Bigger field spells biggest World Cup success
ATLANTA—The World Cup final between Spain and defending champion Argentina being played at press time marks the end of the biggest tournament in the competition’s history. At the final whistle in New Jersey on Sunday, a record 104 games will have been played across almost six weeks and three countries.
The supersized tournament delivered thrilling action on the field, with upsets, dramatic comebacks, spectacular goals and standout performances by the biggest stars of the game.
It also generated controversy, from political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation to criticism against innovations such as hydration breaks, which were unpopular among many fans.
A newly expanded 48-team format raised concerns about lopsided matches and a lack of jeopardy in the group stage.
Tell that to Cape Verde, Congo and even Curaçao, which all made history and won new fans.
Cape Verde held Spain to a draw in its opening game, advanced to the round of 32 and gave Argentina a scare before eventually losing, 3-2, in extra time in a classic. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha became a breakout star at the age of 40, gaining millions of followers on social media.
Congo also advanced beyond the group stage and pushed England before eventually losing, while Curaçao was still in with a chance of making the knockouts going into its final group match.
Fifa opened its door to more teams and they proved they could compete on soccer’s biggest stage. Nonetheless, it was top-ranked nations Argentina, Spain, France and England—all former champions—that made it to the final four.
The race for the golden boot became a who’s who of the world’s top players with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham firing on all cylinders.
Mbappé led the way ahead of Sunday’s final with 10 goals in the tournament and a record 22 career World Cup goals. Messi had eight at this World Cup and 21 in total with one game to go.
Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t lead Portugal to success in what he said was his last World Cup, while Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal—the star of the Euros two years ago—had to work his way into the tournament after overcoming injury.
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