That's true but finals or knockout games sometimes have their own laws to a certain degree. The game between France and Argentina could have also ended differently. There we so many minor things that in the ended went in favor of Argentina, but I do think that they are the deserved winner. France was too passive for too long during that final game.
At the World Cup 2026 I expect a French national team that is more awake and focused on the moment. In 2022 they also slowed down in the game against Morocco where it didn't really look like a typical France game. They were behind or even in all statistics except for goals. Morocco had 62% ball possession and higher passing accuracy. Since we are talking about France here, that is not quite normal.
But with this loss in the back of their heads they are now looking forward to their next chance and avoid the mistakes they made last time.
The World Cup in Qatar it was a watershed (in my opinion)
I could never imagine that a country with Muslim traditions could host an event like the World Cup.
In 2026, I'm almost sure that several national teams will surprise the whole world.
Year after year, countries around the world are taking football seriously as a serious sport.
They are training more, some countries are investing in football and teaching young people and children to practice this sport.
In my life I would never have imagined that Morocco would be able to participate in a World Cup semi-final (I'm not putting it down, but that was something unbelievable)
Germany was easily eliminated and had a poor performance in the 2018 and 2022 cup.
Italy did not participate in the last world cups (2018-2022)
Croatia beating Brazil sensationally (2022)
I will be very curious to know how the 2026 world cup will be!
I have no doubt that we will have several surprises, and I am sure that several teams will be more prepared and evolved in relation to this last world cup that we had.
Indeed, the World Cup in Qatar was a game-changer, quite literally! It shattered stereotypes and paved the way for more inclusivity in football. But wouldn't you agree that the rise of the underdogs is not an isolated incident but part of a global trend? The convergence of technology, improved infrastructure, and strategic investment in football academies worldwide is narrowing the traditional power gap. As a result, countries previously considered "minnows" in football are causing major upsets. Remember Iceland's run in Euro 2016? Unforgettable, wasn't it? Your mention of Morocco and Croatia brings to mind a broader question: Are the glory days of the traditional football powerhouses fading? With Italy's absence and Germany's underperformance, it seems that the playing field is leveling. I reckon the 2026 World Cup could turn out to be the most competitive yet. A football lover's delight, wouldn't you say?