2026 World Cup: Top Scorers and Assist Leaders After Matchday One

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway, with several teams already making a strong start in their opening group-stage matches.

Mexico, South Korea and the United States have all picked up victories, while co-hosts Canada were held to a draw.

Although several Matchday One fixtures are still to be played, several players have already entered the race for the Golden Boot after finding the back of the net in their opening matches.

Mexico Beat South Africa in 2026 World Cup Opening Match

Mexico opened the tournament with a 2-0 victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Julián Quiñones gave the hosts the lead in the ninth minute after receiving a pass from Érik Lira.

South Africa’s hopes of getting back into the game suffered a setback in the 48th minute when Sithole was shown a red card.

Mexico took advantage of the extra player and doubled their lead in the 66th minute through Raúl Jiménez. Roberto Alvarado provided the assist.

The result earned Mexico their first three points of the tournament.

South Korea Come From Behind

South Korea began their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in Guadalajara.

After a goalless first half, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci opened the scoring in the 59th minute.

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South Korea responded eight minutes later when Hwang In-beom scored the equaliser.

Hwang then turned provider in the 80th minute, setting up substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal.

The victory moved South Korea level on points with Mexico in Group A.

Canada Held to a Draw

Co-hosts Canada were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina took the lead before Canada fought back late in the match.

Cyle Larin scored Canada’s equaliser after being set up by Promise David, helping the hosts earn a point from their opening match.

USA Make Winning Start

The United States claimed a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their opening Group D match.

The Americans took the lead through a Paraguay own goal before Folarin Balogun scored twice to put the match firmly in their control.

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Paraguay pulled one goal back, but Giovanni Reyna added a fourth goal for the hosts.

Christian Pulisic registered one assist during the match.

Top Scorers After Early Matchday One Matches

Rank	Player	Team	Goals
1	Folarin Balogun	USA	2
2	Julián Quiñones	Mexico	1
2	Raúl Jiménez	Mexico	1
2	Ladislav Krejci	Czech Republic	1
2	Hwang In-beom	South Korea	1
2	Oh Hyeon-gyu	South Korea	1
2	Cyle Larin	Canada	1
2	Giovanni Reyna	USA	1

Assist Leaders After Early Matchday One Matches

Rank	Player	Team	Assists
1	Érik Lira	Mexico	1
1	Roberto Alvarado	Mexico	1
1	Hwang In-beom	South Korea	1
1	Promise David	Canada	1
1	Christian Pulisic	USA	1

With several Matchday One matches still remaining, the standings in both the Golden Boot and assist charts are expected to change as more teams begin their World Cup campaigns.

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