Egypt waited 92 years for a World Cup win. Cape Verde's 40-year-old goalkeeper went from 50,000 Instagram followers to 15 million in a weekend. And Curaçao — a country of 156,000 people that lost 7-1 in its tournament opener — celebrated a 0-0 draw like a title. That's the 2026 World Cup so far, and it's better than anything the favorites have offered.
The smallest nation in World Cup history earned its first point the hard way
Six days after Germany put seven past them, Curaçao lined up against Ecuador in what looked like damage limitation. Ecuador finished the game with nearly 30 shots and over three expected goals. On paper, it wasn't close.
Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves. Final score: 0-0.
For a nation of 156,000 — the smallest ever to play at a World Cup — that single point meant more than most winners' medals. Willemstad erupted. Understandably.
Cape Verde had a similar impact, though spread across two games. The Blue Sharks held Spain to a goalless draw in their World Cup debut, then came from behind to draw 2-2 with Uruguay. Kevin Pina scored Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal with a free kick from 31 meters. Hélio Varela came off the bench to equalise late. Their goalkeeper Vozinha, 40 years old and playing in the biggest moments of his career, became one of the tournament's viral figures — partly for his performances, partly for something that had nothing to do with football.
After the Spain game, Vozinha was seen crying. He later revealed his mother couldn't attend because of visa costs. With help from the State Department and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, she made it to Miami for the Uruguay match. A Cape Verde player was also recruited to the squad via a LinkedIn DM he initially thought was spam. The Blue Sharks, in other words, contain multitudes. They face Saudi Arabia next with a place in the final 32 still within reach — which means their odds of progressing deserve a second look.
Iran left a handwritten note. Egypt left a party in the streets at 6am.
Iran's tournament has played out under restrictions that would have derailed most squads. The team has been based in Tijuana, crossing into the US only for matches, with some staff reportedly banned from entering the country entirely. Against Belgium at SoFi Stadium, they held on for a 0-0 draw — then left behind a handwritten note in the locker room thanking Los Angeles and their fans. "We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity." In the context of everything surrounding Iran's participation, that line carries real weight.
Egypt's story is different but no less striking. Mo Salah helped beat New Zealand 3-1 — ending a 92-year wait for an Egyptian World Cup victory. Fans celebrated in Vancouver. In Cairo, they went into the streets at 6am local time. Ninety-two years is not a footnote. It's a generational grievance finally resolved.
Uzbekistan lost 3-1 to Colombia in their debut but still became the first Central Asian nation to play — and score — at a World Cup. Haiti returned after a 52-year absence, having qualified while playing every home game away from home.
- Curaçao: first World Cup point, 15 saves from Eloy Room to earn it
- Cape Verde: held Spain, drew Uruguay, Vozinha went from 50k to 15m Instagram followers
- Iran: 0-0 vs Belgium, left a handwritten thank-you note in the locker room
- Uzbekistan: first Central Asian nation to play and score at a World Cup
- Haiti: back at the tournament for the first time since 1974
- Egypt: first World Cup win since 1934 — a 3-1 result against New Zealand
The trophy at the end of this tournament will go to Brazil or France or Argentina or whoever. But the moments that people actually remember? They're already written — and none of them involve a favorite.
