There is something different about the players making their debuts this year. It's not just the patch FIFA has produced to celebrate first-time participants at this tournament, but it’s also the impact they are making on the pitch. In the opening round of the group games, names as varied as Erling Haaland, Vozinha, Folarin Balogun and Ayyoub Bouaddi have shared the spotlight with some of the tournament's more established stars.
Here FIFA looks at some of the debutants who have made the biggest impression so far.
Seven saves in newcomers' 0-0 draw against Spain
At the age of 40, Vozinha proved that World Cups dreams can come true. In at the tournament, the goalkeeper helped Cabo Verde earn a heroic goalless draw against Spain. His seven saves made him one of the stars of the opening matches and won him millions of hearts (and followers), not just across Cabo Verde's ten islands but around the world.
Two goals in 4-1 win against Iraq as Norway hit ground running on World Cup return
Everyone was eager to see how and when Erling Haaland would open his World Cup account. It took less than half an hour to find out. In the 29th minute, he opened the scoring for in trademark fashion, muscling his way through the penalty area to get on the end of an Antonio Nusa cross. He doubled his tally after pressing high and taking full advantage of a goalkeeping error. Not a bad start for one of the world's deadliest goalscorers.
Five chances created and four successful dribbles in 1-0 win against Ecuador
The 19-year-old winger justified the huge expectations placed upon him by Côte d'Ivoire in their . With a scintillating display at both ends of the pitch, he showcased the pace and technique that have made him one of the most sought-after young talents in world football. Diomande was named Player of the Match after causing no end of problems for an Ecuador defence that had conceded just five goals in 18 CONMEBOL qualifying matches.
Scored Socceroos' opening goal in the victory over Türkiye
Hailing from a family who fled Burundi during the country's civil war, Irankunda was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania. At three months old, his family settled in Australia, where they were welcomed with open arms. Years later, he is repaying that welcome on football's biggest stage, with a superbly taken goal in the .
Key role and assist in strong second-half showing against Senegal
Understandably, the headlines belonged to Kylian Mbappe who made history by becoming France's all-time leading scorer. But the goal which opened the game up came with a helping hand from Olise whose side had been struggling to find a way through. Shifting to a more central role after half-time, the Bayern Munich attacker was a constant menace and delivered a sublime pass for Mbappe to break the deadlock and set France on their way to a .
Two goals as co-hosts hit the ground running against Paraguay
A natural centre-forward, Folarin Balogun was the star of the show in USA's eagerly anticipated World Cup opener. Wearing the No20 shirt, Balogun scored a brace in the, with one goal an absolute beauty. In the process, he became the first US player to score twice in a single World Cup match since 1930.
Covered 11,872 metres and completed 59 passes in draw with Brazil
Amid the star wattage of one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures so far, it was an 18-year-old wonderkid who stole the spotlight from 's biggest names. Ayyoub Bouaddi excelled in the midfield area in New York New Jersey, holding his own physically against Premier League veterans such as Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes. Bouaddi seamlessly linked defence and attack, always making himself available to either relieve the pressure on Morocco or launch attacking moves.
Produced a goal and an assist against Curaçao
One of the surprise inclusions in Julian Nagelsmann's starting line-up for Germany's World Cup opener, Nathaniel Brown more than justified his coach's faith. In the, the left-back was at the heart of much of Germany's best attacking play. Brown found the net himself with a well-timed run into the area and later delivered the corner that Nico Schlotterbeck converted with a header.
Striker scored and set up two more against Tunisia
Sweden had to come through the play-offs to punch their ticket to the World Cup, rescued by their UEFA Nations League record. But with an attack led by Alexander Isak, they look a team well equipped to take their chance, a goal and two assists from the No9 helping them achieve a in Monterrey. Special mentions must also go to Viktor Gyokeres (one goal and one assist) and Yasin Ayari (two goals), who were making their World Cup debuts too.
Hit two goals for the All Whites against IR Iran
With New Zealand making their first World Cup appearance since 2010, Just made up for lost time with a dazzling display in the in Los Angeles. The New Zealander's double included an early Goal of the Tournament contender and secured the All Whites a point from an entertaining opening fixture.
Sources: FIFA Official
