That seemed unlikely before the event.
Remember the fears about ICE raids on fans, soaring temperatures for midday kickoffs and major security concerns amid the ongoing Middle East conflicts?
There were worries about Trump’s influence and his capacity for rash decisions, along with the workloads for top players, after last year’s Fifa Club World Cup was inserted into an already crowded calendar.
And not to forget the potential competitive balance, with more “minnows” present than ever before.
Sure, there have been major off-field issues.
The ticket pricing – and Fifa’s seemingly intentional promotion of the secondary market – was scandalous and left a dark stain, while the political meddling to enable suspended American striker Folarin Balogun to play was an unwanted, ugly first.
And the hydration breaks have been a disturbing and unpopular innovation.
But the football fare has been first-class, one of the best spectacles since Fifa began its expansion in 1982, when the tournament went from 16 to 24 teams.
France’s forward Kylian Mbappe has been a revelation at the World Cup. Photo / AFP
Big guns thrive
Ahead of the semi-finals this week, the destiny of the trophy is difficult to predict. France are favourites but any of the remaining teams could win it, which is the bonus gained from the big guns progressing.
Spain, Argentina, France and England were the top four seeds and have all made it this far.
That almost never happens.
There is usually a Cinderella team with an unexpected run, like Morocco in 2022 or Croatia in 2018.
The last time the tournament was jointly hosted, in 2002, both South Korea and Turkey made the semi-finals.
In 1994, when the United States staged the event for the first time, Sweden and Bulgaria were in the final four, while Mexico last hosted in 1986, when then European middleweights Belgium qualified for the final quartet.
Upset runs are romantic and provide great storylines, though not always great matches.
And that’s what matters most.
We are guaranteed two massive semi-finals, before a compelling decider next Monday.
The remaining contenders have been helped by Fifa’s pre-tournament decision to keep the top four seeds apart, should they win their groups and keep progressing.
That was a controversial decision but also a reward for consistency. And it made sense.
Belgium beat Brazil in an epic World Cup quarter-final in 2018.
Photo / AP.
It always feels unfortunate when big guns meet too early, like Brazil and Belgium in the 2018 quarter-final, or a red-hot Netherlands facing Brazil in the last eight in 2010, or Spain eliminating Portugal in the Round of 16 in 2010.
This time around, Spain (1) and Argentina (2) could not cross paths before the final, like France (3) and England (4).
But even with the mechanics, the favoured nations needed to perform.
That hasn’t always been the case.
Remember defending champions Germany falling at the first hurdle in 2018, or Spain doing the same in 2014?
Italy flopped in 2010 while Belgium, then world No 2, failed to get out of their group in Qatar four years ago.
This time, they have found a way. Argentina rode a tightrope – with extra-time battles against Cape Verde and Switzerland, and their crazy comeback against Egypt – while England have been pushed by DR Congo, Mexico and Norway.
Spain were more comfortable but still needed late goals to defeat Portugal and Belgium, while France worked to get past an ultra-defensive Paraguay and a spirited Morocco.
England captain Harry Kane celebrates a goal against Mexico in their Round of 16 win. Photo / Getty Images
Superstars shine
Another critical success factor has been the big names stepping up. Lionel Messi has lived up to the hype – and added more lustre to his legend.
He has eight goals already, with potentially two matches still to play.
Kylian Mbappé has been superb, with a succession of wonder goals among his haul (also eight) and is at the peak of his powers.
Harry Kane has delivered for England, after struggling for impact in the last two major tournaments, while 23-year-old Jude Bellingham has justified all the noise around him, with brilliant performances and vital strikes.
Harry Kane (from left), Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi and Ousmane Dembele have all starred at this World Cup. Photo / Getty Images
Erling Haaland was a revelation at his first World Cup and his seven goals would have been enough for the Golden Boot in four of the last five tournaments.
Reigning Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembele has caught the eye as part of the formidable French forward line, along with Michael Olise, while Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal has overcome injury niggles to make his mark.
A long list of epic matches
The third aspect that has catapulted this World Cup is the number of quality matches. When the dust settles after a tournament, that is usually what is remembered most clearly, the “where were you?” scenario as dramatic contests unfolded.
Cape Verde’s improbable heroics against Argentina will never be forgotten, along with Egypt’s battle against the same opposition.
England’s trip to the Azteca Stadium was a beauty, while Sunday’s game against Norway was an enthralling contest. The Scandinavians were also involved in a seismic Round of 16 clash with Brazil.
Japan’s midfielder Kaishu Sano celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Brazil and Japan. Photo / AFP
But what made the tournament was the Round of 32, the “extra” knockout phase in the bigger field.
That included Belgium’s rousing revival against Senegal, Portugal’s eventful battle with Croatia, the Netherlands and Morocco slugging it out until penalties, and Japan falling to Brazil in an instant classic.
DR Congo pushed England to the limit, while there was more drama with Canada’s late winner to beat South Africa and Germany being eliminated by Paraguay in a shootout.
The group phase also had no shortage of memorable matches, including Japan-Netherlands (2-2), England-Croatia (4-2), Uruguay v Cape Verde (2-2), Turkey v USA (3-2), Ecuador-Germany (2-1), Algeria-Austria (3-3) and especially, from a Kiwi lens, the All Whites’ 2-2 draw with Iran in Los Angeles.
Michael Burgess has been a sports journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.
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