Initial criticisms of the expanded 48-team World Cup focused on fears of diluted quality due to the inclusion of smaller teams, leading to an increase in weak matchups and lopsided results. Critics worried that the tournament would feature "completely uninteresting" matches and that the playing field would be watered down. Additionally, concerns were raised about dynamic ticket pricing potentially alienating ordinary fans, summer heat endangering players, and the politically divided United States being an unsuitable host.
However, these fears have largely not materialized. The tournament has been characterized by high-scoring games, with an average of 2.94 goals per game through the first wave of group matches, a rate not seen since the 1970 World Cup which averaged 2.97 goals per game. Early returns indicate that underdogs have successfully held their ground, with teams like Cape Verde securing a 0-0 draw against Spain and a 2-2 draw against Uruguay, and Curacao, the smallest country to participate, tying with a formidable opponent. DR Congo also held Portugal to a 1-1 draw. These unexpected results have added to the excitement and defied predictions of one-sided affairs. While some blow-out victories have occurred (e.g., Germany routing Curacao 7-1, Canada defeating Qatar 6-0), their percentage is comparable to past 32-team tournaments, and the goal differential after 24 matches remained the same as in the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Fan engagement has been robust, with marquee fixtures selling out and visiting fans creating vibrant street parties in host cities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reported $5 million tickets sold by April, contradicting concerns about ticket pricing. Although structural complaints like cooling breaks and U.S. immigration policies (which affected players like Cape Verde's goalkeeper Vozinha's mother) persist, the overall sentiment points to a successful and thrilling tournament. Many argue that the expansion allows smaller countries to participate, inspiring generations and accelerating football development, showcasing football's universality. The tournament is on track for the highest-scoring group stage in modern history, with 75 goals already scored through half the number of fixtures compared to the 2014 Brazil World Cup (which had 136 goals in 48 matches), currently averaging over three goals per game.
