Here we are, down to the Round of 16 in the biggest World Cup ever. It's far from over, but already the 2026 vintage has been a resounding success. The tournament is boasting record-breaking attendance and soaring TV ratings. It's no surprise when have so many goals, late-game heroics, unexpected upsets, and big performances from football's biggest stars, including Messi and Mbappe.
Source: world-cup-26.com
More goals have been scored in this World Cup than any other. Sure, more games have been played in this tournament (88) than any other as well. However, the previous high was in Qatar in 2022 when there were 172 goals over 64 games. The current tournament exceeded that in the 59th game hitting 177 goals. The 2.92 goals per match is the best since Mexico 1970, long considered one of the best World Cups (though Qatar 2022 produced the best final). And the stars are playing their part. Messi has come life, scoring at a blistering pace-- seven goals in four matches! Not to be undone Mbappe has now scored 18 goals in 18 World Cup matches (2018, 2022, and 2026)! This World Cup has also shown the growing footballing prowess of African countries. Ten African nations qualified for the tournament (Algeria, Cape Verde--oh Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morrocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia); nine made it to the knock-out stages! Cape Verde, DR Congo, and Senegal may have just fallen short against the traditional footballing powers, but Morrocco and Egypt carry on.
Here's to more drama, thrilling endings, and goals, goals, goals!
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