The 2026 World Cup wrapped up on Sunday, July 20, with Spain crowned champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at a packed stadium in New York, New Jersey.

The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featured a new expanded format of 48 teams, resulting in more matches, goals, and records broken. Despite the expansion, the semi-finals were dominated by FIFA's top four ranked teams: Argentina, Spain, France, and England.

Among the standout stories were fairytale runs by debutants Cape Verde and Norway. Cape Verde captured fans' hearts by holding Spain and Uruguay to draws and pushing Argentina into extra time. Norway reached the quarter-finals for the first time, entertaining audiences with their "Viking row."

Men's soccer in co-host Canada showed signs of growth, with the national team reaching the last 16 for the first time, signaling increased investment and record crowds at games. However, Mexico's first World Cup knockout win in 40 years was marred by tragedy, as celebrations led to four deaths in crowd crushes, with little evidence of long-term economic benefits.

U.S. fans expressed frustration over their team's exit in the round of 16. The controversial intervention by former President Trump to suspend a red card for the team's leading striker had little impact on the outcome.

The tournament also saw some Americanisation of football traditions, including hydration breaks and a halftime show during the final, which caused dissatisfaction among some fans.

Sources