2026 FIFA World Cup sees record eight draws in opening round

The first 16 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, produced eight draws – the most ever recorded at this stage of a tournament. Four of those matches ended without a winner on the same day, a feat not seen since June 15, 1958.

Greek clubs supplied 13 players who logged a combined 1,414 minutes of play. PAOK defender Jorge Santos recorded the highest individual tally with 388 minutes and added an assist. The Greek national team failed to qualify, marking its first absence since the 2014 Brazil tournament.

The record number of stalemates highlights the tightly contested nature of the opening round, while the Greek participation statistics underscore the continuing presence of the country's Super League athletes on football’s biggest stage.