Report - Ahmed Salem:
Perhaps the final whistle crowned Spain World champion, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup will remain in people's minds for reasons that go beyond just lifting the championship trophy.
Lionel Messi's emotional farewell, unexpected team surprises, visa disputes, and politics – all these scenes unfolded in the biggest event in the world of football, etching unforgettable moments on and off the field into sporting history. Here are 7 scenes from the story that shaped the tournament, in the following report:
Spain returns to the top
The Spanish national team achieved its second Men's World Cup title after defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final match.
Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, while Rodri won the Player of the Tournament award after leading Spain's midfield throughout the outstanding tournament.
The Spanish national team won its first title in 2010, in the World Cup held in South Africa, after defeating the Netherlands team by a single goal.
Messi's final chapter in the World Cup
For Argentina, this defeat represented what many expected to be Lionel Messi's final appearance in the World Cup.
At the age of thirty-nine, the Argentine captain led his country once again to the final, thus achieving another remarkable chapter in one of the greatest football careers.
Frenchman Kylian Mbappe also finished the tournament as top scorer with 10 goals, further cementing his place among the game's biggest stars.
A new era featuring 48 teams
The 2026 edition also witnessed a historic event, as it was the first World Cup tournament to include 48 teams.
Although some questioned the expanded system before the start of the tournament, it provided more knockout matches, new competitions, and opportunities for countries to achieve their greatest accomplishments on the biggest football stage.
The underdogs are rewriting the script.
Among those surprising stories, Cape Verde stood out, whose run to the knockout stages captured the hearts of fans around the world.
Morocco also confirmed Africa’s growing strength by reaching the World Cup quarter-finals once again, proving that its historic participation in 2022 was no fluke.
While the tournament witnessed many surprises, Norway surprised Brazil, the five-time champion, while Germany bid farewell to the tournament early after losing to Paraguay in a thrilling penalty shootout.
As for England, they put on one of their best performances in the tournament in decades, finishing third after an enjoyable run that reached the semi-finals.
Politics takes center stage
But away from the pitch, football has often shared the spotlight with politics.
Visa restrictions became one of the biggest controversial issues of the tournament, as many fans, especially from African, Caribbean and Asian countries, were unable to enter the United States despite having match tickets.
This issue has drawn criticism from fans, football officials and human rights organizations, raising questions about whether the world's biggest sporting event is truly accessible to everyone.
The tournament also sparked wider discussions about immigration and border policies, especially since the United States co-hosted the competition along with Canada and Mexico.
Football meets entertainment
The final match witnessed another unique event, as the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) presented an entertainment show similar to the Super Bowl shows.
While some welcomed the offer, others saw it as changing the nature of the biggest game in football, and reflecting the increasing commercialization of the sport.
Fans also complained about high ticket prices and exorbitant travel and accommodation costs, making the tournament one of the most expensive World Cups to attend.
Controversy extending beyond the match result
The competition was not without controversy either, as several decisions by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology sparked a division of opinions, while reports of racist abuse targeting players revived concerns about discrimination in football.
Despite those debates, the tournament attracted record crowds across North America and demonstrated the growing global reach of soccer.
An unforgettable World Cup
Ultimately, the 2026 World Cup will often be remembered, as much for the debates it sparked, and for football itself.
Spain's victory, Messi's departure, the emergence of new football teams, and the controversy that arose off the field, all combined to make this tournament one of the most controversial World Cup tournaments in modern history.
