The decision to expand the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams was initially met with widespread scepticism. Critics argued that increasing the number of participating nations would dilute the quality of the tournament, resulting in one-sided matches and predictable outcomes dominated by traditional football powers.
However, the opening phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 has delivered a completely different story.
Instead of lopsided scorelines, the tournament has produced a series of remarkable performances from nations traditionally considered outsiders. Several smaller teams have not only competed with football’s elite but have also earned valuable results against some of the sport’s biggest names.
From Africa and the Caribbean to the Middle East, emerging football nations are proving that tactical organisation, discipline and determination can bridge the gap between population size, footballing history and financial resources.
Cape Verde Continue Their Fairytale World Cup Journey
No team has embodied the spirit of the expanded World Cup better than Cape Verde.
The African island nation, home to fewer than 600,000 people, has emerged as one of the biggest stories of the tournament.
Cape Verde stunned the football world by holding reigning European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match. Their disciplined defensive performance frustrated one of the most technically gifted sides in international football.
Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha became an overnight sensation after producing a string of spectacular saves to deny Spain throughout the match.
The Blue Sharks followed that performance with another memorable result against two-time world champions Uruguay. Despite facing a vastly more experienced opponent, Cape Verde battled back to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The match also produced a historic moment when Kevin Pina scored the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal with a stunning long-range free-kick.
Curacao Earn Historic Point Through Goalkeeping Heroics
Curacao, the smallest nation by population competing at the tournament, also delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the group stage.
Facing Ecuador, a nation with a rich footballing history and a population of more than 18 million, Curacao appeared destined for defeat as wave after wave of attacks came their way.
However, veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a performance for the ages.
The 37-year-old made an incredible 15 saves during the match, helping Curacao secure a historic 0-0 draw. According to tournament records, it was the highest number of saves recorded by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match since detailed statistical tracking began six decades ago.
The result earned Curacao their first-ever World Cup point and instantly became one of the defining stories of the competition.
Congo Hold Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal
The Democratic Republic of Congo also showcased the growing competitiveness of international football by frustrating Portugal in a memorable Group Stage encounter.
Returning to the World Cup after a 52-year absence, Congo faced one of the tournament favourites led by legendary forward Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite Portugal’s superior ranking, star power and experience, Congo executed a near-perfect tactical plan.
Using a compact defensive structure and disciplined positioning, they restricted Portugal’s attacking opportunities and secured a deserved 1-1 draw.
Even Ronaldo struggled to make an impact against Congo’s organised defence, leading to renewed debate about Portugal’s tactical approach and team selection.
Qatar Earn Historic World Cup Point
Qatar added another chapter to the underdog narrative with a spirited performance against Switzerland.
The Swiss appeared in complete control after Breel Embolo converted an early penalty and continued to dominate possession and chances throughout the match.
Switzerland registered 26 attempts on goal but repeatedly failed to put the game beyond reach.
Qatar’s resilience was eventually rewarded deep into stoppage time.
In the 94th minute, Homam Ahmed delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area that forced Swiss defender Miro Muheim into an unfortunate own goal while attempting to clear under pressure from captain Boualem Khoukhi.
The dramatic equaliser secured a 1-1 draw and delivered Qatar’s first-ever point at a FIFA World Cup.
Iran Overcome Challenges To Stay Competitive
Iran’s journey has been equally inspiring.
The team entered the tournament amid significant political and logistical challenges that cast doubt over their participation.
Even after arriving in North America, Iran faced further complications when their training base was shifted from the United States to Tijuana in Mexico despite all their group-stage matches being scheduled on American soil.
Despite those difficulties, Iran have demonstrated remarkable resilience.
The team has already secured two hard-fought draws and remains unbeaten, proving that determination and unity can overcome considerable off-field obstacles.
Their performances have earned widespread respect and reinforced their reputation as one of Asia’s most competitive football nations.
Expanded Format Producing More Competitive Football
The early stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have delivered a powerful message to critics of the expanded format.
Rather than creating mismatches, the tournament has provided emerging football nations with a platform to showcase their growth and competitiveness.
The performances of Cape Verde, Curacao, Congo, Qatar and Iran highlight how football development across the world has narrowed the gap between traditional powerhouses and emerging nations.
With tactical discipline, elite goalkeeping, strong organisation and unwavering belief, these teams have shown that reputation alone no longer guarantees success on the biggest stage.
As the tournament progresses, the expanded World Cup is increasingly being viewed not as a dilution of quality but as a celebration of football’s growing global competitiveness.