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When Lionel Messi walked into the 2022 World Cup carrying the hopes of millions and the dream of a perfect ending, Argentina were left stunned after a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their group-stage opener.

Soon after, social media was abuzz with reminders that Spain, who lifted the 2010 World Cup, had also lost their first match. Many pointed out that Messi and Argentina’s setback didn’t necessarily spell disaster.

Those comments proved prophetic. Despite the early stumble, Messi eventually raised the World Cup trophy after Argentina triumphed over France in the final. But which other champions have endured rocky starts on their way to glory?

Spain’s campaign in 2010 began with a 1-0 loss to Switzerland in Group H. In contrast, Germany started their 2014 journey emphatically, sweeping aside Portugal 4-0 in their opening match. During that encounter, defender Pepe was sent off, and Thomas Muller netted a hat-trick to set the tone for Germany’s run.

However, before Spain’s opening-day defeat transformed into eventual triumph, it had been quite some time since a World Cup winner had stumbled out of the gate. Italy began their 2006 campaign with a win, as did Brazil in 2002 and France in 1998.

In 1994, Brazil started strong by defeating Russia 2-0, and in 1990, West Germany crushed Yugoslavia 4-1. Back in 1986, Diego Maradona led Argentina to victory with what many still consider the greatest individual World Cup performance ever, beginning with a narrow 1-0 win over Uruguay.

But even earlier, in 1982, Italy’s eventual championship run began in the most uninspiring fashion. That year, with the tournament expanding from 16 to 24 teams, Italy drew all three of their Group 1 matches yet still managed to progress.

Their results read: a goalless opener against Poland, followed by 1-1 draws with both Peru and Cameroon. Despite that sluggish start, Italy went on to defeat reigning champions Argentina 2-1 later in the competition and ultimately beat West Germany 3-1 in the final.

Fast forward to 2026, and two of the sides widely tipped to contend for the crown — Spain and the Netherlands — have begun their campaigns with draws. Interestingly, German economist Joachim Klement has tipped the Netherlands to win the tournament, using the same predictive model that correctly identified the previous three World Cup winners.

If Spain’s and Argentina’s initial defeats in past tournaments hinted at an unlikely pattern, perhaps this year’s draws could add a new twist to that narrative. Looking back to Italy’s 1982 resurgence, it might even be said that a slow start can light the spark for later success.

Ultimately, history shows that a shaky beginning doesn’t necessarily doom a campaign. As the 2026 World Cup unfolds — already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in history — the race for football’s biggest prize remains wide open.