Taking stock of 2026 World Cup: Football's biggest show yet

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, concluded with Spain being named champions after a historic achievement of winning both the men's and women's titles. The tournament, featuring a record 104 matches, marked a milestone in football history, with over 6.8 million spectators attending games, setting a new attendance record. Despite the scale of the event, the tournament faced several challenges, including controversial decisions by FIFA and mixed reactions from fans and players alike. The tournament began with high expectations, particularly regarding the potential for large crowds given the co-hosting by three nations. However, concerns about empty stadiums persisted, especially in the U.S., where football is not the dominant sport. These fears were alleviated as FIFA confirmed that 99.7% of all available seats were occupied throughout the competition. On average, each match saw around 65,000 attendees, though some venues still showed noticeable gaps, particularly during the early stages of the group phase. One of the most contentious aspects of the tournament was the introduction of hydration breaks. While most coaches accepted the change, some players and officials voiced criticisms. Uruguay’s former coach, Marcelo Bielsa, argued that the breaks disrupted the traditional flow of the game, altering how football is perceived culturally. He stated that these interruptions added little value while taking away from the essence of the sport. Several underdog teams captured attention during the tournament. Cape Verde, making their debut, managed to hold off eventual champions Spain in a 0-0 draw before falling to Argentina in extra time. The Democratic Republic of Congo drew with Portugal, showcasing the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, while Paraguay eliminated Germany in the round of 32. Curacao, the smallest participating nation, scored their first-ever World Cup goal against Germany and earned their first point against Ecuador, marking a historic moment for the island nation. Financial pressures were another notable aspect of the tournament. Ticket prices, along with hotel stays, parking and travel costs, placed a heavy burden on fans. Inside the stadiums, the cost of basic items such as beer and water soared, with prices in the U.S. reaching up to $20 for a beer and €17 for French fries. In Mexico, similar price hikes were observed, with a beer at the Azteca Stadium costing nearly as much as the country’s minimum daily wage. The tournament also brought political scrutiny, particularly concerning U.S. President Donald Trump. Concerns arose that he might leverage the event for personal gain, given his public enthusiasm for the World Cup. Although Trump remained largely absent from the stadiums except for the final, he managed to create controversy by intervening in a referee decision. Following a red card against U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, Trump successfully pressured FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider the automatic ban, allowing Balogun to participate in the next match. Despite this, the U.S. suffered a 4-1 defeat against Belgium. As the tournament came to a close, the legacy of the 2026 World Cup remains a mix of triumph and challenge. Spain’s dual victory stands as a defining moment, while the logistical and financial hurdles highlighted the complexities of hosting such a massive global event. The future of the sport will likely see continued debate over rule changes, fan engagement strategies, and the balance between tradition and innovation in football.