Before the start of World Cup 2026, football fans worldwide speculated that it would be the worst tournament.
Moreover, their concerns were based on valid reasons.
The biggest difference between this event and the others was the number of teams participating.
Since 1998, the FIFA World Cup has been known to host a 32-team tournament. However, this year, that number jumped to 48.
The increase would lead to more games to watch in World Cup 2026.
However, this change ironically upset fans.
Most high-caliber players were coming off the end of their seasons.
Nobody wanted to watch their favorite players compete through exhaustion and at the risk of injuries.
This tournament was also the first to be hosted in multiple countries, which many found illogical.
Games were scheduled at 16 stadiums spanning across Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America.
This forced spectators to the airlines if they wanted to catch multiple games. Not only would it be more costly than ever for fans across the world to attend, but it would also add to the complications and fees of obtaining documentation, such as visas, for the respective host nations.
Players’ recovery time and rest in between games were also affected by the required travel.
The love for the game overcame the perceived shortcomings of the World Cup as soon as the first game began with South Africa and Mexico kicking it off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Once the group stage games advanced to the knockout rounds, an intensity ensued.
Round of 32
Paraguay pushed Germany deep into the game, past extra time, and put them away in penalties to the surprise of many.
The Senegal and Congo teams were a major letdown for their fans, with both seemingly clear to advance to the round of 16 but letting go of the reins at the last minute.
Belgium, down 2 goals to Senegal for nearly the entire match, began an ambitious comeback with a goal at the 86th minute and an equalizer at the 89th.
The dagger came 5 minutes into the added minutes of extra time, just before the game could proceed to penalties.
An unfortunate loss for the Lions of Teranga.
The highlight of the entire tournament came from this round as the former champions, Argentina, faced a first-time World Cup competitor, Cape Verde.
They were stepping up to the plate with an unbeaten record in the group stage and a clean sheet against a very robust Spain team.
The pace of the game increased when Argentine captain Leo Messi put one away early in the 29th minute. A response came early in the 2nd half, which pushed both teams into extra time.
When Argentina scored two minutes after the start of extra time, the world thought that Lisandro Martinez’s shot had finally put the newcomers to bed.
Up until Sidney Cabral from Cape Verde sent the ball curling into the top right corner of the net, leveling the score.
A goal later deemed as the Goal of the Tournament.
The world was on its toes, wondering if maybe the first-timers would walk off the pitch, advancing over the defending champions.
Cape Verde’s demise came from a corner kick, a header that put the ball in the goal, out of the goalkeeper’s reach.
They left the stadium with heads held high, their outstanding performance firmly set in the hearts of many for their determination.
Round of 16
The 2nd round of knockouts introduced new challenges to the survivors of the round of 32.
Tougher competition and a step closer to glory.
But in the world of sports, who would have thought that politics would be at the center of discussion?
President of the United States, Donald Trump, contacted FIFA after American star striker Folarin Balogun was shown a red card in the previous round against Bosnia.
By the global rules of soccer or football, governing bodies are required to immediately eject the player and issue a match suspension for the following fixture.
So it came as a shock when Balogun was cleared to play in the match against Belgium.
FIFA suspended Balogun’s red card ban, which caused global backlash.
European football governing body, UEFA, strongly criticized the move, and even the Royal Belgian Football Association formally challenged the call.
FIFA maintained its position. But when the match started, Belgium proved itself the better team, netting four goals against USA’s one.
Paraguay vs France was an aggressive match, full of vigor.
The odds favored the French to win it all, but Paraguay proved they needed to earn it.
The French matched the Paraguayans’ intensity and snatched the game after Kylian Mbappe scored on an awarded penalty.
Finals
Spain and Argentina remained as the last teams standing.
Both teams battled it out in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Spaniards played at an advantage after Argentina were issued a red card, and they cashed in 16 minutes after overtime.
The goal was enough to beat the former champions and earn them the title of World Cup Champions.
This tournament brought many cultures and fans together, created memorable moments and performances that won’t be forgotten for years to come.
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