From goals, tech to hydration breaks…
Atlanta, July 20: The World Cup final between Spain and defending champion Argentina marks the end of the biggest tournament in the competition’s history. At the final whistle in New Jersey on Sunday, a record 104 games will have been played across almost six weeks and three countries.
The supersized tournament delivered thrilling action, upsets, dramatic comebacks, and standout performances by the game’s biggest stars. It also generated controversy, from political tensions surrounding Iran’s participation to criticism against innovations like hydration breaks, which were unpopular among many fans.
Here are some key takeaways from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
More teams, more drama
A newly expanded 48-team format raised concerns about lopsided matches and a lack of jeopardy in the group stage. Tell that to Cape Verde, Congo, and Curacao, which all made history and won new fans.
Cape Verde held Spain to a draw in its opening game, advanced to the round of 32, and gave Argentina a scare before losing 3-2 in extra time. Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha became a breakout star, gaining millions of social media followers. Congo also advanced beyond the group stage to push England, while Curacao remained in knockout contention until its final group match. FIFA opened its door to more teams, and they proved they could compete.
The big stars delivered
The race for the golden boot became a who’s who of the world’s top players, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham firing on all cylinders.
Mbappe led the way ahead of Sunday’s final with 10 goals in the tournament and a record 22 career World Cup goals. Messi had eight at this World Cup and 21 in total. Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t lead Portugal to success in his final World Cup, while Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal had to work his way into the tournament after overcoming injury.
Big tech, big complaints
Video reviews (VAR) were at the center of several contentious decisions, ruling out huge goals for Germany, Croatia, and Egypt.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan launched a furious tirade after Argentina staged a spectacular comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the round of 16. Meanwhile, the sensor-fitted high-tech ball cost Croatia a dramatic late equalizer against Portugal in the round of 32 when it detected the slightest touch from Igor Mantanovic, ruling Josko Gvardiol’s goal offside.
Exorbitant ticket prices, but fans still turned up
There were concerns that FIFA’s introduction of dynamic pricing would make tickets unaffordable, with some critics accusing FIFA of a “monumental betrayal.” Official ticket prices ranged from USD 140 to USD 2,735 for group matches and up to USD 8,680 for the final. Following criticism, FIFA offered a selection of USD 60 tickets for participating federations.
FIFA’s resale marketplace also allowed sellers to list tickets massively over face value—including final tickets listed for just under USD 2.3 million—taking a cut of the sales. Yet, fans still turned up in big numbers. After a shaky start with empty seats for South Korea vs. Czech Republic in Guadalajara, stadium after stadium reported full houses.
Hydration breaks
FIFA’s new hydration breaks midway through each half prompted loud jeers from fans and criticism from former players.
Introduced to help players deal with summer heat, FIFA stipulated the breaks would occur regardless of the weather or venue. Coaches used them like timeouts for tactical instructions, while broadcasters used them for commercial breaks. It remains unclear if FIFA will keep them, but the English Football Association indicated they are unlikely to be used for the 2028 European Championship.
Iran show up despite war
The war in the Middle East raised doubts about whether the Iranian team would show up at all. They did, but only after moving their base camp from Arizona to Mexico.
Iran’s participation was overshadowed by visa issues, with the US refusing entry to several delegation members. The Iranians also complained about travel restrictions, including being required to leave the US immediately after each match. When Iran was eliminated in the group stage, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “I’m just glad they’re done and they’re not coming back.” (AP)
