Zenith wrote:Matches like these can easily be prevented by draws to determine oppositions in the R16.
Unfortunately FIFA and common sense don't always go hand in hand.
I think the only problem seems to be logistics
They like the fans and players etc to have a plan so they can sort out security/ hotels bases etc
The fact that the last set of group games are over 4 days seems to make it advantages to some and not other
You could have a 5 day rested Uruguay playing a 2 day rested Belgium
I'm sure if it happened in enough games though and TV interest dwindled Fifa would address it
Maybe 3 team groups in 2026 will keep all matchs live to the last set?