The World Cup has witnessed a significant shift in its format, expanding from 32 teams to 48. This change has led to unprecedented participation from countries across the globe, with teams like Cape Verde and Curacao making history by qualifying for the tournament.
Cape Verde, in particular, has been the poster child for the new format, emerging from a group that included European champions Spain and Uruguay. Their goalkeeper, Vozinha, has become an overnight sensation, with his social media following skyrocketing to over 16 million after his heroics against Spain.
However, the expanded format has also raised questions about the tournament's competitiveness. With more teams qualifying and groups becoming increasingly weaker, the traditional powerhouses have struggled to assert their dominance. African nations, in particular, have performed exceptionally well, with nine out of ten teams progressing to the knockout stages.
As the tournament progresses, it remains to be seen whether the new format will live up to its promise of providing more engaging and unpredictable storylines. The first knockout round, which features the last 32 teams, is expected to be a crucial test of the format's success.