48 Teams Expand, the World Cup Embraces True "Globalization"

This edition of the World Cup has completed a historic expansion, increasing from 32 teams to 48, with 12 groups, 104 matches, and a 39-day marathon schedule. Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao, four teams that have never qualified for the World Cup, achieved their dreams, with players from niche countries stepping onto the biggest stage, and upsets occurring frequently. However, the expansion also sparked significant controversy: issues such as the quality of competition, the intensity of knockout stages, and schedule fatigue. Fans and legends have polarized opinions, making it a hot topic throughout the event.