The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States and featuring 48 nations for the first time, has entered the quarter-final stage amid growing discussion over whether it ranks as the best tournament ever staged. While "best" is inherently subjective, BBC Sport argues the on-pitch statistics compare favourably with previous editions, pointing to prolific scoring, frequent late drama, shock results and strong attendances as evidence of an unusually compelling competition.

The tournament has produced 2.92 goals per game, the highest rate since 1970, with 74.6% coming from open play and a record-low 5% from penalties. Late goals have been a defining feature: ten 90th-minute winners (a record) and dramatic comebacks by Belgium and Argentina from two goals down, plus a resilient England win at the Azteca despite going down to ten men. Underdogs such as Cape Verde, Curacao and Qatar have impressed, Fifa reports 99.7% of seats filled at an average of over 65,000 per match, and a four-way Golden Boot race features Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane. However, the article also flags controversies, including very high costs for fans, unpopular hydration breaks and accusations of political interference.