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One of the tournament’s biggest success stories has been Cape Verde, which shocked many by reaching the knockout stage ahead of Uruguay. Goalkeeper Vozinha became an overnight social media sensation after helping hold Spain to a draw, while other first-time knockout qualifiers included Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, DR Congo, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and South Africa.
Africa emerged as one of the biggest winners, with nine of its 10 teams reaching the Round of 32. In contrast, Asian teams struggled, recording only three wins in 27 matches, with only Japan and Australia advancing. Several Concacaf teams also failed to impress despite additional qualification spots.
However, critics argue the new format reduced jeopardy. Four teams secured first place before their final group match, while five teams were already eliminated early. FIFA’s decision to use head-to-head results before goal difference further reduced drama, leaving several final group matches with little at stake. The inclusion of third-placed qualifiers also created situations where teams could play cautiously for draws that benefited both sides.
Despite concerns, the tournament has been highly entertaining offensively, averaging 2.99 goals per game, the highest group-stage scoring rate since the 32-team format began in 1998.
Overall, supporters see the expansion as a success for global inclusiveness and smaller nations, while critics believe the format sacrifices competitive tension in favour of participation.
Social media & forum discussions
Fans are sharply divided.
Many praise stories like Cape Verde and Africa's strong performances.
Others argue the group stage felt like an extended qualification round, with too many teams advancing.
Frequent suggestions include reducing the number of third-place qualifiers or redesigning the format.
X
Cape Verde, Vozinha, and the tournament's high-scoring matches have trended.
Many journalists praise the underdog stories but question whether the format diluted competition.
Casual fans generally enjoy the greater variety of nations and goals.
Some dislike matches where qualification scenarios encouraged conservative play.
Cape Verde's celebrations, Vozinha's heroics and highlight reels have generated strong engagement.
FIFA's official content showcasing new nations has been well received.
TikTok
Viral clips focus on Cape Verde, spectacular goals and fan celebrations.
Creators debate whether the 48-team tournament is better than the previous 32-team format.
Threads
Discussion mirrors X, with users split between inclusiveness and competitive quality.
HardwareZone
Singapore football fans generally welcome more countries participating but question whether weaker teams lower the overall standard.
Several posters suggest reverting to goal difference as the first tiebreaker and criticise the "best third-place" qualification system for reducing drama.
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed but slightly positive. Fans overwhelmingly enjoy the underdog stories, greater global representation and attacking football. However, many believe the expanded format has reduced the tension that traditionally made the World Cup group stage so compelling, with calls for FIFA to refine the qualification and tiebreak rules for future tournaments.
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