The first leg of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup provided not only surprising results, but also a series of spectacular executions.
The forwards showcased their skills and some of the early tournament successes had fans on their feet and quickly went around the world. In the lines below, we present you the most beautiful goals scored in the first round of the World Cup groups.
PLACE 5: Erling Haaland scored in his classic style
Erling Haaland scored his first goal at a World Cup, and the success came exactly in the style that established him. In Norway’s first match at the finals after an absence of almost three decades, the Manchester City striker perfectly anticipated a cross in front of goal and finished it all to make it 2-0 to Iraq. The Scandinavians eventually prevailed 4-1.
PLACE 4: Lionel Messi scored a legendary hat-trick
Lionel Messi made a strong start to the 2026 World Cup adventure and was the decisive man in Argentina’s victory in the first match of the tournament. The South American star managed to beat Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane three times to complete a memorable hat-trick.
The last of the three goals also gave him a historic performance. Thanks to this hat-trick, Messi became the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup.
3RD PLACE: Hwang In-beom, superb goal for South Korea
Among the authors of the most spectacular goals in the first stage, Hwang In-beom also stood out. The South Korean midfielder flawlessly completed a precisely constructed action, sending the ball into the goal of the Czech Republic and contributing decisively to the victory of the Asians, score 2-1.
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The 29-year-old footballer, registered at Feyenoord, had an excellent performance throughout the game, being rewarded at the end with the man of the match trophy.
2ND PLACE: Ismael Sibari stunned the Brazilians
Brazil faced a difficult test from the first match of the 2026 World Cup, meeting an extremely uncomfortable Morocco team. The South Americans were dreaming of a winning start, but the North Africans showed that they can cause problems for any opponent.
The reference moment of the game belonged to Ismael Saibari. The Moroccan midfielder pulled off a spectacular finish after weaving between two Brazilian defenders and beating Alisson Becker with a pinpoint shot.
1ST PLACE: Young Giovanni Reyna, big-time outsider for the Americans
The United States debuted with the right to the World Cup, which they are hosting, by decisively imposing themselves, score 4-1, in front of Paraguay. The Americans impressed with their offensive game, and one of the most spectacular moments of the game belonged to Giovanni Reyna.
The footballer trained at Borussia Dortmund achieved a fine execution, sending the ball into the net with the outside of his foot and signing one of the most beautiful goals of the first stage of the WC 2026.
