The 2026 World Cup's new format has been praised for delivering compelling storylines, even as the group stage largely avoided major upsets among top teams. The tournament's increased visibility, fueled by star players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland competing for the Golden Boot, provided significant global attention.
The competition also showcased the "color and character of football from around the globe," according to BBC Sport. Unlike previous tournaments where major upsets in meaningful games were more common, such as Saudi Arabia's victory over eventual champions Argentina four years prior, the group stage of the 2026 event saw fewer shock results involving established footballing nations.
However, the tournament did produce significant narratives through less-expected teams. Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic, emerged as a notable story. Despite being written off by many and not widely expected to advance, the team secured a point against Spain and played to a 2-2 draw against Uruguay. These results, coupled with a draw against Saudi Arabia, were enough to see Cape Verde finish second in their group, securing a spot in the knockout rounds.
Cape Verde's performance was highlighted as a vindication of FIFA's expanded format. Their goalkeeper, Vozinha, a 40-year-old player who has had a career playing in various European leagues, became a social media sensation. His Instagram following reportedly grew from 50,000 to over 16 million after his team's performances. His mother was also able to attend a match after visa issues were resolved, adding a personal dimension to the team's journey.
These compelling narratives, driven by both established stars and emerging teams, underscore the World Cup's capacity to create unique and inspiring stories, as demonstrated by Cape Verde's unexpected success and the global attention it garnered.