Europe-South America Rule the Group Stage as Underdogs Impress at World Cup 2026
Europe and South America dominated the World Cup 2026 group stage, led by France, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, with nine of ten African teams advancing including a Morocco surge. The United States showed promise but depth and injuries were evident, while Lionel Messi led the Golden Boot race and several surprise teams like Cape Verde impressed. Attendance records were smashed despite ticket costs and hydration breaks as 72 of 104 group games wrapped ahead of the knockout phase.