World Cup 2026 Team of the Week 1: Havertz, Isak and Balogun Star as 43 Goals Rain Down

The 2026 World Cup exploded into life with a breathtaking opening round. 43 goals from 8 matches — an average of 5.4 per game — shattered expectations and set the tone for what could be the most entertaining World Cup in history. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1, Sweden swept aside Tunisia 5-1, and hosts USA dominated Paraguay 4-1. Here is our 2026 World Cup Team of the Week for Round 1 — based entirely on the real numbers from the pitch.

World Cup 2026 Team of the Week (4-3-3)

Formation: 4-3-3 — chosen to reflect the explosive attacking football that defined the opening round.

Goalkeeper

Matt Turner (USA) — Conceded just one goal in USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay. Turner was composed, well-positioned and commanding throughout. For a goalkeeper playing a World Cup at home, this was an assured debut performance.

Defenders

Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany, centre-back) — Scored at the 38′ and was defensively dominant throughout Germany’s 7-1 rout of Curacao. Schlotterbeck embodies the modern centre-back: aerially strong, composed in possession, and dangerous at set-pieces.

Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, centre-back) — The defensive leader of Germany’s back line. He read the game brilliantly, won his aerial duels and shut down everything Curacao tried to create. A commanding display in a huge win.

Antonee Robinson (USA, left-back) — Energetic overlapping runs, solid defensive work and a constant outlet on the left side of USA’s attack. One of the unsung heroes in the American 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

Lewis Miller (Australia, right-back) — Australia kept a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Turkey. Miller was disciplined, attentive and won his individual battles consistently. An excellent start for the Socceroos.

Midfielders

Kai Havertz (Germany) — Joint top scorer! Slotted home a penalty at 45+5′ before adding a second in the 88th minute. Havertz has a habit of showing up in important moments — and this was another defining performance in a German shirt.

Yasin Ayari (Sweden) — Joint top scorer! Opened the scoring in just the 7th minute and sealed the win at 90+6′. The 21-year-old midfielder is one of the discoveries of Round 1 — quick, direct, and lethal in front of goal.

Jamal Musiala (Germany) — Scored in the 47th minute and was the heartbeat of Germany’s attack. His close control, quick feet and ability to glide past defenders at pace made him impossible to handle. At 22, Musiala looks like a generational talent.

Forwards

Folarin Balogun (USA) — Joint top scorer! A first-half brace (31′, 45+5′) put the game to bed for the USA. The Nigerian-American striker showed a centre-forward’s instincts — smart movement, sharp finishing, and the hunger to score when it matters.

Alexander Isak (Sweden) — The most complete performance of Round 1! 1 goal (30′) and 2 assists. Isak was everywhere — linking up play, creating chances, pressing relentlessly and finishing clinically. The numbers undersell how decisive he actually was.

Viktor Gyökeres (Sweden) — Scored in the 59th minute to extend Sweden’s lead to 4-1. The Sporting CP striker is in superb form and thrived on the chances Isak created for him. Clinical, composed and very dangerous at this World Cup.

The Top Scorers: Havertz, Ayari and Balogun

Three players bagged 2 goals each in Round 1, sharing the Golden Boot:

Kai Havertz (Germany): A penalty with the composure of a man who does it every week (45+5′), then a late goal to seal the scoreline (88′). Havertz is the player Germany rely on in the big moments — and he delivered again.

Yasin Ayari (Sweden): Two goals at either end of the match (7′ and 90+6′). The 21-year-old is one of the breakout stars of Round 1 — and one to watch throughout this World Cup.

Folarin Balogun (USA): A first-half double (31′, 45+5′) that settled the match before the break. As a host-nation striker with the crowd behind him, Balogun stepped up and delivered. The USA have their finisher.

The Biggest Surprises of Round 1

Round 1 of the 2026 World Cup produced some staggering scorelines:

Germany 7-1 Curacao (Group E, 14 June): Nmecha 6′, Schlotterbeck 38′, Havertz PK 45+5′, Musiala 47′, Brown 68′, Undav 78′, Havertz 88′. Curacao’s only consolation came from Comenecia (21′). Seven goals in one match — the biggest result of the opening round.

Sweden 5-1 Tunisia (Group F, 14 June): Ayari 7′, Isak 30′, Gyökeres 59′, Svanberg 84′, Ayari 90+6′. Five different scorers showcased the depth of Sweden’s attacking talent. This team could go far.

USA 4-1 Paraguay (Group D, 12 June): Bobadilla OG 7′, Balogun 31′, Balogun 45+5′, Reyna 90+8′. Playing at home, the USA were dominant, clinical and hungry. The hosts mean business at this World Cup.

Beyond Goals: The Most Complete Performance of Round 1

Alexander Isak is the standout performer of this opening round. His 1 goal and 2 assists in Sweden’s 5-1 win over Tunisia give just a glimpse of his true impact. Watch him again and you’ll see a forward who presses from the front, creates space for team-mates, links up fluently and always offers a goal threat. That’s why he’s in this XI.

Jamal Musiala only scored once, but his performance was a masterclass in creative midfield play. His dribbling, his movement between lines and his ability to attract defenders and create space for others were outstanding. At 22, he’s already playing like a veteran of big tournaments.

Giovanni Reyna came off the bench to score at 90+8′ and wrap up the USA’s 4-1 win. His goal is a reminder of the quality depth the Americans carry — this squad can hurt you at any moment, from any position on the pitch.

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