The World Cup is off and running, with a dozen of the record 104 matches played in the tournament’s opening weekend.
Each of the three host nations held a glitzy opening match, and highly ranked teams like Brazil, Morocco, Germany, and the Netherlands began their group-stage campaigns. Curaçao recorded its first World Cup match and goal, while Qatar earned its first World Cup point. Fans are parading through streets, forming unlikely bonds, and bringing the usual World Cup energy to North America.
Here are some of the takeaways from the opening weekend of the World Cup.
Despite Expensive Tickets, Attendance Has Been Strong
Nobody quite knew what the crowds would be like at the tournament.
