Far from diluting the competition, the tournament’s expansion has given emerging football nations a larger stage on which to demonstrate how much the global game has evolved.

England have won opening games before. They have won major-tournament matches before. What they have rarely done is leave supporters wanting to watch them again immediately.

Teboho Mokoena's penalty kept South Africa's dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane all made blistering starts to the World Cup. And then there was Cristiano Ronaldo.

From established names finally experiencing football's biggest stage to young talents announcing themselves to the world, several first-time World Cup participants have already played decisive roles for their countries.

Ronaldo, 41, played all 90 minutes and did not record a shot on target, extending the decorated forward's scoreless streak to five straight World Cup matches and 10 consecutive contests at major tournaments.

The 23-year-old player reportedly is under investigation in a suspected match-fixing incident with his French club team that led to his arrest last month.

As ever, De Paul acted as both the engine and the emotional compass of Lionel Scaloni’s side, of which he is a cornerstone. His relentless intensity, tireless dedication and instinctive reading of the game embody many of the qualities that underpin La Albiceleste’s success.

Everything became a reason to celebrate — a stray dog crossing the screen, broadcast buffering, even coach Lionel Scaloni shouting instructions.

Mexico and South Korea will aim to punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout rounds on Thursday when they meet in Guadalajara knowing a win will guarantee a last 32 berth.

One pass to find him. One drop of the shoulder to leave them grasping at straws. And one touch to burst into space and bend the game to his will. It was all Argentina needed.

Jude Bellingham hopes his pivotal goal in England's 4-2 win over Croatia at the World Cup on Wednesday will silence the "noise" surrounding him, admitting: "I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder."

South Africa midfielder Themba Zwane has had his suspension after being sent off in the World Cup opener against Mexico last Thursday extended to a three-match ban, FIFA said on Wednesday.

Bosnia-Herzegovina famously qualified for this World Cup by knocking out Italy, and will aim to prove it was no fluke against another European power in Thursday's clash with Switzerland in Los Angeles.

France arrived in North America as clear favourites to go all the way, tipped to become only the third team after Germany (1982-1990) and Brazil (1994-2002) to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

Brazil's fiercest football rivals Argentina had a far better time, with Messi scoring three goals against Algeria on Tuesday.

"Portugal is a better side without him," Boateng said, arguing that Ronaldo's presence creates pressure on teammates to constantly look for him rather than make the best tactical decision.

Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.

FIFA's mandatory three-minute breaks, one in each half, have proved controversial since being introduced for the first time at this World Cup to help players deal with the heat and humidity of the North American summer.

Yoane Wissa's goal in Houston -- also a first in his nation's short World Cup history -- secured a point against a star-studded Portugal side that included all-time great Cristiano Ronaldo.