Arsène Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, has declared the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup 2026™ a resounding success, dismissing pre-tournament fears that expanding the field would diminish the quality of play.

Speaking at a press conference of the FIFA Technical Study Group (TSG), Wenger acknowledged that doubts had surrounded the decision but said events on the pitch had provided a definitive answer. "That was questioned before it started. We found that it was ethically needed to give a chance to everybody or to more teams to represent football. And, overall, I am convinced that it was the right decision and it was a great success," the Frenchman said.

He highlighted that smaller nations had not merely participated — they had genuinely competed, with Cabo Verde standing out as one of several teams that exceeded expectations and delivered memorable entertainment. Wenger credited improved coaching standards and broader technical development for narrowing the gap between football's traditional powers and the rest of the world.

Smaller nations earned their place

TSG member and Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill was equally emphatic. "I don't think it has diluted quality at all, to be honest. I think, if anything, it's added to it. It gives opportunities to smaller nations, which is extremely important for the development of football in those countries," he said.

Former Germany and United States coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who lifted the World Cup as a starting striker with Germany at Italy 1990, noted that several big nations — among them Germany, Netherlands, and Brazil — were eliminated before the final eight. He cited Cabo Verde, Congo DR, Switzerland, and Norway as teams that provided genuine surprises throughout the tournament.

Former Argentina player Pablo Zabaleta singled out debutant Curaçao's point against Ecuador as a defining moment. "That was something that for me, from my personal point of view, was incredible to see… it was a great moment for them," Zabaleta said, praising goalkeeper Eloy Room's performance and the scenes of celebration back in Curaçao.

Long-range goals and goalkeeping trends

The TSG's performance data also revealed notable shifts in the way the tournament was played. Goals scored from outside the penalty area doubled compared to Qatar 2022, rising from 8 percent to 16 percent. Klinsmann linked this to the cautious tactics many coaches employed, with low defensive blocks forcing opponents to attempt strikes from 20 to 22 yards out, making life harder for goalkeepers.

Former Switzerland goalkeeper and TSG chairman Pascal Zuberbuhler highlighted another trend: a marked increase in goalkeepers choosing to punch the ball away rather than claim it, particularly from corners, free-kicks, and crosses. "When I played, you come out and you claim the ball. Today… to make a good punch with one fist or with two fists, something that, in this tournament, was very positive to see goalkeepers doing," Zuberbuhler said.

Argentina vs Spain — a final of contrasting styles

Attention now turns to Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain. Wenger framed it as a meeting of two footballing philosophies — Argentina's intensity and physicality set against Spain's technical precision and intelligence. He also pointed to the presence of an "exceptional player" in Lionel Messi as a decisive factor for the South American side.

O'Neill also anticipated a fascinating contest. Spain have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament and relied on controlled, methodical football, while Argentina have been pushed to extra-time twice in the knockout rounds and have depended on late goals and contributions from substitutes. "We've seen the magic of Messi, as well, in terms of they're probably reliant on him a little bit, at key moments in the tournament. I think it's very difficult to predict who are the favourites at this stage, but I think the two best teams are in the final," O'Neill said.