Overview
- The group stage has finished and the Round of 16 is under way, with Canada reaching the last 16 after Stephen Eustaquio scored a stoppage‑time winner on Sunday to beat South Africa.
- FIFA’s expansion to 48 teams increased groups from eight to 12 and matches from 64 to 104, a change adopted in 2017 that organisers say boosts inclusion and revenue while critics point to many one‑sided results and reduced group‑stage suspense.
- African nations benefited most from the larger format, with nine of ten CAF entrants advancing to the knockout phase and newcomers such as Cape Verde and the DR Congo booking historic places in the last 32.
- Sporting storylines include Lionel Messi extending the World Cup finals scoring mark to 19 goals and mounting questions about Cristiano Ronaldo’s impact after Portugal finished second in its group following a 0‑0 draw with Colombia.
- Non‑sporting factors shaped outcomes too: Iran were eliminated despite three draws after their staff faced entry restrictions to the United States that forced preparations in Mexico, underlining how politics and logistics affected team performance.