FIFA World Cup 2026 | Coming to America... and staying longer than expected
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen unexpected success from underdog nations like Cape Verde, Egypt, and DR Congo. These teams have defied expectations by reaching knockout stages and securing historic results against traditional football powerhouses.
Why it matters
The performance of smaller nations validates the expansion of the tournament format and highlights the emergence of new global football talent.
Every expansion in football history comes with the same warnings, and 48 teams were no different. Critics lined up early: bigger groups would mean more filler, more blowouts, a World Cup stretched thin. Then Cape Verde drew Spain 0-0 in their tournament opener, and didn’t stop there. The Blue Sharks followed it up with a comeback to hold Uruguay 2-2, and a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia ensured that they were the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup knockout round before Argentina finally shut them out 3-2 in extra time.
The article provides a factual, sports-focused narrative without political or ideological slant.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in