Otaku Valley
For the first time, 32 of the 48 teams will advance out of the group stage. This means eight of the twelve 3rd-place teams will make it to the knockouts.
Does this make the group stage less exciting because "everyone makes it"? Or does it create high-stakes drama for those final 3rd-place spots?
Will managers play more conservatively knowing a single win and a decent goal difference almost guarantees advancement?