Best moments and goals from the first day of the 2026 World Cup
Teams like Mexico and Team USA put on a great performance during the first day of the 2026 World Cup. Also, here are the best moments of Lionel Messi and other players.
The first day of the 2026 World Cup has seen some exciting moments. Mexico got off to a strong start in their first match against South Africa. The USA men's team enjoyed their best World Cup success and Lionel Messi tied the record for most goals in a World Cup with his hat-trick. 74 goals have been scored so far, and at least one goal has been scored in 23 of the first 24 matches. But which goals and moments are the best? Which teams to keep an eye on in the World Cup? Former Team USA coach Bob Bradley, former Canadian women's team player Kailyn Gayle and Team USA player Walker Zimmerman share their best moments from Day 1 on "World File Now."
best moment
Bradley: "U.S.'s first-half performance"
"I liked how we came out. We were brilliant in the first half. The pace for Folarin Balogun's first goal was excellent. Balogun is a goal scorer and confident. Christian [Pulisic]'s pace, Weston [McKenney's] performance, Balogun's good positions, Tillman's ability to move around the pitch - there were many areas in the first half and Paraguay we couldn't get close to."
Gayle: "Lionel Messi hat-trick in his first World Cup"
"I have to go with the G.O.A.T, the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. He scores goals in such a beautiful way. When he got into the 18 yard box, it was a bit of a misplay, but he was there when the team needed it most."
Zimmerman: "Curaçao's Livano Comencia goals against Germany"
"There are many storylines. It could go in many different directions. But I'm going to focus on Curacao. The 1-1 draw against Germany was special. It was a massive moment."
Best Goal
Bradley: "Sweden's Yasin Ayari's first goal"
"He scored two fantastic goals. He is important for Sweden."
Gayle: "Mexico's Raul Jimenez goal"
"He was very excited for the first goal in a World Cup."
Zimmermann: "Austria's Romano Schmidt Goal"
"His goal was the best of the match."
The team that worries us the most
Bradley: "Brazil"
"Now I'm a little worried for Brazil."
Gayle: "Portugal"
"I'm worried for Portugal."
Zimmerman: "Turkey and Ecuador"
"Looking after both."
Azarath Team
Gayle: "Cape Verde"
"Vojina was fantastic."
Zimmerman: "Sweden"
"I was shocked they scored 5 goals."
Bokuvarthi Front
Bradley: "France's Kylian Mbappe"
"He's in much better shape now."
Zimmerman: "France's Kylian Mbappe"
"He's in the right frame of mind to hit the turns."
Gayle: "England's Harry Kane"
"I have chosen him."
The great moments and great goals of the 2026 World Cup are now fresh in everyone's mind, and anticipation is high for what will unfold in the future.
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