And just like that, the 2026 World Cup is over. After 308 goals were scored during 104 matches in 16 host cities across three countries, it was Spain that lifted the trophy.
And while the final wasn’t exactly one for the neutral, it was fitting that the best team in the tournament won in the end.
But while La Roja supporters around the world celebrated the country’s second title (Spanish editor’s note: my headache and I can confirm this occurred in North London), everyone else was left reflecting on an emotional, record-breaking, superstar-studded edition of the tournament.
For years, there were so many concerns around this World Cup. Would it be safe? Would the locals care? Would it be a waste of money? And while those critics were proved right at times, the 2026 edition can still be considered a resounding success.
And that’s not down to the politicians or governing bodies; it’s down to the millions of fans who flocked to North America to party with one another. It’s down to the superstars who turned up and performed at the highest level and to the tournament minnows who punched well above their weight.
So, in our last World Cup edition of this newsletter, it only feels right to remember some of the most magical moments.
The Main Thing: And the award goes to…
Before Spain got its hands on the main trophy, there were also several individual awards handed out at the end of yesterday’s final.
France’s Kylian Mbappé was named the winner of the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals – becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer in the process. Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí was named the best young player, Unai Simón was awarded the Golden Glove for best goalkeeper and midfielder Rodri won the Golden Ball for player of the tournament.
But while those official awards have already been decided, we at The Beautiful Game wanted to recognize some of our own winners. Treat this as CNN’s World Cup Oscars.
You may disagree with some decisions, but that’s OK because I’m quite tired.
Best Game
Sorry, Spain fans, but it certainly wasn’t the final. Fortunately, though, we were treated to some incredible soccer matches over the past month and change.
The first game that springs to my mind is England's heroic effort against Mexico in the Estadio Azteca. Down to 10 men, fighting altitude and fervent home support, the Three Lions somehow clung on against the co-host to reach the quarterfinals.
We then had the likes of Cape Verde drawing against Uruguay, 2-2, and then the Blue Sharks again pushing defending champion Argentina to extra-time in the Round of 32.
But, on balance, I think we’re given this to the Albiceleste’s 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16. It had everything. Controversy galore, brilliant goals and a Lionel Messi-shaped miracle comeback.
At least you won something, Argentina fans…
This is usually a hard category to decide, but I actually think it’s quite simple this year. The award goes to Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral for his wondergoal against the Albiceleste in the knockout stages.
There are a few reasons why this was so special. First, the strike itself was superb. He first beat his marker out wide before cutting in and bending his effort into the top corner of the net.
Then consider the context. The goal was in extra-time against Messi’s Argentina. All of a sudden, Cape Verde fans started to believe in miracles.
And then there was his celebration. Cabral was so excited that he ran into the crowd looking for someone he knew to celebrate with. It was an iconic moment that will be remembered for quite some time.
Biggest Upset
This one has caused some debate within the team. Not to keep banging on about Cape Verde, but not many expected the tiny island nation to play so well, so most of its results look like upsets on paper.
Then you have Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever play in the competition, who managed to hold onto a draw against Ecuador in the group stages.
But after much deliberation, I’m giving this to Paraguay for beating Germany in the Round of 32. Now I know the Germans are struggling a bit with their current crop of players, but they definitely should have beaten Paraguay on paper alone.
The South Americans, though, somehow went ahead in the match and relied on a fighting spirit to restrict Germany to only one goal in reply. After defending that draw with their life, the Albirroja then beat the European powerhouse on penalties (something that very few have done before).
Quote of the Day
These are the words from goalscorer Ferrán Torres, who won the final for his country after scoring the only goal of the game.
Torres, 26, said he felt the entire population of Spain behind him as he lashed his extra-time effort into the back of the net and it couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person.
Torres – one of Barcelona’s key men up front – had been having an awful tournament, missing a plethora of chances throughout the campaign and being benched after starting against Cape Verde. The Barça attacker came through in the clutch, bringing joy to an entire nation that had almost abandoned him.
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