The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico proved to be a resounding success, despite numerous controversies, demonstrating football's remarkable ability to overcome all ills.
Expansion and Controversies
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams risked making the tournament tedious, but it ultimately delivered drama. However, FIFA's decision to replace goal difference with head-to-head as the first tiebreaker was widely criticized as a mistake. Ticket prices were a scandal, with many listed on resale sites for over £10,000 and the average attendee at the final paying $11,327. One ticket was listed at $11.5 million. FIFA president Gianni Infantino's tone-deaf joke about personally bringing a Coke to a $2 million ticket buyer highlighted the disconnect.
Political Interference
The tournament faced integrity challenges when a FIFA disciplinary panel overruled a red card suspension for US star Folarin Balogun after President Trump boasted about his White House phone call. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, said the US wanted fairness "especially when you consider all the federal dollars we laid out for this." Critics included UEFA, the Belgian FA, and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Memorable Moments
Despite the issues, the football was outstanding. Four debutant teams all scored, and Curacao became the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup. Nine of ten African nations reached the knockouts, with Cape Verde's run being the best story of the tournament. Their 40-year-old free-agent goalkeeper Vozinha amassed millions of social media followers. Memorable games included Argentina's 3-2 wins over Cape Verde and Egypt, and England's victories over Mexico (3-2) and France (6-4 in the bronze final).
Stars Shine
Lionel Messi, at 39, tallied eight goals and four assists in his final World Cup. Other stars like Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Rodri all delivered. Spain emerged as deserving champions after 47 teams fell.
Conclusion
From a purely footballing standpoint, it was arguably the greatest World Cup in history, proving that good football can cure all ills. By hook and quite probably crook, it was a good World Cup.
