If one thing defines this World Cup, it's that it refused to follow the script. The 48-team format didn't just add numbers — it gave underdogs the stage. Here are the standout shocks of the group stage.
1. Cape Verde stop Spain's machine
On their World Cup debut, Cape Verde took a point off the European champions with a 0-0 draw, then drew 2-2 with Uruguay. A statement of arrival. (OneFootball)
2. South Africa — from bottom to history
Bafana Bafana started the final day fourth and ended it in the knockouts for the first time in decades, thanks to Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike past South Korea.
3. Australia silence the dark horses
Türkiye were many people's tip to go deep; Australia beat them 2-0 — discipline over names.
4. A day of all draws
One group-stage day saw all four games drawn — the most since 1958 — with 85th-ranked New Zealand twice coming back to draw 2-2 with Iran.
The common thread? The "big" teams no longer guarantee a result just by showing up. Which shock surprised you most? Stay with Malaab Al-An.