The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a spectacle from start to finish, for better or worse

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, held in North America, was the first edition to feature an expanded 48-team format, marking the tournament's return to the region since it was last hosted there in 1994. The tournament was described as a spectacle throughout, drawing both praise and criticism across its matches. It represented a significant structural shift for the competition, with the larger field increasing the number of games and participating nations.