Four teams are left in the ongoing 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup was expanded to 48 teams for the first time in its history.
This meant that we had more debutantes than usual at the tournament.
Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all made it to the World Cup this year.
Of that list, it was Cape Verde who captivated the eyes and hearts of the global audience.
The tiny African island nation opened with a 0-0 draw with European champions Spain.
They drew 2-2 with Uruguay and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, qualifying as runners-up from Group H.
Despite providing a major scare against world champions Argentina, they bowed out of the competition after a 3-2 defeat in the last 32.
“Cape Verde gave us four classics, with amazing performance after amazing performance,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST.
“To not lose in 90 minutes all tournament, despite facing two of the eventual semi finalists, is incredible.
“Credit to Norway and Egypt as well. Both could have reached the semis, but for some ill-luck and lapses.”
There have also been big disappointments.
From the powerhouses who didn’t make it (Nigeria, Italy) to those who failed to impress at the tournament.
“It’s a tight one between South Korea and Senegal,” McDubus said.
“South Korea, because they have such a talented generation. To go out in the group stage, in that specific group, was shocking.
“Senegal, because we expected so much more from them. Conserving
