Is this the greatest show on Earth? Across 56 matches over 17 days, the QatarA small country on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia. Like its larger neighbour, it has experienced rapid economic development but maintained strict conservative religious codes. World Cup has thrilled fans across the globe. The quarter-finals begin today, as the last eight teams square up.

What a ride it has been. Celebrated veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo¹ are back for a final try. A new generation of talent has shined, such as France's 23-year-old Kylian Mbappe and England's 19-year-old Jude Bellingham. There have been thrilling moments, such as RicharlisonA Brazilian football player known only by his first name. 's acrobatic goal against Serbia. 

And there have been huge shocks. Spain were knocked out by underdogs Morocco, who could become the first African team to reach the semi-finals. Journalist Francis Mead writes: "I've been watching World Cups since 1966 and I think this is the most exciting and entertaining one I've seen."

FIFAThe Federation Internationale de Football Association is the world's highest governing body of association football. president Gianni Infantino agrees. On Wednesday, he called the group stage the "best ever". He continued: "Football is really becoming truly global."

He is surely right. Only the OlympicsA major international multi-sport event held every four years. rival the World Cup for audience. The last tournament on TV was watched by 3.57 billion people - almost half the entire population of the world. Numbers this year are poised to be even bigger.

Yet others claim this success hides a less exciting reality.  Football writer Daniel Harris is more damning: Qatar has "no team likely to do anything new, no all-time great side and no all-time great player at his peak".

The tournament has yet to offer a defining moment, to be remembered for years to come. These have come in all shapes and forms, from Diego MaradonaAn Argentine football player and manager.'s 1986 winning goal² to Zinedine Zidane's disgraceful head-butt in 2006. With seven important games left, time is running out.

Besides, this World Cup is a tiny blip compared to the great sporting events of the past. In AD 80, Roman emperor Titus opened the Flavian Amphitheatre³ with 100 days of celebrations. 

GladiatorsAncient Roman fighters who would stage battles and duels for the entertainment of large crowds. Although this is often thought of as a bloody sport, in reality it was quite rare for gladiators to be killed: their aim was to incapacitate their opponent. fought for their lives and exotic animals faced off.⁴ The arena was even filled with water to stage giant boat battles. How can men running after a ball compete?

Yes: Infantino is on target. This year's World Cup has had it all: iconic players at their peaks, great goals and shock upsets. Even the controversial host and winter date make it one to remember. 

No: Not so fast. Everyone might be caught up in football fever now. But there are still three rounds to go. Only when the dust has settled, and we gain a little distance, can we judge it fairly.

Or... This World Cup will make sporting history. But so does every edition. From England's 1970 "save of the century" against Pele to Argentina's extraordinary 1986 run, the tournament rarely disappoints.