The World Cup's redesigned group stage is facing scrutiny over competitive integrity. According to BBC Sport, eight teams are already eliminated before the final round of matches begins—a situation critics argue undermines the drama of group-stage football. The format changes were meant to increase excitement, but early results have created situations where several sides have nothing left to play for. The question now: have these revisions inadvertently damaged the jeopardy that traditionally makes final group matches compelling?

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