Spain Cruise Past Saudi Arabia 4-0 but World Cup Expansion Sparks Debate

Spain defeated Saudi Arabia 4-0 at the expanded FIFA World Cup, but the result has reignited debate about whether the tournament's enlarged format is good for the sport. After two matches against significantly weaker opponents, Spain have collected four points, a 4-0 goal difference, and are nearly certain to advance to the knockout rounds — even if they finish third in their group. That safety net exists because the tournament now features 48 national teams divided into 12 groups, with the eight best third-placed sides also progressing. Critics argue this format dilutes competition, as top sides like Spain face little meaningful challenge in the group stage, while weaker teams such as Saudi Arabia benefit from guaranteed exposure on the global stage. The debate touches on broader questions about whether FIFA's expansion of the World Cup — which grew from 32 teams to 48 starting with this edition — prioritizes commercial interests over sporting quality.