The 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 delivered drama, upsets, and enough talking points to remind everyone why football remains the game of surprises.
From underdogs proving their worth to Africa’s collective heartbreak, the expanded tournament format has already shown its strengths and weaknesses.
As the competition heads into the Round of 16, our football writer Samuel Areo looks at the three talking points from the first knockout round.
1. The so-called “small teams” are not so small
If there was one clear message from the Round of 32, it is that the gap between football’s elite and the rest is shrinking.
Out of the 16 matches, only the 2018 Champions, France, and the 2010 champions, Spain, had straightforward and relatively comfortable wins. Teams like Paraguay and Norway showed remarkable organisation and courage to knock out more fancied opponents.
On the other hand, Japan made life difficult for Brazil in Houston, DR Congo almost sent England packing before Harry Kane’s heroics, while defending champions Argentina were dragged to extra time by debutants Cape Verde.
These are not flukes; they are signs of better preparation, improved tactical discipline, and growing belief.
2. Africa’s mentality problem remains a concern
Ten African teams entered this tournament, the continent’s biggest representation in World Cup history. Despite seeing nine of them reach the round of 32, only two – Morocco and Egypt – advanced to the last 16.
For all the talent Africa possesses, the mental side of the game remains an issue. South Africa fell to an injury-time goal against Canada, while Senegal let a two-goal lead slip before losing to a weak Belgium in extra time, and Cote d’Ivoire were also passive in their defeat to Norway – a match they were expected to win.
In many of these games, African teams competed well but lacked composure in decisive moments. The technical quality is there, but big tournaments are often decided by concentration, game management, and mentality.
Morocco, who reached the last four in Qatar four years ago, have shown more mental strength and capacity than all of their counterparts. While Egypt managed their game against Australia very well to win their a World Cup knock-out game for the first time.
Africa must improve in these areas to truly compete for the biggest prize.
3. The quality of matches has been exceptional
The expanded 48-team format was questioned before the tournament, but so far it has delivered more competitive football rather than diluted quality. Smaller nations have not just participated — they have contributed to the spectacle. That is a huge win for the competition.
Out of the 16 matches, several were decided by one-goal margins, while three went to penalties. Games like Belgium vs Senegal, Argentina vs Cape Verde, and Portugal vs Croatia were packed with quality and tension.
As the Round of 16 begins, the favourites are still there, but the underdogs have made it clear: they are no longer just making up the numbers.
