Bloated World Cup is fun all the same.

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Still 32 teams left in the 2026 World Cup after two full weeks of group matches, the same amount that started it in the 1998 World Cup. FIFA have been greedy of late as the more teams in the main event the more TV and gate money to be calved up. To be fair it hasn't tested the integrity of the competition too much as some nice stories where minnows have made the last 32. We haven't seen that many teams play out draws for both teams to qualify in the last matches, even though Algeria and Austria could have done that to both go through this morning but played out a rip roaring 3-3, Austrias 97th minute injury time leveller needed to keep them in the World Cup. Iran appeared to be unlucky wit a late winner ruled offside but the rules did clear that up about goalkeepers being in front of play so the second defender is no longer passive and become the goalkeeper and plays attackers onside. With three hosts needing to play at home for those countries to prosper it has slightly skewed the draw. The matches have been tweaked to keep them at home, if they qualify. All three did. No big shocks for teams being knocked out yet although the always tempramental Uruguayans lost their heads and did go home. The favourites all won their groups, England the least impressive. Argentina and France look likely winners. England will play the Congo. I'm happy with that. The top strikers have also excelled, Messi, Kane, Mbappe and Vinicius Jnr. Goals per game has been high and draws have been low. in the old days you could not afford to lose your first game so often cagey draws. With 8 third place teams going through alongside the top two that was out of the window as if you took 4 points in your first two games you were through anyway, not much jeopardy.