- Superstars kept stealing the show — Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and the group stage was full of braces and hat-tricks that kept every match must-see.
- Plenty of new names to drop in conversation — breakout teenagers and surprise playmakers (from Spain, Switzerland, the U.S. and Ecuador among others) announced themselves as future stars.
- The first-ever 48-team group stage served up feel-good moments and shocks — a 40‑year‑old Cape Verde keeper, dramatic comebacks, and unexpected upsets made it extra fun to follow.
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