With the tournament reaching the Round of 16, Phelan stressed that the margin for error has disappeared and only teams capable of handling the pressure will progress.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a do-or-die situation now. The top players have to show that winning mentality individually and collectively because there\u2019s no margin for mistakes. A lapse of concentration can cost you,\u201d said Phelan, who is part of expert panel in Zee5 FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Among the leading contenders, Phelan feels France have quietly built momentum despite attracting less attention than some of the tournament favourites.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFrance have gone under the radar. Everyone is talking about England, Spain, Portugal and Argentina, but France have been doing things the right way. They could surprise a lot of people,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The knockout phase has also intensified the race for the Golden Boot, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo all aiming to inspire their respective nations into the quarter-finals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis is why you pay the big money for top strikers. They keep delivering on the biggest stage, and it\u2019s wonderful to see them competing for the Golden Boot,\u201d Phelan added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
One of the standout Round of 16 fixtures will see Portugal take on Spain, with Cristiano Ronaldo continuing his pursuit of a maiden FIFA World Cup title. With Lionel Messi also leading Argentina\u2019s campaign, Phelan urged fans to cherish the legendary rivalry between the two football icons. However, Phelan urged the fans to enjoy one of the greatest rivalries of football while they can.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cLet\u2019s enjoy them while we can. The debate will always continue, but if one of them lifts the World Cup, it\u2019ll only add another chapter to their incredible rivalry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Phelan also underlined the growing importance of defensive discipline in the knockout rounds, where even a momentary lapse can decide a contest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cConcentration is everything in knockout football. It only takes a second for the ball to end up in the back of the net, so defenders have to stay switched on from the first whistle to the last,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the presence of several strong contenders, Phelan believes defending champions Argentina remain the team to beat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cArgentina look dominant. They look like gladiators, and they mean business. With Lionel Messi leading them, I think they\u2019re the team everybody has to beat,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Despite the presence of several strong contenders, Phelan believes defending champions Argentina remain the team to beat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u2013IANS<\/p>\r\n\r\n