The Baltiska Hallen in Malmö is hosting the competition ©IBSA Goalball/Twitter

Rio 2016 Paralympic Games bronze medallists Brazil recorded a convincing victory over the United States as they began their International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball World Championships defence at the Baltiska Hallen in the Swedish city of Malmö.

The Brazilians looked like they could be in trouble in the early stages of the Group B match as the US, silver medallists at Rio 2016, took the lead, but they recovered magnificently to record a 7-2 victory overall.

Elsewhere in Pool B, Germany beat Canada 11-3, Iran thrashed Egypt 12-2 while Japan beat the Czech Republic 11-9.

Over in Pool A, Paralympic champions Lithuania emerged triumphant from a close match against Algeria, eventually winning by a 6-5 scoreline.

Other matches in that group today saw Belgium beat China 7-6. Turkey inflict an 8-7 win on Australia, and Argentina and Sweden played out an 8-8 draw.

Over in the women's event, reigning Paralympic champions Turkey made a statement with an 11-1 thrashing of Sweden in their Group C match.

Today's other Group C matches saw Japan beat Australia 2-1 and Russia inflict an 8-1 defeat on Israel.

Defending champions the US also got off to a good start in Group D with a 7-1 win over Greece.

Elsewhere in Group D, Brazil beat China 6-4 and Canada beat Algeria 9-4.