With breathtaking goals, heart-stopping comebacks and nail-biting finishes, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already etched its name into football history. As the tournament reaches its climax with the quarter-finals just days away, eight teams remain in contention, each vying for a place in the ultimate showdown.

This year’s edition is unlike any before—expanded to include 48 nations and hosted across three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It’s not just the biggest tournament in football’s history; it’s also one of the most electrifying.

But is it the greatest World Cup ever?

Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and World Cups carry different meanings for different fans. For some, their first-ever tournament is unforgettable. For others, the magic comes from watching their nation defy the odds. Yet, when it comes to pure spectacle on the pitch, the numbers tell a compelling story.

This tournament has shattered records. Across 104 matches played so far, 280 goals have been scored—a staggering average of 2.92 goals per game. That’s the highest since the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where 95 goals were netted in 32 matches, averaging 2.97 per game.

For comparison, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar averaged 2.69 goals per match, while the 2018 edition in Russia saw 2.64. The highest-scoring game this year was Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Curaçao, but the entertainment didn’t stop there. Seven other matches produced six goals each, while thirteen games featured five goals.

Offensive football has been the hallmark of this tournament. 74.6% of all goals were scored in open play, one of the highest percentages in World Cup history. Penalties accounted for just 5% of goals—the lowest ever recorded.

Matches brimming with drama and unforgettable moments

The sheer drama unfolding in stadiums across North America has been unmatched. Of the 24 knockout-stage matches played, eight were decided by a goal scored after the 85th minute. Argentina’s dramatic extra-time victory over Cape Verde—despite trailing late in the match—sent shockwaves through the competition. Four games were decided on penalties, adding another layer of tension.

The late drama reached a new peak when Enzo Fernández scored in the 90th minute to seal Argentina’s win over Egypt—a record 10th goal scored in the 90th minute or later during the tournament.

July alone has delivered at least three iconic matches. Belgium, Argentina and England each pulled off stunning comebacks from two-goal deficits—something last seen in 1970 when multiple teams achieved the same feat in a single tournament. England’s victory came despite playing over 40 minutes a man down, battling not just the opposition, but the roaring atmosphere of Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.

The competition has also seen eight goalless draws—another record. Far from being a sign of weakness, these results highlight the growing parity among teams, making every match unpredictable.

Fans deliver a World Cup atmosphere like no other

Early concerns about empty stadiums due to exorbitant ticket prices and travel costs melted away as fans from every corner of the globe made their way to North America. Despite logistical challenges, the FIFA reported a staggering 99.7% stadium occupancy rate—over 4.4 million spectators during the group stage alone, rising to 6.2 million after the knockout rounds.

The average attendance per match stands at over 65,000—second only to the 1994 World Cup in the United States, which averaged just under 69,000 per game. These aren’t just numbers; they’re a testament to the global passion for football.

The world’s biggest stars have also been in scintillating form. The race for the Golden Boot is tighter than ever: Argentina’s Lionel Messi leads with eight goals, while France’s Kylian Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland each have seven. England’s Harry Kane rounds out the top four with six. It’s the first time in World Cup history that three players have scored seven or more goals in a single tournament.

The expanded format has not led to one-sided encounters. Instead, smaller nations have written some of the tournament’s most inspiring chapters. The Caribbean island of Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, recovered from a heavy 7-1 loss to Germany to hold Ecuador to a draw. Qatar, despite a 6-0 defeat to Canada, fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against Switzerland, a quarter-finalist.

Then there’s Cape Verde—a true fairy tale. With veteran goalkeeper Vozinha, now 40, between the posts, they held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws in the group stage before nearly knocking out Argentina in the Round of 16, ultimately falling 3-2 in extra time.

Controversies and challenges overshadow some bright moments

No tournament is without its shadows. Sky-high costs for tickets, hotels and transport placed a heavy burden on supporters, straining budgets and forcing many to make tough choices. Hydration breaks, introduced for player welfare in extreme heat, drew mixed reactions—welcomed in sweltering conditions but booed during cooler, indoor matches.

The extended schedule—spanning nearly six weeks from June 11 to July 19—has raised concerns about player fatigue, especially with domestic leagues set to resume just over a month after the final. Questions about refereeing standards and the impact of fixture congestion have also sparked debate.

The most contentious issue, however, was the overturning of a red card issued to American striker Folarin Balogun during the Round of 16 clash with Bosnia-Herzegovina. Reports later confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump had personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the suspension. FIFA ultimately applied Article 27 of its disciplinary code, allowing Balogun to play in the next match despite the red card. Balogun became only the second player in World Cup history to avoid suspension after a red card—Garrincha in 1962—with the latter’s case also marred by political interference allegations.

UEFA, Belgium’s coaching staff and England manager Thomas Tuchel were among those who criticized the decision. Belgian players later admitted it had motivated them on the pitch.

Can this World Cup deliver a legendary finale?

As the quarter-finals approach, the stage is set for a spectacular climax. With the world’s top four ranked teams—Argentina, Spain, France and England—all still in the hunt, the potential for unforgettable matches has never been greater.

The memories of past tournaments remind us that even the most thrilling group stages can be overshadowed by a disappointing final. Italy 1990 and USA 1994 suffered from drab deciders, while Qatar 2022 redeemed its group-stage struggles with a pulsating final.

But with so much talent, drama and unpredictability still on display, the 2026 World Cup is already a strong contender for the greatest edition in history. And whether it reaches that peak or not, one thing is certain: it will be remembered for years to come.