Mbappé Scored. Again
France defeated Senegal 3-1 on June 16, with Mbappé becoming France’s record goalscorer in the process. Senegal was not disgraced, but they were second best for long stretches. They face Norway next, a must-not-lose.
And then…Argentina Beat Algeria 3-0
Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 in their Group J opener on June 16. Algeria, which qualified with the continent’s top scorer, Mohamed Amoura leading the way, was outclassed. They have Jordan next and need a result.
DR Congo Returned to the World Cup and Made History
Fifty-two years after their last World Cup appearance, DR Congo returned to the pitch with an outstanding performance. Portugal took an early lead through João Neves, but Yoane Wissa equalized before halftime with DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal. The Leopards stayed organized and earned a deserved 1-1 draw.
Ghana Had No Business Winning Their Game Against Panama. They Won Anyway.
Caleb Yirenkyi tapped in a cross from substitute Brandon Thomas-Asante in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time to give Ghana a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama in their Group L opener in Toronto.
Ten African Teams Are at This World Cup. That Has Never Happened Before
Algeria, Cape Verde, Congo DR, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia — ten nations, one continent, one tournament. The expanded 48-team format made it possible, but Africa earned every single spot. The group stage isn’t over. The real moments haven’t even started yet.
