Argentina arrives in New Jersey ahead of Spain final at FIFA World Cup 2026

The opening day of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America saw a tightly contested Group C clash between Brazil and Germany at MetLife Stadium, New York, where Brazil secured a 2‑1 victory after a late penalty by Neymar in the 88th minute. The match featured 73,000 spectators and was marked by a high‑pressing German side that forced two early turnovers, leading to a swift opening goal from Kai Havertz. Brazil responded with a swift counter‑attack, equalising through Vinícius Júnior before the decisive spot‑kick settled the result. The game’s key statistics included 19 shots on target, 62% possession for Brazil, and a combined total of 8 yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the opening round.

Post‑match reactions highlighted Brazil’s tactical discipline, with coach Dorival Jr. praising his squad’s resilience, while Germany’s Joachim Löw acknowledged the need for defensive adjustments ahead of their next group fixture against Mexico on June 22. Social media engagement peaked at 12 million interactions within the first hour, and broadcasters reported a global viewership of 210 million for the encounter. The upcoming round will see Brazil face South Korea and Germany take on Mexico, matches that will determine the final group standings and set the stage for the knockout phase slated to begin in early July.