The World Cup 2026 is beginning to find its rhythm with the remaining co-hosts getting their campaigns underway on day two – 2,210 miles apart.
Canada battled back to draw 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto thanks to substitute Cyle Larin after a tepid opening ceremony and an angry reaction to the sight of their American head coach Jesse Marsch heartily singing the anthem.
After then it was the turn of the USA, the primary hosts of this tournament, who got their campaign underway with an emphatic 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Here is everything you need to know from day two of the super-sized tournament
More empty seats as Fifa reckon fans too keen on concourses
Having blamed vacant seats during the opening night encounter between South Korea and Czechia on fans choosing to stay on the concourse in Guardalajara, Fifa big wigs will have spotted hundreds of empty spots in Toronto, the tournament’s smallest venue with a capacity of just over 45,000.
The official attendance was given as 43,008, with swathes of empty rows in the most expensive areas during the start of the first half as those who had paid top dollar chose to, it would seem, enjoy some refreshments rather than the action. Toronto saw more empty seats despite excitement surrounding Canada, while SoFi Stadium even had a sprinkle of empty seats before the USA hammered Paraguay.
Partey barred from entering Canada for Ghana’s opener
Thomas Partey will not play for Ghana in their Group L opener against Panama in Toronto in the early hours of Thursday having been denied entry into Canada owing to the former Arsenal midfielder awaiting trial for a number of sex offences, all of which he denies.
The now Villarreal player has been granted entry to the US, meaning he will be able to feature against England in their second game, in Boston, on Tuesday, June 23, and the group concluder versus Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 27.
Fifa said in a statement that “Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp … to Canada for their first match against Panama … as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government. Fifa is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas.”
Marsch’s singing riles former USA star
There was a bemusing moment on US broadcaster Fox when former striker turned pundit Clint Dempsey was left fuming by the sight of his compatriot Marsch singing the Canadian anthem prior to the Bosnia match kicking off. Marsch had previously said he would need to “beg” American players to sing their anthem, which prompted Dempsey to react strongly.
“He really said that? Man, I can’t take this guy too seriously,” Dempsey complained. “I’m not going to take advice from someone who’s switched to the other side and is singing another country’s national anthem.” Also on the same channel, Alexi Lalas insulted James Corden.
Balogun makes Golden Boot case
It’s early, sure, but the only man in the tournament so far with two goals is Folarin Balogun, who now has a great shot at winning the Golden Boot by leading the line for the USA. His form, too, suggests potential for more joy against Australia and Turkey.
The connection with Christian Pulisic, who endured an injury scare with his half-time withdrawal, is magnificent, while the USA’s energy and commitment to get runners in and around the Monaco man ensures he has enough space to thrive.
Pulisic doubt hangs over rampant USA
The performance was magnificent, confidence is growing, if not overspilling, with the raucous scenes outside SoFi Stadium showing a host nation already dreaming of a remarkable challenge to win it all.
But no matter the encouraging displays all over the pitch in Los Angeles, Pulisic remains the heartbeat to this side, representing the X-factor, and his withdrawal at the break provides a telling reminder about the fragility of his importance to the USMNT. His availability moving forward is in doubt and provides a challenge for Pochettino to carefully manage his workload and keep the USA on course for a deep run.
“He received a kick in his calf and he felt tight at the end of the first half,” said Pochettino. “We didn’t want to take any risks. It was difficult for him to walk but hope that it is not a big issue and he can be ready for the next one.”
