Lagos, NIGERIA – The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been worth the hype, so far.
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For the first time ever, we’ve had 48 countries competing and they all came with one agenda: to win the golden trophy for their nation.
The group stage match kicked off at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, a match that saw co-host Mexico hold South Africa to a 2-nil win.
Thirty-two countries qualified for the knockout stages and 16 countries exited the tournament.
Canada was the first host nation to get knocked out after falling to a three-nil defeat against African champion, Morocco, in a round of 16.
It took only a few hours before Mexico was sent packing by England after losing 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium, the team’s first loss there in 13 years.
Mexicans can say they’ve hosted more World Cups than any other country, with this year being the third time the prestigious competition has been held there.
The United States men’s national team was the last of the host teams to get knocked out and they went out in disgraceful fashion. The Americans lost four to one against an underwhelming Belgium.
Losing is part of the game, but after the high waves the U.S. had ridden on, fans expected more.
The most anticipated matchup of the second knockout phase was between Portugal and Spain. Although it served very little excitement, there was a lot at stake.
The match ended in Spain’s favor and thus ended the last chance Cristiano Ronaldo had to win the World Cup, the only missing trophy of his illustrious career.
The match that delivered the most excitement was between Cape Verde and Argentina. The former being the smallest nation to participate in the World Cup, the latter being a three-time World Cup winner and current defending world champion.
Though Cape Verde took Argentina into extra time, the African team lost in the most unfortunate manner when the South Americans scored a goal in the second half of extra time.
But Cape Verde’s courage captivated the football world. It’s safe to say that they won the hearts of every football fan.
Norway made the last eight in style. They sent five-time World Cup winner Brazil packing. Very few saw it coming, but the Vikings rowed past the Seleção.
Morocco remains the only team from the 10 African countries that qualified for the World Cup. They take on France who are the favorites to win the tournament, but the Atlas Lions are up to the task.
Some shock exits have already happened.
Uruguay crashed out of the group stage after failing to win an important match against Cape Verde, Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties in a round of 32 and the Netherlands lost to Morocco on penalties in a round of 16.
This year’s World Cup has been one where dreams have come true and dreams have been cut short.
From the 48 that began to the eight that remain, the dream still remains the same: the World Cup trophy.
Dominic Crown is a Junior Reporter with Youth Journalism International.
