World Cup honeymoon ends for Pochettino and USA. Now the real work begins

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is currently progressing, with the intensely competitive group stage nearing its conclusion as teams vie for spots in the impending knockout rounds. For the co-host United States, the initial phase of the tournament is transitioning into more demanding challenges, signaling that the "real work" of the World Cup has truly begun. The Round of 32 is set to commence on June 28 or 29, shifting the competition to a single-elimination format.

Throughout the group stage, several underdog teams have delivered strong performances, with nations such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, and DR Congo notably securing surprising ties against favored opponents and, in some cases, advancing to the knockout stage. Meanwhile, major footballing powers have largely secured their places in the next phase, preparing for the heightened stakes of direct elimination matches where every game is decisive.

Beyond the on-field action, the tournament has been accompanied by various off-field discussions. These include ongoing debates surrounding future World Cup hosting bids, concerns over ticketing arrangements, and controversial aspects such as visa issues impacting players and officials. The potential for politically charged moments, including possible controversies around the trophy presentation, also remains a topic of conversation.