Belgium's Youri Tielemans, Argentina's Lionel Messi, and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha shine in dramatic World Cup matches
Great goals, thrilling comebacks, late drama, and unexpected results have defined this World Cup.
The quarter-finals commence on Thursday, leaving eight matches remaining in this summer's football celebration.
With 48 nations participating for the first time and hosted across three countries, the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States is undoubtedly the largest of the 23 tournaments held to date.
While opinions on the best World Cup vary depending on personal experiences or national team progress, statistics indicate this tournament is exceptional on the field.
Excitement is essential for any World Cup, and this edition has delivered plenty.
Across 96 of 104 matches, 280 goals have been scored, averaging 2.92 goals per game—the highest since the 1970 Mexico World Cup, which saw 95 goals in 32 games (2.97 per match).
In comparison, Qatar 2022 averaged 2.69 goals per game, Russia 2018 had 2.64, Brazil 2014 recorded 2.67, and South Africa 2010 had 2.27.
The highest-scoring match was Germany's 7-1 victory over Curacao, with six goals scored in seven other matches and five goals in thirteen more.
Attacking football is further evidenced by 74.6% of goals coming from open play, one of the highest proportions in World Cup history, while only 5% of goals resulted from penalties—the lowest percentage recorded.
Exciting matches in excellent atmospheres
Argentina completed an extraordinary comeback to defeat Egypt.
The number of late goals has added to the tournament's thrill.
Of 24 knockout matches, eight featured winning goals scored after the 85th minute. Argentina required extra time to overcome underdogs Cape Verde, and four matches have been decided by penalty shootouts.
Enzo Fernandez's winning goal against Egypt was the 10th 90th-minute winner of the tournament, setting a new World Cup record.
In July alone, at least three classic World Cup matches occurred, with Belgium, Argentina, and England securing 3-2 victories over Senegal, Egypt, and Mexico respectively.
Belgium and Argentina both overturned two-goal deficits late in their matches, the first time since 1970 that such comebacks have occurred more than once in a tournament.
England's win was notable as they played 40 minutes with 10 men following Jarell Quansah's red card, maintaining their lead in a charged atmosphere at Mexico's iconic Azteca Stadium.
There have been eight goalless draws in this tournament, a World Cup record. This may indicate a competitive balance rather than a lack of excitement.
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The fans have turned up, as have the big names
Haaland leads Norway's celebrations.
Concerns existed about match atmospheres due to high ticket prices and the extensive travel required for fans, raising fears of empty seats.
FIFA, criticized for ticket costs, reports 99.7% of available seats have been filled, with over 4.4 million attendees during the group stage and 6.2 million after the first two knockout rounds.
This results in an average attendance exceeding 65,000 per match, second only to the 1994 US World Cup, which averaged nearly 69,000 spectators per game.
Not only fans but also star players have been present in force.
The Golden Boot competition is intense, featuring four of the world's top players: Argentina's Lionel Messi with eight goals, France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland with seven each, and England's Harry Kane with six.
This is the first World Cup where three players have scored seven or more goals in the same tournament.
With 48 nations participating, concerns about one-sided matches existed, but underdogs have provided compelling stories.
Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, rebounded from a 7-1 defeat by Germany to draw with Ecuador.
Qatar endured a 6-0 loss to Canada but also secured a 1-1 draw against quarter-finalists Switzerland.
Cape Verde, with 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, created one of the greatest underdog narratives by drawing against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia to reach the last 32, where they narrowly lost 3-2 in extra time to holders Argentina.
Costs, hydration breaks and political interference accusations
United States president Donald Trump with Fifa president Gianni Infantino during December's World Cup draw
Despite positive aspects, the tournament has faced significant controversies and drawbacks.
Ticket, hotel, and transportation costs have stretched many fans' budgets more than any previous World Cup.
Hydration breaks during each half have been accepted when weather conditions are extreme but have been met with boos when implemented during rain or in air-conditioned stadiums with closed roofs.
Some view the expanded tournament as excessively long. Beginning on 11 June, the final will be held on 19 July, with matches played on all but four days.
Refereeing standards have been questioned, as has the impact of additional matches and travel on player welfare. The Premier League season starts on 21 August, just over a month after the final.
The format led to limited jeopardy during the group stage, with only 16 of 48 nations eliminated early.
However, the most concerning issue involves questions about fair play.
American striker Folarin Balogun was sent off in the last-32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. US President Donald Trump confirmed he contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss the suspension.
Balogun was permitted to play in the 4-1 last-16 defeat to Belgium, with FIFA citing "article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code" allowing the one-match ban to be "suspended for a probationary period of one year."
There have been 189 red cards in World Cup history, with only two players not serving suspensions. Balogun is the first since 1962 when Brazilian Garrincha avoided a ban before automatic suspensions were established amid allegations of political interference.
UEFA, Belgium, and England manager Thomas Tuchel criticized the decision. Belgian players later said it gave them extra motivation.
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Will the tournament get the thrilling finish it has deserved?
An exciting 1994 World Cup in the United States concluded with a disappointing 0-0 final draw, with Italy's Roberto Baggio missing the decisive penalty as Brazil triumphed.
Overall, FIFA can regard this tournament as a major success, with thrilling matches played in packed stadiums and passionate fans creating memorable atmospheres.
With 10 days remaining, similar excitement is expected despite high ticket costs and the elimination of all three host nations.
The long-term perception of a World Cup often depends on the final matches. Poor finals have overshadowed previous tournaments such as Italia '90 and USA '94, while a spectacular final in Qatar four years ago enhanced that tournament's reputation.
With the world's top four ranked countries—Argentina, Spain, France, and England—all advancing and placed in separate quarter-finals, upcoming matches could be breathtaking and help cement this tournament as the greatest in history.
Regardless of the outcome, as with the past month, the tournament remains unmissable.
Statistics in this article were provided by 's Mohamed Moallim.
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