Superstars set for knockouts, African teams make a splash

Messi, Mbappe and Haaland light up Golden Boot race as nine out of 10 African nations qualify for the round of 32

- Somshuvra Laha

Squashing apprehension that the first expanded 48-team event might dilute the quality of football, the 2026 World Cup has produced one of the most tactically exciting and unpredictable group stages in recent memory.

By the time the final whistle was blown on the group phase on Sunday (IST), several pre-tournament predictions had been proved wrong. Heavyweights survived, but not always comfortably as the unfancied teams kept punching above their weight.

France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, England and Netherlands progressed to the round of 32, but not without some anxious phases. Germany were upset by Ecuador, Brazil were held by Morocco, and England were made to sweat in a 0-0 draw with Ghana. Having advanced from the group stages in each of their 10 World Cup appearances, Netherlands now have the best group record for any team in the tournament.

Apart from France and Mexico, defending champions Argentina completed three wins despite Lionel Messi not starting in the final game against Jordan. He came in the second half and scored, taking his tournament tally to six goals. He is the leading contender for the Golden Boot award. Co-hosts Canada and the USA progressed, while the new third-placed qualification system sprung names like Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay and Senegal.