The 2026 tournament delivered a champion, a few surprises, and a long list of lessons for football’s future.
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time on Sunday, lifting the trophy in front of a packed crowd in New Jersey. The final capped a month-long tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – the first World Cup ever split across three countries.
What stood out:
The expanded 48-team format brought more goals and more matches, but the final four still belonged to the usual powerhouses: Argentina, Spain, France, and England.
Still, there was magic from the underdogs. Cape Verde stunned fans by holding Spain and Uruguay to draws and pushing Argentina into extra time. Norway’s “Viking row” carried them to their first-ever quarterfinal.
Pre-tournament fears about U.S. visas and gun violence largely faded. Instead, social media lit up with what fans nicknamed the “Great American Sleepover” – visiting supporters bonding with locals over everything from bagpipes to endless soda refills.
Canada’s run to the round of 16 hinted at real growth for the sport there. Mexico’s home crowds were electric, though a historic win triggered fatal crowd crushes that killed four people.
The U.S. team exited at the same stage as usual, even after a Trump-related red card controversy grabbed headlines.
Ticket prices drew sharp criticism, with many saying the World Cup is becoming a luxury only wealthy fans can afford. Meanwhile, hydration breaks and a halftime show sparked debate over how “American” football is becoming, though coaches quickly turned the breaks into tactical tools.
What’s next: Expect FIFA to weigh cost complaints and format tweaks before the next cycle begins.
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Source: Reuters
