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.
“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 the quality all over their squad and what we know they are capable of producing, their performances were truly shocking.
“Even worse was the manner of their exit. Absolutely disappointing showing.”
After all said and done, the final four hold no bad surprises.
England. Spain. France. Argentina.
One of them will be crowned world champions this weekend.
“I’m backing France to do it,” McDubus said.
“First, they haven’t had to travel as much as the other teams, because they were smart in how they selected their base.
“Also, they have not had to really enter an extra gear all tournament or exert themselves physically.
“They have managed their games well and controlled things. I believe these things, coupled with their extremely potent attack, should see them through.”