Sport: Soccer Country: Canada Category: Scores & Results

Larger World Cup shows increased competitiveness in early matches

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 20, 2026, 8:23 PM

Last updated Jun 20, 2026

Larger World Cup shows increased competitiveness in early matches

Summary

The expanded 48-team World Cup has produced a competitive start, despite initial concerns about weaker matchups. Early results show that the goal differential after 24 matches remains similar to the tournament in Qatar, with notable performances from less-traditional teams. Cape Verde held Spain to a 0-0 draw, while Congo drew 1-1 with Portugal. Critics of the expansion, including UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, have noted a mix of outcomes, although some teams struggled, such as Haiti and Qatar. Coaches attribute increased competitiveness to improved development in smaller nations. The tournament continues to unfold with diverse results.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Goal differential remains unchanged from Qatar 2022 after 24 matches.
•Cape Verde held Spain to a surprising 0-0 draw.
•Congo managed a draw against Portugal, a tournament favorite.
•Teams from smaller nations are showing improved performances.
•Haiti and Qatar faced tough losses in their early matches.

Latest Updates

8:23 PMYahoo Sports — Larger World Cup led to predictions of lopsided affairs. The results tell a different story

What they're saying

"
Not long after FIFA announced an expanded 48-team World Cup, criticism began to pour in about how the quality of the tournament would likely be worsened. The critics argued that by allowing smaller teams to the expanded field, the number of weak matchups would increase, as would the chances of lopsided results. Through the first 24 games, the goal differential was unchanged compared to the tournament in Qatar in 2022, suggesting the larger field did not create more one-sided competition.
— Yahoo Sportsby TALES AZZONI

Related Teams & Leagues

Soccer