The ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup has surpassed expectations despite controversies surrounding officiating decisions and a string of surprising results, FIFA-licensed football agent Drew Uyi has said.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, Uyi praised the quality of the tournament and said the expanded 48-team format had strengthened rather than weakened the competition.

According to him, more nations have become genuinely competitive, making the tournament more unpredictable and exciting while challenging the dominance of traditional football powers.

He noted that the championship has once again highlighted football’s global appeal, with co-hosts the United States, Canada and Mexico providing an atmosphere befitting the world’s biggest football event.

Despite the positives, Uyi expressed concern over what he described as inconsistent officiating, particularly in the application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), saying several decisions had continued to generate debate throughout the tournament.

He described Brazil’s early elimination as one of the biggest shocks of the competition, noting that football reputation alone was no longer enough to guarantee success on the world stage.

Uyi also identified Norway as the tournament’s surprise package, attributing the team’s impressive run to tactical discipline, physical intensity and the influence of its world-class players.

Among the standout performers, he singled out Spain’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, whose impressive displays have further elevated his profile in global football.

“Performing consistently at the World Cup not only confirms a player’s quality but also strengthens his commercial appeal, leadership profile and overall market value,” Uyi said.

On Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the tournament, the football agent urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritise long-term planning and development rather than relying solely on the country’s vast football talent.

He stressed the need for sustained investment in grassroots football, coaching education, sports science and the adoption of a unified football philosophy across all national teams.

Looking ahead to the closing stages of the tournament, Uyi tipped France to emerge champions, citing the team’s blend of experienced stars, exciting young talents, tactical flexibility and squad depth.

While acknowledging Spain’s impressive performances throughout the competition, he maintained that France’s experience in winning major international tournaments could prove decisive in the race for the coveted trophy.