After 39 days and 104 matches taking place across three countries, Spain are champions of the world.The European champions added a second World Cup to their collection after deservedly beating a dismal Argentina after extra time in the final on Sunday night. Ferran Torres scored the only goal, before Argentina's bitter stars took it upon themselves to act out against their celebrating opponents.It was a sour note to end an historic World Cup, bumped up to 48 teams for the first time. That meant extra matches, changes to the group stage and ultimately, extra drama.For England, it was much of the same. Hope, excitement, before more heartbreak and regrets following their collapse against Argentina in the semis.Donald Trump was on hand to dish out the awards on the pitch last night, but The Mirror's Chief Football Writer John Cross looks back on the tournament and picks his own winners and names his World Cup XI...Who was my player of the tournament – and why?Jude BellinghamIt would be easy to say Lionel Messi or Rodri. But this is my choice as my player of the tournament and therefore it has to be Jude Bellingham.For him to score seven goals in a single tournament - the most by an English player - is an achievement in itself. But his performance levels were so good that I think he would walk into any team in the World Cup finals.He led England to their best ever World Cup finish on foreign soil - and that is what gets him my vote.Which was my match of the tournament?Mexico vs EnglandIt was a fabulous occasion. The atmosphere was brilliant - the stadium literally rocked - and the noise was as loud as I’ve ever experienced.England were heroic, it was tense, nervous - and brilliant.I will never forget it. I was bouncing and buzzing for days afterwards. I never forget how lucky I am to cover World Cups (it’s the pinnacle) and that was the best thing I’ve ever done. Amazing.JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageDid you think 48 teams work and would 64 work in the future?The FA are unsure on this one because of the extra capacity and schedules etc. There would be no extra games for the teams - but a hell of a lot more in the fixture calendar.We would get back the two qualifying from each Group and the sense of jeopardy we missed this time. I hate the three qualify from some Groups but not others policy. It kills the excitement in the Group stage.Did it work sharing the World Cup between three countries?No. I don’t like it. On a few levels. As someone who cares passionately about our world and the environment, flying across three countries is killing the planet. One idiot even drove across the United States. For what? Bonkers. I never made a single car journey on my own. Not one.Also, it gave Mexico a huge advantage (as much as I loved Mexico City) because of the altitude. And the travel and costs for fans was extortionate.Respect the bloody planet!What is the No.1 memory you will take from this World Cup?Mexico v England.I’m a passionate England fan. That night will live with me forever. The best game I covered. An epic five-goal thriller. An incredible occasion.I loved Mexico City (it was my first time in Mexico) and the people were so friendly, so welcoming and the absolute opposite of every security briefing I had. Security tags, watch yourself, it’s a hot-spot.Beautiful country, great result, beautiful people. Unforgettable.Do you agree with our award winners? Let us know in the commentsMy World Cup XI (4-2-3-1)Vozinha (Cape Verde)Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) Pau Cubarsi (Spain) Cristian Romero (Argentina) Djed Spence (England)Rodri (Spain) Fabian Ruiz (Spain)Ousmane Dembele (France) Jude Bellingham (England) Lionel Messi (Argentina)Kylian Mbappe (France)Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consent
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The 2026 World Cup is in the books with Spain being crowned champions of the world after a marathon tournament spanning three countries and almost six weeks










