​Expansion. A word many American sports fans do not like to hear.The National Collegiate Athletic Association announced on May 7 that the 2027 NCAA Basketball Tournament, better known as March Madness, will expand for what will be the first time in 16 years, when it introduced the First Four in 2011.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTo some, the announcement was welcomed as another opportunity to watch even more basketball. But to others, the 76-team field is a farce.Norway head coach Stale Solbakken, at left, and the players thank the fans at the end of the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 11, 2026. | Rebecca BlackwellFor the World Cup, however, pushback against the 48-team expansion diminished after watching its first rendition play out. The expanded event opened the door to new teams, allowed fans to experience different cultures across a greater variety of geographical locations and, of course, put more money in FIFA’s pockets.Many argued before the tournament began that the greater team field would dilute group play, allowing for mulligans and removing the “jeopardy” of the group stage, making it easier for powerhouses like Argentina and England to reach the knockout stage. But the world still watched. The additional teams even provided plenty of fresh storylines as they got their moment to shine.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOne team capturing everyone’s hearts was Cape Verde.Argentina’s Lionel Messi (10), center, reacts after the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. | Rebecca BlackwellThe island country would have likely been eliminated in a 32-team group stage since groups would have been more difficult, making three ties a greater feat. However, the country advanced and challenged Argentina, taking the powerhouse to the final minutes of extra time in the opening knockout round.The near upset might have never happened if not for expansion.FIFA President Gianni Infantino pointed to the African countries as a whole to demonstrate how expansion strengthened soccer worldwide.“Teams from every continent scored goals and earned at least one point,” he said concerning another potential expansion to 64 teams. “Nine out of 10 African teams reached the knockout stage. At the last World Cup, there were only five teams from Africa. That just goes to show how important it is to include all teams, to give them this opportunity to participate,” per Al Jazeera.Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (23) makes a save against Cape Verde’s Gilson Benchimol (9) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami Gardens, Fla., Friday, July 3, 2026. | George Walker IV“If you don’t give smaller countries a chance to participate in the World Cup, they’ll lack the incentive to keep improving.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPerhaps there ar