FIFA 2026 / Maninder K. Chandhoke

For fans of Cristiano Ronaldo, age does not matter. They believe it is the spirit and not the number of years that decide the fitness and capability of a star to continue his playing days. And when Congo took to the field against fancied Portugal, mercurial Cristiano Ronaldo was on the roster.

Though Congo claimed its first-ever FIFA World Cup™ goal and point as Yoane Wissa's strike in first-half stoppage time pegged back Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. Interestingly, it was one of the co-hosts, Canada, also to earn its first FIFA World Cup point when it held Bosnia and Herzegovina to a 1-1 draw in its inaugural game.

ALSO READ: My FIFA World Cup Diary-1

It turned out to be a historic day for Les Leopards as it was also notable for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player to ever start a World Cup match. It was Ronaldo's 23rd World Cup appearance, putting him fourth on the all-time list alongside Italian great Paolo Maldini. Just six minutes into the game, Portugal took the lead as Joao Neves rose highest to head Pedro Neto’s inviting cross past Lionel Mpasi.

At 41 years, 132 days, Ronaldo became the second-oldest outfield player to make an appearance at the tournament, behind Roger Milla, who was 42 years, 39 days when he played for Cameroon against Russia on June 28, 1994.

Interestingly, defending champion Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi has lived true to the adage “old is gold.” His stunning hat trick against Algeria has got his nation dreaming of winning the trophy again.

Lionel Messi has crossed one of the few remaining frontiers, turning fiction into reality in the process. Legendary film director Steven Spielberg opened his brand-new film Disclosure Day with an alien encounter in Kansas City. Just days after its release, the film seems almost prophetic, with Argentina’s No. 10 touching down in the city and beginning his sixth FIFA World Cup campaign with an out-of-this-world performance that once again defied the laws of football, logic and time.

Argentina began the defense of its crown with the authority of reigning champions. La Albiceleste reduced a brave Algerian side to a mere supporting role and unlocked the decisive edge thanks to the captain’s genius in another feat for the annals of his indelible legend.

Messi broke the deadlock in the 17th minute with an unstoppable left-footed strike from distance, doubled the lead with a composed finish on the hour mark and then, with 14 minutes remaining, dashed any Algerian hopes with an exquisite shot into the bottom corner of Luca Zidane’s goal from the edge of the box.

“Class is permanent,” conceded defeated Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic. “We are not talking about just any footballer. He’s been doing incredible things for many years, for decades.”

Views from FIFA 2026 / Maninder K. Chandhoke

Interestingly, as the FIFA World Cup is nearing the end of its first week, competition is becoming fierce and absorbing, with some matches throwing up exciting results. Spain being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde, a name not many may have even heard, was among the surprises. And on June 15, all four matches — Spain vs. Cabo Verde (0-0), Belgium vs. Egypt (1-1), Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay (1-1), and Iran vs. New Zealand (2-2) — ended in draws, a feat that has not been repeated in the last 60 years.

Brazil had a subdued start in the tournament after playing its first game against Morocco, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Another South American challenger this time appears to be Colombia, which has, in the wake of the FIFA World Cup campaign, virtually unified the country, with expectations running high for the team, a blend of youth and experience.

England put aside a determined fight by Croatia to emerge 4-2 winners.

There has been some media criticism of high ticket prices and allegations that there were many empty seats at some of the venues of the FIFA World Cup.

In the match between Ghana and Panama, there were a number of seats that remained unoccupied or perhaps had no takers.

The police had beefed up security arrangements at all venues as hardcore fans of participating teams made beelines for the venues.

Empty seats in the stands of BMO Stadium before the start of the match between Ghana and Panama

Fans of Panama and Ghana making a beeline for entry to BMO Stadium in Toronto

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