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 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.
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.
Best Game
Sorry, Spain fans, but it certainly wasn’t the final. Fortunately, 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.
But, on balance, we’re given this to the Albiceleste’s 3-2 comeback against Egypt in the Round of 16.
Best Goal
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.
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 debate within the team. Not to bangmon 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.
Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever play in the competition, who managed to hold onto a draw against Ecuador in the group stages.
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.
A quick break from the awards show to give you a sense of what the World Cup win meant to Spain.
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.
Fans react to Spain winning the World Cup
Spanish supporters filled the streets of Madrid to celebrate the country’s second World Cup title after the team beat Argentina.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the US, meaning his dream tournament came to an end before it even began. Then we had the appalling treatment of the Iranian national team, which had to change training bases at the last minute and then fly between its base in Mexico and the US in order to play its games.
The moment that caused the biggest uproar was the red card decision around USA star Folarin Balogun. mRhe fact that Donald Trump took it upon himself to try to overturn the decision.
It was a stark insight into how those with power see the world. In no way should Trump be getting involved in such a thing, and there is even less reason FIFA should have listened.
No real winners for this category, then.
Biggest Star
And finally, which of the players stood out the most. We have a few contenders for this one.
Messi, of course, was superb and rolled back the years to produce some mesmerizing performances. We then have Mbappé who showed once again why he’s probably the most effective player at international tournaments – there is just something special about his game at World Cups and European Championships.
The Norwegian striker did the business on the pitch. He took his team to the quarterfinals, beating five-time champion Brazil on the way and scoring some big goals. But his larger-than-life personality also endeared him to people across the world, many of whom didn’t even watch the games.
“I’m quite happy with my life,” he said after bowing out of the competition.
Lifetime Achievement
It’s just an excuse to recognize Lionel Messi for everything he has done for soccer and answer the question: Is he now retiring from the international game?
He has nothing left to prove and has won everything he possibly can. He’ll probably take some time to reflect but, yes, there is a chance that’s the last time we see Messi in an Argentina jersey. But we have said that before.
The Argentine is still contracted to play for Inter Miami until 2028, so he’ll honor that and be back on a soccer pitch again soon.
Final Whistle: Game bids farewell…
And just a final note from me as we wrap this newsletter up for the World Cup. There has been so much to talk about, break down and reflect on during this tournament and I hope you got something out of this daily drop.
