SAMSUL AREFIN KHAN

Following a hectic 17-day schedule featuring 72 group-stage matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally entering its business end, as hosts Canada take on South Africa in the opening Round of 32 match at Los Angeles Stadium tonight.

Before the mega event kicked off, much of the discussion centred around off-the-field issues, including soaring ticket prices, visa complications, fixture scheduling and the United States’ treatment of the Iran national team. However, once the football began, those concerns largely faded as the action on the pitch captured the world’s attention.

From Lionel Messi becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer to Cristiano Ronaldo extending his record by scoring in six different World Cups, the 23rd installment of the tournament has already produced countless memorable moments. A total of 196 goals, 10 red cards, three hat-tricks and 12 own goals had been recorded by the end of 66 of the 72 group-stage matches,

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