World Cup group stage ends with expanded 48-team field

The group stage of the North American World Cup concluded with full stadiums and several surprises among the 48 participating teams. Attendance remained high even for matches between lower-ranked sides. Nearly 70,000 spectators watched Cape Verde versus Saudi Arabia, Algeria versus Jordan, and Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Qatar.

Seven teams reached this round for the first time: Cape Verde, Egypt, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Congo, Canada, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Round of 32 begins Sunday. Organizers stated that ticket sales and stadium operations met expectations despite earlier concerns over visas and lodging.

favorites Argentina's Lionel Messi leads the scoring chart with six goals. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior each have four. Messi and Argentina face Cape Verde next, then a possible Round of 16 match against the winner of Egypt versus Australia.

France recorded at least three goals in each group match and topped its group despite facing Senegal and Norway. Observers noted the team's consistent scoring and defensive organization. The squad is scheduled to face Germany in the Round of 16 if both advance.

schedule The U.S. side scored six goals across its first two group matches, twice the total from its four matches at the 2022 tournament. A 3-2 loss to Turkey in the final group game occurred after several starters were rested. The team will next play Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. A win would mark the most victories by any U.S. men's team at a single World Cup.

“While powerhouse nations still dominate, the addition of 16 teams has allowed rising African and CONCACAF sides to prove they belong on the world stage.”