How underdogs changed the World Cup

Not every revolution begins with applause.

When FIFA announced the expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, the reaction was overwhelmingly sceptical. Critics warned of too many one-sided matches. Former players questioned whether the tournament's quality would suffer. Fans feared football's greatest event would sacrifice prestige for commercial gain.

The verdict seemed written before a ball had even been kicked.

Three weeks later, the World Cup has produced a very different answer.

Rather than weakening the tournament, the expanded format has broadened football's biggest stage, creating more stories, more drama and more nations capable of dreaming. The group stage reminded everyone why the World Cup remains the greatest show in sport not because the favourites always win, but because every four years the impossible suddenly feels possible.

No nation captured that spirit better than Cape Verde.

With a population of just over 500,000, the Atlantic island nation arrived in North America simply hoping to compete. Instead, the tournament debutants became the smallest country ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage. Draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia earned them a historic place in the Round of 32 and a dream meeting with Lionel Messi's Argentina, while also winning the hearts of football fans around the world.

DR Congo produced another unforgettable chapter.

Playing in only their second World Cup and their first since 1974 the Leopards defeated Uzbekistan to secure their first-ever World Cup victory before qualifying for the knockout rounds for the first time in history. After more than five decades of waiting, they finally had a moment worthy of their footballing tradition.

The biggest success story, however, belonged to African football.

For years, African federations argued they deserved more representation at the World Cup. This year, FIFA doubled the continent's allocation to 10 teams, and the response was emphatic. Nine of Africa's 10 representatives reached the Round of 32, the continent's greatest collective achievement at a World Cup. Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, South Africa, DR Congo and Cape Verde all advanced, showing that African football is no longer producing occasional surprises but consistently competitive teams capable of challenging anyone.

The expanded tournament also proved that football's traditional hierarchy is changing.

Two-time champions Uruguay failed to survive the group stage. Spain could not beat Cape Verde. Portugal were held by DR Congo, while several other favourites were pushed to their limits. The gap between the established powers and emerging nations has never looked smaller.

The superstars still illuminated the tournament. Lionel Messi continued rewriting World Cup history, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six different World Cup editions, Kylian Mbappe moved within touching distance of Messi's all-time scoring record, while Erling Haaland announced himself on football's biggest stage with Norway.

Yet this World Cup has belonged just as much to the newcomers as to its icons. It has belonged to nations making history for the first time, to supporters seeing their flags on football's biggest stage, and to players proving that belief can overcome reputation.

The expanded format has not weakened the World Cup.

It has expanded its heart.

The 48-team gamble has not only paid off, it has made football's greatest tournament feel more global, more competitive and more magical than ever.