Did the new World Cup group stage format work? Was the 48-team field a success as knockout stage begins?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s group stage has concluded, leaving mixed reactions to the expanded 48-team format. Critics argue the increased number of matches has reduced stakes, with some games featuring uneven matchups and lower-quality football. Others highlight the tournament’s record-breaking scale as a historic achievement, offering more nations a chance to compete at the highest level.

Coverage emphasizes concerns over fairness and competitive balance, with outlets like *The New York Times* and *BBC* questioning whether the gap between top-tier and lower-ranked teams has widened. *The Mirror* and *Yahoo Sports* focus on the format’s impact on star players like Lionel Messi, while *CBS Sports* assesses whether the expanded structure has succeeded in its goal of delivering engaging knockout-stage drama. Analysis from *Copa Independent* and *BBC* points to specific group-stage games as examples of the format’s flaws. As the knockout stage begins, attention will turn to whether the expanded field has delivered on its promise of deeper competition or if the format’s flaws overshadow its ambition.

Key questions include whether the additional teams have added value or diluted the tournament’s prestige, and whether the knockout rounds will restore the intensity fans expect from past editions.