Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. While we’re saying goodbye for now, we will be back for the European domestic club season. See you then!
And just like that, the 2026 World Cup is over. After 308 goals were scored during 104 matches in 16 host cities across three continents, it was Spain that lifted the trophy.
And while the final wasn’t exactly one for the neutral, it was fitting that the best team in the tournament won in the end.
But while La Roja supporters around the world celebrated the country’s second title (Spanish editor’s note: my headache and I can confirm this occurred in North London), everyone else was left reflecting on an emotional, record-breaking, superstar-studded edition of the tournament.
For years, there were so many concerns around this World Cup. Would it be safe? Would the locals care? Would it be a waste of money? And while those critics were proved right at times, the 2026 edition can still be considered a resounding success.
