We're just past the halfway mark of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the action has been nothing short of spectacular. From stunning goals to dramatic upsets, this tournament has delivered moments that will be etched in memory forever. But one of the biggest headlines came not from the pitch, but from a seven-time Super Bowl champion watching from home.
Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to share his bold take on the tournament. While watching Cristiano Ronaldo make history and Portugal dismantle Uzbekistan, Brady posed a simple question to his millions of followers: "Best World Cup ever????"
The post set social media ablaze. While Brady's opinion carries weight in the football world, soccer fans were quick to push back. Many argued that the expanded 48-team format has diluted the quality of play, making the tournament feel less competitive than previous editions.
"The quality of games have been poor because of the expansion. Stars have showed up big time," one user commented. Another added, "No, FIFA increased the team count from 32 to 48, a significant 50% increase. This effectively allowed roughly one non traditional World Cup finalist level team to be added to each group, allowing many more goals and numerous records being broken by stronger teams against the weak position. FIFA really messed up this World Cup."
Not everyone was convinced Brady had the authority to make such a declaration. Some questioned his soccer credentials, with one fan writing, "How many have you watched? Genuinely curious." Others pointed to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa as the gold standard, with one user declaring, "No Sir 2010 World Cup was and will always be the Best Ever !!"
Despite the backlash, Brady isn't alone in his enthusiasm. Across social media, many fans have begrudgingly admitted that this World Cup has exceeded their expectations. The high-scoring matches, the emergence of new stars, and the electric atmosphere in stadiums have won over plenty of skeptics. The tournament has even inspired wild rule change proposals from media personalities like Dave Portnoy.
The on-field drama has been undeniable. With the knockout round set to begin Sunday, the stakes will only get higher. The expanded format may have its critics, but it has also created more opportunities for underdog stories and unforgettable moments. As the tournament heads into its most critical phase, one thing is certain: the debate over whether this is the best World Cup ever is far from settled.
Whether you side with Brady or the naysayers, the 2026 World Cup has already cemented its place in the conversation. And with Harry Kane stepping onto Tom Brady's turf at Gillette Stadium earlier in the tournament, the connections between American football and global soccer have never been more intertwined. Brady may not win this argument, but he's certainly made his opinion very clear.
