Drink in the jeopardy of the World Cup playoffs, it's the last we'll get for a while | Jonathan Wilson

"The final qualifiers in November were thrilling and meaningful: Troy Parrott's hat-trick, Scotland scoring two absurdly good goals, and DR Congo beating Nigeria on penalties showcased the excitement of the qualifying rounds."

"The 32-team format, with eight groups of four, was perfect as almost every game mattered, providing jeopardy and opportunities for redemption if a side slipped up."

"The expansion to 12 groups of four with the top two plus eight third-place sides to qualify destroys the excitement, as one win will almost certainly ensure progression."

The final round of World Cup qualifying games tends to be more thrilling than early tournament matches. The 2026 edition will feature 32 teams progressing from the group stage to knockout rounds. Recent qualifiers showcased exciting moments, but friendlies lack intensity. The new format of 12 groups may diminish the significance of matches, as teams could progress with fewer wins. The expansion leads to more games but less jeopardy, potentially impacting the overall excitement of the tournament.

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