What's happening at the World Cup is not normal

The 2026 World Cup is proving to be an extraordinary tournament, marked by the exceptional dominance of its biggest stars. Renowned journalist Oliver Kay, writing for The Athletic, observes that unlike in previous World Cups where immense pressure often weighed down legendary players, the current edition sees stars not just participating but dictating the game.

Historically, the World Cup has been a stage where reputations could be shattered. Players like Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, or even a younger Lionel Messi have felt the crushing weight of expectation. Kay contrasts this with the 2026 tournament, where stars are performing freely. He recalls players like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Frank Lampard, who struggled on the World Cup stage due to pressure and physical or mental exhaustion after grueling club seasons.

This year's tournament is a spectacle of individual brilliance. Messi and Kylian Mbappé are leading the race for the Golden Boot with six goals each, closely followed by Harry Kane and Erling Haaland with five. Other stars like Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior, and even Ronaldo have found the net. Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham, Mohamed Salah, and Luis Díaz have also scored, while Michael Olise, despite not scoring, has contributed five assists and is playing exceptionally well.

Kay points to the increased scoring rate in the tournament, partly due to the expanded format, but emphasizes that goals are being scored against all types of opponents, not just weaker ones. A key factor, he suggests, is the significant progress in sports science, nutrition, and physical conditioning. Players are arriving at the World Cup less exhausted and more prepared to perform at their highest level from the very first match, a stark contrast to the fatigue often seen in past tournaments.

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To je ono što ovo ljetno Svjetsko prvenstvo čini tako neobičnim. Najveće zvijezde igre nisu samo došle na zabavu; one su njome dominirale