{"id":13854,"date":"2026-06-16T10:15:15","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T03:15:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/?p=13854"},"modified":"2026-06-16T10:15:17","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T03:15:17","slug":"for-countries-contesting-the-fifa-world-cup-size-doesnt-always-mean-goals-and-glory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/for-countries-contesting-the-fifa-world-cup-size-doesnt-always-mean-goals-and-glory\/","title":{"rendered":"For countries contesting the FIFA World Cup, size doesn\u2019t always mean goals and\u00a0glory"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Rodrigo Oropeza\/Getty Images<\/em><\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The planet\u2019s biggest sporting event \u2013 the FIFA Men\u2019s World Cup \u2013 is now underway, drawing a television audience of billions and a stadium audience of millions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no shortage of other impressive statistics to illustrate the scale of the tournament\u2019s 23rd edition. A record 48 teams have begun playing 108 matches across 16 venues in three North American countries, competing for a record prize pool of nearly US$900 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For demographers, a look at the competing countries also offers a snapshot of a world undergoing profound change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it raises an intriguing question: how much do factors such as a country\u2019s population size and age alone weigh on chances of success?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why size isn\u2019t everything<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The spread of countries represented this year is remarkable, as is the age range of talent taking to the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Portugal\u2019s Cristiano Ronaldo is still competing at 41, while Spain\u2019s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal arrives as one of the game\u2019s brightest young stars after helping his country win the European Championship in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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