Kolkata, June 29 -- Squashing apprehension that the first expanded 48-team event might dilute the quality of football, the 2026 World Cup has produced one of the most tactically exciting and unpredictable group stages in recent memory. By the time the final whistle was blown on the group phase on Sunday (IST), several pre-tournament predictions had been proved wrong. Heavyweights survived, but not always comfortably as the unfancied teams kept punching above their weight. France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina, England and Netherlands progressed to the round of 32, but not without some anxious phases. Germany were upset by Ecuador, Brazil were held by Morocco, and England were made to sweat in a 0-0 draw with Ghana. Having advanced from the group...