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FIFA WC 2026 Week 1 round-up: Messi and Mbappe shine as Ronaldo’s star dims | FIFA World Cup 2026

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 has completed its first week of action and, in just seven days, fans have witnessed masterclasses in individual performances, memorable upsets, and impressive displays from some of the tournament favourites, not to mention some spirited resistance from lesser-known teams. By the end of the opening week, co-hosts Mexico had also become the first side to secure their place in the round of 32.

 


Week 1 has been a reminder that football’s old order refuses to go quietly into the night even as a new generation threatens to crash the party. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland lit up the tournament with statement performances, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s much-anticipated return failed to produce the fairytale beginning many had hoped for.

 
 

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Here is a recap of all the memorable happenings over the first week of the FIFA World Cup 2026 being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.


Messi’s magic remains intact


For years, the World Cup had been the stage where Messi’s brilliance was measured against expectations. In 2026, the Argentine captain finally appears to be playing with freedom, likely because, for the first time in his six appearances at the tournament, he is defending the trophy rather than chasing it.

 


Argentina’s title defence began with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Algeria in Group J and, fittingly, all three goals came from Messi.

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The 39-year-old completed his first FIFA World Cup hat-trick to draw level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on the charts for most goals – 16 – in the tournament. Having entered the competition with questions over his age and fitness swirling about him, the 38-year-old once again showed why he remains one of football’s all-time greats. 


Mbappe’s historic night


If Messi reminded the world of his magic, Mbappe once again showcased why he is regarded as the heir to football’s throne.

 

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France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal saw the French captain score twice and overtake Olivier Giroud to become his country’s all-time leading scorer with 58 goals.

 


The brace also took Mbappe’s World Cup tally to 14 goals, levelling with Germany’s Gerd Muller in fourth place on the all-time list. Only Messi and Klose, with 16 goals each, and Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario, with 15, are now ahead of the 27-year-old.


Most goals in FIFA World Cup history


Rank

Player

Country

Goals

1

Lionel Messi

Argentina

16

1

Miroslav Klose

Germany

16

3

Ronaldo

Brazil

15

4

Kylian Mbappe

France

14

4

Gerd Muller

Germany

14

6

Just Fontaine

France

13


Norway announce their return


Few teams entered the tournament with as much momentum as Norway, who qualified for the World Cup with a perfect record in the European qualifiers.

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But expectations were tempered by the country’s long absence from football’s biggest stage.

 


Their emphatic 4-1 victory over Iraq confirmed that they are more than just participants in the 48-team event. Star striker Erling Haaland scored twice, while Martin Odegaard dictated the tempo as Norway celebrated their first World Cup appearance since 1998 in style.

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Having won all eight qualifying matches and starting the tournament with a convincing victory, Norway are rapidly emerging as one of the teams nobody will want to face.


Ronaldo’s wait grows longer


While Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland dominated the headlines, the storyline for Cristiano Ronaldo during the opening week was considerably less memorable.

 

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Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their opening game, with the 41-year-old failing to score despite several opportunities.

 


It was also the first World Cup since 2014 in which Ronaldo failed to find the net in his opening match. He scored a hat-trick against Spain in Portugal’s first game at the 2018 World Cup and netted against Ghana in the opening match of the 2022 edition.

 

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With what is likely to be his final World Cup underway, the pressure is mounting on the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football.


Controversies arrive early


No World Cup is complete without debate, and the first week provided plenty.

 


Mandatory hydration breaks, introduced to help players cope with the North American summer, became one of the biggest talking points. Critics argued they disrupted the rhythm of matches and increased commercial interruptions.

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Several VAR decisions also came under scrutiny, while players and coaches voiced concerns about scheduling and extreme weather conditions.

 


The tournament also encountered political complications. Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and head coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed that FIFA had ordered the team to leave the United States immediately after their 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles and return to their base in Tijuana, Mexico, denying the squad an overnight stay for recovery.

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Mexico strike first


Amid all the drama, co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the round of 32.

 


Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in their opening game before edging past South Korea 1-0 to collect six points from two matches.

 

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With South Korea on three points and both Czechia and South Africa on one point each, Mexico became the first side to officially progress to the knockout stage.


Canada secure historic breakthrough


Co-hosts Canada are also enjoying a memorable campaign.

 


Before the start of the tournament, Canada had never won or drawn a match at the FIFA World Cup. However, just two games into the 2026 edition, they have already earned their first point with a draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina and followed it up with a commanding 6-0 victory over Qatar.

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With four points from two games, Canada are now well placed to join Mexico in the round of 32.


Germany turn back the clock


Germany arrived at the tournament with lingering doubts after suffering group-stage exits in both 2018 and 2022.

 

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Those concerns briefly resurfaced when debutants Curacao cancelled out Felix Nmecha’s early opener to level the scores at 1-1.

 


However, Julian Nagelsmann’s side responded emphatically. Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany ran out 7-1 winners, recreating the scoreline of their famous victory over Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.


Vozinha steals the show for Cape Verde


In one of the biggest David-versus-Goliath stories of the opening week, debutants Cape Verde held tournament favourites Spain to a goalless draw.

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The star of the night was 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, who produced a string of saves to frustrate the European champions.

 


Spain registered 23 shots and eight efforts on target, but the veteran goalkeeper stood firm to earn Cape Verde their first-ever World Cup point. His heroic display also earned him the Player of the Match award.

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Kane continues his purple patch


After finishing as the leading goalscorer at club level during the 2025-26 season, England captain Harry Kane carried his rich vein of form into the FIFA World Cup 2026, scoring twice in England’s commanding 4-2 victory over Croatia in their Group L opener.

 


Kane put England ahead from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, but Croatia responded through Martin Baturina, who levelled the scores in the 36th minute. The England skipper restored his side’s advantage six minutes later with his second goal of the night, only for Petar Musa to strike in first-half stoppage time and send the teams into the break locked at 2-2.

 

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England regained control soon after the restart as Jude Bellingham found the net in the 47th minute before Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a late goal in the 85th minute, helping the Three Lions begin their campaign with an impressive win.


FIFA World Cup 2026 Week 1 results


Date

Group

Match

Result

12 June

A

Mexico vs South Africa

Mexico 2-0 South Africa

12 June

A

South Korea vs Czechia

South Korea 2-1 Czechia

13 June

B

Canada vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

13 June

D

USA vs Paraguay

USA 4-1 Paraguay

14 June

B

Qatar vs Switzerland

Qatar 1-1 Switzerland

14 June

C

Brazil vs Morocco

Brazil 1-1 Morocco

14 June

C

Haiti vs Scotland

Scotland 1-0 Haiti

14 June

D

Australia vs Türkiye

Australia 2-0 Türkiye

14 June

E

Germany vs Curaçao

Germany 7-1 Curaçao

15 June

F

Netherlands vs Japan

Netherlands 2-2 Japan

15 June

E

Ivory Coast vs Ecuador

Ivory Coast 1-0 Ecuador

15 June

F

Sweden vs Tunisia

Sweden 5-1 Tunisia

15 June

H

Spain vs Cabo Verde

Spain 0-0 Cabo Verde

16 June

G

Belgium vs Egypt

Belgium 1-1 Egypt

16 June

H

Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay

Saudi Arabia 1-1 Uruguay

16 June

G

Iran vs New Zealand

Iran 2-2 New Zealand

17 June

I

France vs Senegal

France 3-1 Senegal

17 June

I

Iraq vs Norway

Norway 4-1 Iraq

17 June

J

Argentina vs Algeria

Argentina 3-0 Algeria

17 June

J

Austria vs Jordan

Austria 3-1 Jordan

17 June

K

Portugal vs DR Congo

Portugal 1-1 DR Congo

18 June

L

England vs Croatia

England 4-2 Croatia

18 June

L

Ghana vs Panama

Ghana 1-0 Panama

18 June

K

Uzbekistan vs Colombia

Colombia 3-1 Uzbekistan

18 June

A

Czechia vs South Africa

Czechia 1-1 South Africa

19 June

B

Switzerland vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

19 June

B

Canada vs Qatar

Canada 6-0 Qatar

19 June

A

Mexico vs South Korea

Mexico 1-0 South Korea


One week into the expanded tournament, familiar stars have once again dominated the headlines, but the opening round of matches has also shown that surprises are never far away. With qualification places at stake and the race for the round of 32 gathering pace, the second week promises even more drama.

 

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Men’s Hundred: Manchester Super Giants’ Jos Buttler’s boundaries in half-century knock against Trent Rockets

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Jos Buttler hits four sixes on his way to another half-century knock in the 2026 Hundred, to help Manchester Super Giants post a score of 137 against Trent Rockets at Old Trafford.

FOLLOW LIVE: 2026 Hundred – Manchester Super Giants v Trent Rockets

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Charley Hull defends fake scratch-off lottery prank on her caddie

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Golf star Charley Hull pulled off a savage prank on her caddie, Adam Woodward, earlier in the week, and some people were upset about it. She doesn’t care.

Hull, 30, gave Woodward a fake scratch-off lottery ticket, and he thought he had won $100,000. She recounted the tale while speaking with the media ahead of the Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club in England, and people criticized Hull on social media. Hull had a blunt message for those people.

“No, and people that have complaints about it, I’d say loosen up,” Hull told reporters when asked if she regretted it.

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Charley Hull of England talks with her caddie Adam Woodward on the fourth hole.

Charley Hull of England interacts with her caddie, Adam Woodward, on the fourth hole during the third round of The Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 11, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

The star golfer said Woodward took it like a champion and thought it was funny.

“He thought it was funny after, he’s not uptight, like it’s a joke. If people don’t like it they can lump it, do you know what I mean? I felt bad for (Woodward) but at the end of the day, I just got to have a good week and then at the end of the week I’ll buy him 100 scratch cards,” Hull said.

“Hopefully he can earn more money than that as well this week if we play well.”

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CHARLEY HULL PULLS OFF SAVAGE LOTTERY PRANK ON HER CADDIE AT WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN

Charley Hull and caddie Adam Woodward look across the third hole during a golf tournament.

Charley Hull of England and her caddie, Adam Woodward, look across the third hole during the second round of The Amundi Evian Championship 2026 at Evian Resort Golf Club on July 10, 2026, in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Hull said she bought the fake scratch-off lottery ticket in town on Monday, and gave it to Woodward on Tuesday. The golfer said Woodward was jubilant after thinking he had struck gold with his newfound fortune.

“He’s scratching it, scratching it, scratching, and he’s like ‘Oh my gosh, I’ve won’ and he’s taken his hat off, he’s taken his glasses off. He’s literally running around the player’s lounge saying ‘I’ve won $100,000, I’m taking today off.’

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Charley Hull of England

Charley Hull of England shows a video of her caddie Adam Woodward on her phone as she speaks to the media, explaining how she pranked him with a fake scratch card earlier this morning, during a press conference prior to the AIG Women’s Open 2026 at Royal Lytham & St. Annes on July 28, 2026 in Lytham St Annes, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/R&A/R&A via Getty Images) (Richard Heathcote/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)

“He was sweating, he was trembling, he couldn’t believe his luck, and we had to tell him it was fake and he nearly quit the job,” Hull said with a laugh.

Hull has put herself and Woodward in position to make some money at the Women’s Open, as she is tied for seventh at 2-under par after two rounds. She is four strokes off the lead.

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The Vikings’ Cap Space Comes into Fresh Focus

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Over a dozen $100 bills lay on a table inside the Lincoln Park Police Department during the annual Secret Santa in Lincoln Park
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The Vikings’ cap space was sitting in a spot that was teetering between medium and modest. Does that remain so after the Brian O’Neill signing?

Over the Cap had long put the estimate around $13 million in open room. To a certain extent, that was somewhat misleading since the removal of the offseason’s top-51 cutoff is going to lower the open room. What happens, though, if that O’Neill savings gets applied? OTC now insists that Vikings are sitting on cap space that’s a pretty rotund $21,264,099.

The Vikings’ Cap Space to Get Replenished

Replenishing the budget always comes with fascination. What can be more fun than a (potential) spending spree?

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— READ MORE: OL Gets Nice Boost as Vikings’ Star Left Tackle Said to be Ready
— READ MORE: The Vikings Brought 9 Players to Town for a Workout
— READ MORE: Jadeveon Clowney is Becoming Popular, So it’s Time for Vikings to Call

Many think of edge rusher as a spot that’s aching for some added help. Jadeveon Clowney, in particular, boasts promise as somebody who is uniquely talented even as he’s a touch older. Another name that has gained some miles flying around in the headlines has been Kyle Van Noy.

NFL: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) looks on following the game during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Otherwise, there’s some need at tight end, the interior of the offensive line, in the secondary, and possibly at defensive tackle. Going bold would mean taking a major swing at DT Vita Vea.

Or, perhaps, Nolan Teasley continues being patient.

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The new decision maker in the front office has mostly made small decisions. Adding safety/linebacker Jamal Adams gets plenty of attention since that’s a player who climbed to being elite in the past. What he’s capable of doing in 2026 remains to be seen; he’s playing on a modest contract regardless.

Otherwise, there have been adds such as RB Jordan Mims, WR Michael Briscoe, and TE Marshall Lang (among some others). As a rough guideline, think of these additions as being in the range of $1 million(ish). Very modest, at least in the NFL.

Tennessee Titans running back Jordan Mims (24) runs the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season game against the
Tennessee Titans running back Jordan Mims (24) runs the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL pre-season game against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. – Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

But then there are the possibilities that arrive via open cap space.

By finding themselves at roughly $21.3 million in open room, the Vikings will live in the top half of the NFL for open room. Possessing that buying power means being able to remain open for business. Bringing back Harrison Smith, signing somebody for the pass rushing department, and/or dipping into the trade market could all be on the table.

Worst case, the Vikings’ cap space doesn’t get chewed up. Minnesota can then assess how things look at the trade deadline. If they again stay on the sidelines, the Vikings can move that open room into the future.

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Keep swinging by Vikings Territory. The NFL has turned on the news faucet, meaning the updates are flowing. Quite possibly, that reality will lead to the Vikings making an add or two.


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Women’s Open: Haeran Ryu leads in pursuit of third straight major

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AIG Women’s Open

-7 H Ryu (Kor); -6 S Kuwaki (Jpn); -5 Y Noh (US), A Thitikul (Tha); -3 S Joo (Kor); -2 L Woad (Eng), C Hull (Eng), C Wannasaen (Tha), L Li (US), J Yan (US), L Coughlin (US), P Martin (Esp), M Katsu (Jpn)

Selected others: -1 L Ko (NZ), M Rhodes (Eng); +2 A Hewson (Eng), +6 G Hall (Eng), +7 M Yamashita (Jpn)

Full leaderboard

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South Korea’s Haeran Ryu birdied the 18th to bounce back from a poor start and end the second round as leader of the AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

The 25-year-old, aiming to become only the fifth woman in history to claim three majors in a calendar year, is one shot clear of Japan’s Shiho Kuwaki.

Earlier this month, Ryu claimed her second major in the space of two weeks at the Evian Championship, and her remarkable major form has continued at the Open.

Despite being three over for the day through five holes, she sank five birdies to shoot two under par and build on her opening-round score of 66.

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“The last hole is so important as it is always good for tomorrow, I always want to make a good score on the last hole,” Ryu told BBC Sport.

“I’ve had two birdies on it, which is a good thing.

“I just stayed patient after that [the tough start] and I made some birdies to finish under par. I am so happy now.”

Kuwaki, who finished Thursday two shots behind leader Jeeno Thitikul, carded a one-under-par round to take advantage of Thitikul’s dropped shots.

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Following a spectacular seven-under-par 64, Thailand’s Thitikul shot a two-over-par 73.

American Yealimi Noh joins world number two Thitikul on five under par after shooting 70.

England’s Lottie Woad is in a strong position to compete for a first major title despite a disappointing end to her second round.

The 22-year-old, who arrived as one of the favourites, ended the day on two under par.

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Woad’s bogey-free opening round of 69 was followed up by a score of 71, which included three birdies on the front nine.

However, two dropped shots on the back nine – one on 17 – leaves her five shots back.

England’s Charley Hull went round in even par to remain on two under par, while world number one Nelly Korda shot 68 to recover from an opening-round two-over-par 73.

Three-time major champion Lydia Ko is also well placed to make a move from one under par, as is England’s Mimi Rhodes, who recovered from two early bogeys to sink three birdies.

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Anime Expeditions Promise Ring guide

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The Promise Ring is a Secret Unit Equipment in Anime Expeditions that is designed exclusively for Cursed Student (True Love), the evolved version of the Secret unit, Cursed Student. Besides improving the unit’s combat stats, it replaces its original passive with powerful new abilities that significantly increase its damage potential during battle.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Promise Ring in Anime Expeditions, including how to obtain it, evolve the required unit, and the bonuses it provides.


An overview of the Promise Ring in Anime Expeditions

The Promise Ring Equipment info (Image via Roblox)The Promise Ring Equipment info (Image via Roblox)
The Promise Ring Equipment info (Image via Roblox)

How to get

The Promise Ring can only be obtained by completing the Mastery Act of School Grounds, the first Story Mode stage in Anime Expeditions. School Grounds features:

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  • Act 1
  • Act 2
  • Act 3
  • Act 4
  • Act 5
  • Infinite Act
  • Mastery Act

However, the Promise Ring only drops from the Mastery Act and has a 5% drop chance and a 20-run pity. If you don’t obtain the equipment after repeated clears, the pity system guarantees it on your twentieth completed Mastery run. Like all Unit Equipment, the Promise Ring can only be equipped by its designated unit.


How to evolve Cursed Student into Cursed Student (True Love)

Before equipping the Promise Ring, you’ll first need to evolve Cursed Student into Cursed Student (True Love). The evolution requires:

  • x1 Student ID
  • x20 Sprite (Blue)
  • x20 Sprite (Purple)
  • x20 Sprite (Rainbow)
  • x5,000 Gold

Once evolved, the unit becomes eligible to equip the Promise Ring.


Stats and passives

The Promise Ring comes with two randomized rollable substats when obtained.

Rollable stats

  • Range: +1% to +5%
  • Damage: +1% to +10%

You can reroll these bonuses using Equipment Rerolls if you’re looking for better stat rolls. The Promise Ring also replaces Cursed Student (True Love)’s original passive with an exclusive Equipment Passive.

Spirit Bats

The Spirit Bats passive rewards you for applying Bleed stacks to enemies. Its effects include:

  • Every time enemies within the unit’s attack range accumulate 20 total Bleed stacks, a Bat Spirit is summoned at the unit’s location.
  • You can have up to three Bat Spirits active at the same time.
  • Each Bat Spirit deals 25% of Cursed Student (True Love)’s current Damage with every attack.
  • Bat Spirits disappear after performing three attacks.

This passive works exceptionally well with Cursed Student (True Love)’s Bleed-focused playstyle, allowing you to generate additional damage as Bleed stacks build up throughout a battle. The more consistently you apply Bleed, the more frequently Bat Spirits will appear to support your attacks.


FAQs on Anime Expeditions

How do I get the Promise Ring in Anime Expeditions?

The Promise Ring drops from the Mastery Act of School Grounds, with a 5% drop chance and a 20-run pity.

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Which unit can equip the Promise Ring?

Only Cursed Student (True Love) can equip the Promise Ring.

Can I obtain the Promise Ring from the Infinite Act?

No. The Promise Ring is exclusive to the Mastery Act of School Grounds and cannot be obtained from the regular story acts or the Infinite Act.