World Cup 2026: Focus on big stars, rise of Africa in knockouts
World Cup 2026: Big Stars Shine, Africa Surpasses Expectations in Knockout Stage
World Cup 2026 - Kolkata: Concerns about the 48-team World Cup diluting competition standards were swiftly dispelled as the group phase delivered thrilling, unpredictable moments. By the conclusion of the initial rounds on Sunday (IST), many early forecasts had crumbled. Powerhouses endured challenges, yet underdogs defied odds, proving the tournament’s unpredictability.
Unexpected Defeats and Unmatched Progress
Top seeds France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, England, and Netherlands secured knockout stage entry, but not without turbulence. Germany’s exit at the hands of Ecuador, Brazil’s narrow draw with Morocco, and England’s stalemate against Ghana underscored the intensity of the group stage. Remarkably, the Netherlands maintained a perfect record across all 10 of their World Cup campaigns, setting a new benchmark for group performance.
“When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable,” said President Lee Jae Myung, criticizing South Korea’s group-stage exit.
Africa’s dominance in the group phase was historic, with nine of its 10 nations advancing—a feat surpassing the previous record of just two African teams reaching the knockout stage in 2014 and 2022. Tunisia became the sole exception, while Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay, and Senegal emerged as standout qualifiers.
Coaches and Leaders Take Responsibility
The tournament’s surprises extended beyond the pitch. Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa resigned after a disappointing exit, and Scotland’s Steve Clarke stepped down despite a recent contract renewal. Tunisia’s federation made a bold move by firing head coach Sabri Lamouchi following a 1-5 opening loss to Sweden.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s Lionel Messi, who did not start against Jordan, showcased his enduring prowess with a goal in the second half. His six-goal tally in the tournament positions him as a leading Golden Boot contender. The underdog story of Cape Verde, the smallest nation in the knockout stage, and DR Congo, who once lost all three group games as Zaire in 1970, adds further narrative depth.
Knockout Fixtures and Star Power
Looking ahead, the Round of 32 promises high stakes. Brazil’s clash with Japan, Germany’s encounter with Paraguay, and France’s showdown with Sweden are among the key matchups. Netherlands vs. Morocco and Spain vs. Austria will also test tactical mettle. For Portugal, a narrow defeat to Croatia in the knockout stage could mean a final against Spain or Argentina, depending on group outcomes.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s team narrowly avoided facing Croatia, but their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan highlighted his resurgence. France’s Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappé, along with Brazil’s Vinicius Junior and Norway’s Erling Haaland, are now in the running for top scorer honors. Dembele’s hat-trick against Norway is the second-fastest in World Cup history, trailing only Erich Probst’s 1954 feat.
At 39, Messi’s six goals reaffirm his status as a world-class performer, while Mbappé’s 16 goals and four assists bring him to 20+ tournament contributions—a rare achievement alongside Messi and Miroslav Klose. With a perfect group record, France’s Mbappé remains a key figure to watch, as he aims to join the ranks of football legends.
Somshuvra Laha, a seasoned sports journalist with over 11 years of experience covering cricket, football, and other sports, provides insight into the evolving landscape of the World Cup.