After the first round of Group Stages, it’s possible to argue FIFA made the right decision to expand the tournament to 48 teams for 2026.

It was a point of discussion for many once the decision was made to expand it from 32 teams, with many wary of the smaller nations that had qualified and whether they would just be there to make up the numbers. However, that’s been far from the case, with the first round of Group Stage matches proving many of them are there for valid reasons.

With 104 matches scheduled across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup is expected to generate strong global interest, including across sports betting and analysis platforms. As seen in previous tournaments, matches involving less prominent teams often attract attention in areas such as goal totals and match statistics, alongside broader fan engagement with the competition.

Improved performances from ‘smaller’ nations

Of course, we saw it in the first instance of one of the smaller nations playing, when Curacao were emphatically defeated by Germany 7-1 in their opener. It was a game in which many had felt would be a sign of things to come. But that has arguably been the only instance in which we’ve seen such a one-sided onslaught between two nations, with an exceptional gulf in quality between them.

Cape Verde made history in their opening game against Spain, holding the 2010 World Champions and 2024 UEFA European Championship winners to a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an internet sensation for his performance against Spain, seeing his Instagram followers skyrocket to more than 15 million in the six days following the game; he had entered that game with 57,000. Kevin Pina scored a long-distance free-kick to record their first World Cup goal in a truly magical moment against Uruguay.

Curacao improved significantly in their second Group Stage game, holding Ecuador to a goalless draw to claim their first-ever points at a FIFA World Cup. Again, a goalkeeper was the star man of the moment, as Eloy Room made a total of 15 saves to keep the South Americans at bay. It was a record that he had managed to tie, sharing it with Tim Howard after the former USMNT ‘keeper made 15 saves against Belgium at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

Iran held Belgium to a draw, while DR Congo drew with Portugal, showcasing that the bigger nations won’t always have it their own way in this tournament.

Co-hosts showcasing high levels of football ability

It’s also been a hugely positive tournament for the co-hosts, highlighting how the sport is growing in their own countries. Mexico are arguably known for their football ability and are often cited as being the best in the CONCACAF region.

Indeed, they’ve shown why with solid and consistent performances on their road to the last 16. However, the USMNT and Canada have both shown how they are progressing in the game with solid displays themselves.

All three will be hoping to progress deep into the knockout stages, highlighting just how far they have come. It’s even possible to argue that they have been playing some of the best football of the competition.

Expanded format is working

While it was perhaps only normal to question just whether expanding the World Cup to 48 teams would be a good idea and the quality of some of the nations competing in the tournament, the early stages of the competition appear to have revealed that FIFA were right to do so.