Legends and Debutants Alike Made FIFA World Cup 2026™ Unforgettable

Written by: Julio Vega

With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ fully in the rearview mirror, the world has returned to its normal flow. 

Stadiums across North America that were once bustling with fans from all corners of the globe have now gone quiet. Downtown squares, restaurants and even the streets themselves, once full of life and colorful vibes from watch parties, have wrapped up the celebrations.

Don’t be sad because it’s over. Take a moment to absorb the fact that, at least for 39 days, the entire world felt united around a simple sport that revolves around one ball, two nets, 22 players and millions — if not billions — of passionate fans.

First things first, congrats to Spain. The reigning European champion has now claimed the sport’s biggest prize, taking down an Argentina team that came back from the brink of elimination multiple times and got within one result of defending its crown from Qatar 2022.

In keeping with the trend of the tournament, Ferran Torres scored a late winner to secure the gold. His left-footed goal will go down in history for La Roja and capped a collection of thrill-inducing strikes from both Spain and the field.

Take your pick on which was the tournament’s most dramatic winner, because frankly, there’s not really a wrong answer. Mikel Merino helped pull Spain over the edge with late strikes against Portugal and Belgium in the latter stages. Lautaro Martínez broke Swiss and English hearts with efforts of his own.

Those goals were often the culmination of a dramatic comeback, like Harry Kane’s brace against Congo DR or a Lionel Messi-inspired turnaround against Egypt. Gabriel Martinelli entered that conversation when he finished the job against Japan. Elsewhere, Jude Bellingham scored twice to lead England to a win over Norway in the quarterfinals.

There were plenty of historic moments worth remembering. Messi broke the tournament’s all-time scoring record before Kylian Mbappé took that same crown for himself. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in six different editions of the event. Michael Olise delivered seven assists for France, the highest tally ever at a single tournament.

Spain’s champion stopper Unai Simon conceded just one effort in eight matches, taking over the record for fewest previously held jointly by three legends: Fabien Barthez, Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas.

There were also a handful of rising stars that made names for themselves. Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi became an attacking sensation. Curaçao’s Eloy Room recorded an incredible 16 saves in 90 minutes vs. Ecuador.

The four FIFA World Cup™ debutantes – Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan – all made their country proud and each checked the box with their first tournament goals. Cape Verde in particular stole the hearts of many, showcasing its captivating play alongside a never-say-die attitude even when facing much stronger teams on paper. Not only did the Blue Sharks go toe-to-toe with both finalists for the tournament, but they did so with a swashbuckling style that defied their status as tournament first-timers.

We’ll forever have the memories of Vozinha — who was named to the official fan-voted Dream XI — pulling off spectacular saves to keep his country in the fight. Sidny Lopes Cabral curled home the effort of a lifetime vs. Argentina, a strike that was nominated for Goal of the Tournament. The entire soccer world will forever remember Cape Verde’s exploits from this summer.

Plenty of other countries had historic and highlight-worthy moments. Congo DR ended a 52-year wait to return to the tournament, and Yoane Wissa emerged as the country’s first-ever scorer. Norway, on its return to the tournament for the first time since 1998, surged all the way to the quarterfinals on the back of Erling Haaland. The towering target man became a fan favorite thanks to his quirky online personality — we can’t not mention his stuffed raccoon and cowboy style — and, of course, clinical scoring. 

Morocco followed up their semifinal charge from 2022 with a trip to the quarterfinals, helping them cement their place as one of the top African sides. Julio Enciso and Paraguay did the seemingly impossible and eliminated Germany via penalty shootout.

Mexico fans embraced the phrase, “¿Y si si?” – roughly translating to “And what if we do?” – as the national team produced a historic showing on home soil with Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez leading the charge. The scenes inside the country’s three stadiums and outside on the streets willing their side forward while also welcoming all foreign fans will live on in our collective memories. 

Jumping to another co-host, Canada will remember this tournament as a spell full of firsts, including a first point, a first win and a first knockout-stage appearance. Things got even better when Stephen Eustáquio bagged the winner vs. South Africa in stoppage time for the country’s first-ever knockout victory.

The United States also had plenty to be proud of. The side scored 11 goals in the tournament, shattering the previous best of seven. Multiple players showed out for the USMNT, including Malik Tillman, who buried a pair of free kicks to become just the second player in tournament history to net two set-piece goals after France’s Bernard Genghini in 1982. How’s that for some trivia?

One of the best things about the FIFA World Cup™ is that just about everybody is allowed to dream big, and for 90 minutes, everything seems possible. And for various points across the tournament, the impossible was within reach and sometimes even came true. Even if just one team came away with the trophy when all was said and done, it’s the hope alone that can bring a team over the line. 

I’ll sign off with a phrase that is often not spoken about out loud but rings especially true in times like these, when seasons and tournaments come to an end: soccer can be cruel. 

Teams put in all this effort into chasing a wild dream. Most of the time, it ends with a loss and a broken heart. Yet, despite this knowledge, players, coaches and all their fans will wipe away their tears and do it all over again in four years. Call it craziness, but if you’re a true fan of the game, you call it unbridled love.

See you all in 2030.