BBC Reporters Pick France, Messi After 72 World Cup Group Matches
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28
BBC Reporters Pick France, Messi After 72 World Cup Group Matches
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 28
Summary
After 72 group-stage matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, BBC reporters largely rated France the standout team and Lionel Messi the top player of World Cup 2026 so far.
France drew the strongest backing after becoming the first French side since 1998 to win all 3 group games, with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise and squad depth cited as key reasons.
Messi, 39, dominated the player selections with 6 goals in 3 games for defending champion Argentina, whose unbeaten start also included 3 wins, 5 goals scored and none conceded.
Reporters split on the best match and moment, but underdog stories featured heavily, especially Cape Verde's 2-2 draw with Uruguay, Vozinha's 7-save display against Spain and DR Congo's first World Cup goal in 52 years.
The selections frame the knockout stage around two main themes: established powers led by France and Argentina, and a tournament already shaped by breakout nations and younger players.