While the expanded 48-team format attracted criticism before the tournament, it ultimately delivered drama, historic achievements and several unforgettable upsets.

Spain justified their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites by lifting the trophy for the second time in their history. However, their path to glory was far from straightforward, as they had to overcome a number of difficult tests before being crowned world champions.

The tournament also produced several unexpected exits for football's traditional powerhouses, while a number of underdogs exceeded expectations.

Biggest disappointments

Germany's shock exit to Paraguay

Germany arrived at the World Cup as one of the leading contenders for the title, boasting a squad packed with world-class talent. After finishing top of Group E with two wins and one defeat, they were widely expected to progress comfortably against Paraguay in the Round of 32.
Instead, Paraguay frustrated the four-time world champions throughout the contest, forcing a 1-1 draw before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to complete one of the tournament's biggest upsets.

Brazil fall to Norway

Brazil once again entered the World Cup carrying the weight of expectation. With stars such as Vinicius Junior, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha and Casemiro in their ranks, many tipped the five-time champions to mount a serious title challenge.

However, the Selecao failed to live up to those expectations, suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 to bring another disappointing World Cup campaign to an early end.

Portugal fail to overcome Spain

Portugal also endured a frustrating tournament after being eliminated by neighbours Spain in the Round of 16.

Despite possessing one of the tournament's most talented squads, Portugal struggled to make their attacking quality count. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years old, remained the focal point of the attack, but age appeared to catch up with the legendary forward as Portugal lacked the cutting edge needed to trouble the eventual champions.

Surprise packages

Cape Verde capture hearts

Cape Verde arrived at the World Cup as one of the tournament's biggest outsiders but quickly became one of its feel-good stories.

They held eventual champions Spain, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay to draws, finishing second in Group H with three points. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha produced a series of outstanding performances as Cape Verde reached the Round of 32, where they narrowly lost 3-2 to Argentina after another spirited display.

Morocco continue their rise

After their memorable run at the 2022 World Cup, Morocco proved their success was no fluke.
The Atlas Lions eliminated co-hosts Canada and defeated the Netherlands to book a place in the quarter-finals, where their impressive campaign eventually came to an end following a 2-0 defeat to France.

South Africa make history

Bafana Bafana produced one of the tournament's most inspiring stories by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time.

After opening with a defeat to Mexico, South Africa recovered with a hard-fought draw against the Czech Republic before securing a memorable 1-0 victory over South Korea to finish second in Group A with four points.

Although Hugo Broos' side were narrowly beaten 1-0 by co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32, their historic achievement marked a significant milestone for South African football.

Biggest disappointments and surprise packages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup