The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen its fair share of excitement, but also some surprising struggles from big teams. Cristiano Ronaldo's descent into mediocrity has been a major talking point, with the veteran forward looking out of place on the pitch. Despite his impressive record, Ronaldo's slow movements and muddled thinking have raised questions about his continued involvement in the tournament.
Other old-timers like Messi and Modric have shown that age is just a number, but Ronaldo's struggles have been particularly noticeable. Even Thierry Henry, a former France forward, has weighed in on the issue, suggesting that Ronaldo's focus on individual scoring has hindered the team's chances.
Meanwhile, Brazil, Spain, and Portugal - three teams expected to light up the tournament - have failed to settle in their opening games. Brazil looked disjointed, Spain struggled without key players, and Portugal's reliance on Ronaldo has been exposed.
However, the gap between the elite teams and the rest is slowly closing. Players from lesser-ranked countries are making their mark in top leagues, bringing a new understanding of the game back home. Morocco, once a weaker side, is now ranked sixth in the world and is co-hosting the 2030 event.
The first week of the tournament has shown that the big teams still have a lot to prove, and the smaller teams are ready to take them down. Will the big teams rediscover their poise in the next round, or will the underdogs continue to cause upsets?
