The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially transitioned from a sprawling 48-team festival into a razor-sharp battle of elite heavyweights. The grueling Round of 16 delivered historic comebacks, tectonic upsets, and penalty drama, filtering out all co-hosts and traditional powers like Brazil and Portugal. What remains is a blockbuster quarterfinal field consisting of six European titans, the defending South American world champions, and Africa’s ultimate tournament disruptors. A

But SA took a massive step Let’s be real: on paper, a 46–17 scoreline to New Zealand looks routine. On the field in Exeter , it was...