The World Cup's Unintended Consequences: Bigger, Older, and Weaker The 2026 World Cup has left a lasting impact on the sport, but its true legacy extends beyond Spain's triumphant team.
As we reflect on record breaking goals, lopsided matches, and unprecedented travel demands, it becomes clear that this tournament exposed deeper fissures in the global football ecosystem.
A widening gap between teams' quality is one of the most striking trends to emerge from the data.