North American World Cup concludes with mixed reviews and memorable moments

By Rohan Gupta — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

Tournament Review and Controversies

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, concluded with a mix of spectacle, controversy, and memorable moments. While the tournament featured several dramatic matches, particularly in the early stages, it also faced criticism regarding its organisation and impact. Issues such as visa problems, high ticket prices, and contested referee decisions were noted throughout the event.

One significant controversy, dubbed the Balogun Affair, involved a player receiving special dispensation, which some viewed as a departure from established precedent. This decision, along with others, prompted criticism from various politicians. The treatment of Iran also drew attention, setting what some considered a worrying precedent. Additionally, the tournament’s financial and social impact on host cities raised concerns, including street sweeps of homeless individuals in the US and Canada, and environmental damage linked to projects in Mexico.

Media relations during the tournament were also a point of contention. While some venues, like Houston and Atlanta, were welcoming, overall organisation and facilities for journalists were described as challenging. An Italian newspaper, la Gazzetta dello Sport, even labelled the tournament a “disaster,” citing issues like ticket prices, the Balogun situation, weather conditions, and increased games with reduced rest periods. The newspaper later had its final ticket allocation reduced, leading to speculation about a connection to its critical reporting.

On-Field Action and Standout Performances

The football itself was described as good, though not exceptional. Several fine and dramatic games occurred, primarily in the last 32 or last 16 rounds. Notable matches included Brazil against Japan, Morocco versus the Netherlands, England facing Mexico, and Argentina playing Cape Verde. The quarter-finals were less inspiring, but Argentina’s semi-final victory over England was thrilling. Spain’s win over France in their semi-final was described as relatively straightforward, with Spain quickly establishing superiority.

The final match was deemed dismal, a grim spectacle that some attributed to earlier indulgences shown to Argentina in the tournament. Despite the final’s quality, the right team won. The overall assessment places this tournament behind the 2022 and 2018 editions, and significantly behind the World Cups of the 1980s or 1998, with its historical ranking likely somewhere in the middle, possibly above or below 2014 and 2006.

Heartwarming Moments and Community Spirit

Amidst the controversies, the 2026 World Cup also produced several feel-good stories. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha became a household name after his on-pitch heroics, which his mother witnessed in person after US officials waived her travel fees. The 40-year-old footballer’s performance against eventual champions Spain in the group stage was particularly noteworthy.

Lamine Yamal’s three-year-old brother, Keyne, captured hearts with his celebrations for Spain, becoming a beloved sensation. Another touching moment involved a young fan, Isfandiyor Begmatov, who was upset by Uzbekistan’s loss to Colombia. Colombian fans cheered him up, and he was later invited to meet the Uzbekistan team, receiving a signed jersey and other gifts.

The tournament also saw the rise of Merlin, a pet duck in a Mexico jersey, who became an unofficial mascot and even met President Claudia Sheinbaum. Merlin plushies became popular, and a Mexico fan gifted one to a young English fan after Mexico’s loss to England, embodying sportsmanship. Additionally, a young fan named Santi, who wore a Christmas sweater to support Mexico, received a customised jersey and a message from player Santiago Gimenez. Jude Bellingham was celebrated by England fans with the Beatles’ song ‘Hey Jude’ after every match, as he became England’s top scorer with his seventh goal against France, leading his side to third place. The manager of Curacao, Dick Advocaat, became the oldest World Cup manager in history at 78, visibly emotional before his team’s debut against Germany, a match that saw Curacao, the smallest nation to qualify, score its first ever goal through Livano Comenencia.

Source: theguardian.com

Rohan Gupta

Sports Reporter