A recap of key events from the 2026 World Cup, ranging from standout player performances and officiating controversies to fan celebrations and team milestones.
Key facts
- •Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot after scoring two goals against England in the third-place playoff.
- •Spain won the World Cup, with midfielder Mikel Merino scoring winning goals in back-to-back knockout games.
- •Curaçao scored its first-ever World Cup goal in a 7-1 loss to Germany.
- •Portugal was eliminated by Spain in the round after Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first knockout goal of the tournament against Croatia.
- •Referee Felix Zwayer collapsed with cramp during the USA-Australia match, requiring assistance from players to stretch.
The 2026 World Cup featured a variety of memorable moments, including Curaçao scoring its first-ever tournament goal against Germany and Spain emerging as the eventual champions. The tournament saw high-scoring performances from stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, while off-pitch incidents involving fans, officiating, and team logistics drew significant attention.
By the numbers
Officiating and Rule Controversies
Officiating decisions sparked debate throughout the tournament. During Argentina’s quarter-final against Switzerland, a updated mistaken identity rule led to Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card and being sent off after a VAR review. Meanwhile, Egypt’s head coach Hossam Hassan criticized refereeing after his team's loss to Argentina, and Norway’s manager Ståle Solbakken disputed a goal by Jude Bellingham, claiming the ball hit an overhead cable.
Team Performances and Logistics
Iran’s national team faced significant logistical hurdles, including restricted entry into the U.S. and an abrupt change of their training base from Arizona to Mexico. On the pitch, Belgium defeated co-host USA 4-1 in the last 16, while Mexico’s opening 2-0 win over South Africa was marked by multiple red cards. Turkey, despite high expectations, was eliminated in the group stage following losses to Australia and Paraguay.
Fan Culture and Notable Figures
Scottish fans made a notable impact in Boston, where they were welcomed by Mayor Michelle Wu. In Mexico, a duck named Merlin gained fame after being spotted at celebrations and meeting President Claudia Sheinbaum. Additionally, the tournament saw emotional moments, such as Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha reuniting with his mother after the House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries helped secure her visa.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian Football.
