The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close having delivered 215 goals across 72 matches — a record for this round of the competition and an average of 2.99 goals per game, the highest since the 1950s. All 32 teams advance to the knockout rounds, and the tournament has already packed in enough drama to silence many of its critics.

The final round of group fixtures underlined the point perfectly. Austria appeared to be heading out until Sasa Kalajdzic struck in the 96th minute to earn a 3-3 draw with Algeria, a result that sent both sides through. That the two teams could have coasted into the last 32 with a goalless draw — and instead produced six goals — captured the spirit of a group stage more entertaining than many anticipated.

Newcomers light up the tournament

The expanded field brought 16 nations to the World Cup for the first time or after long absences, and few genuinely embarrassed themselves. Curaçao's equaliser against Germany became one of the moments of the group stage. Jordan bowed out with three defeats but scored in every game, including against holders Argentina. Cape Verde went through unbeaten and will now face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the round of 32 — a prospect that would have seemed unthinkable to many before the tournament began.

Forty-year-old Vozinha starred for Cape Verde, while 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic announced himself on the global stage for Bosnia-Herzegovina. Giovanni Reyna's trivela, Rafik Belghali's fortunate corner-flag assist, and Kevin Pina's solo brilliance were among the moments that gave the group stage its colour and character.

The golden boot race

Messi ignited the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria and has not slowed since. Four players are chasing him for the Golden Boot: Vinicius Junior, Mousa Dembele, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe — a list that reads like a Ballon d'Or shortlist. Cristiano Ronaldo is also on the scoresheet, though both of his goals came against Uzbekistan. Haaland and Mbappe each bagged two against Iraq, a side that reached the tournament through a circuitous qualifying route via an Asian playoff.

Questions over the format remain

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz did not hold back in his assessment.