The 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded.
Spain has emerged as world champions for the second time, Kylian Mbappé has secured yet another Golden Boot, and Lionel Messi solidified his reputation as the GOAT, although Argentina fell short of defending their title.
This was the first World Cup featuring 48 teams and it provided thrilling moments, from Cape Verde‘s astonishing journey to the round of 32 to Erling Haaland‘s seven goals in his debut tournament and England’s memorable 6-4 victory over France in the third-place match.
Now that this World Cup is a part of history, let’s evaluate the performance of teams from the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Below are the grades for the 2026 World Cup, ranging from A for exceptional to F for forgettable failures.
Starting with the teams…
Spain
Final grade: A
The European champions have now captured the world title, having conceded only one goal throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s team has extended their unbeaten streak to 38 matches, confirming their status as the top team globally.
Cape Verde
Final grade: A
The underdogs captured the hearts of fans, completing the tournament without a loss in regulation. The Blue Sharks held Spain to a 0-0 draw and pushed Argentina to extra time in a memorable round-of-32 clash.
1:33
Burley: Cape Verde should be proud of going toe-to-toe with Argentina
Argentina
Final grade: C
If Lionel Messi had been red-carded in a rough tackle against Algeria during their opening match, Argentina might not have made it to the knockout rounds. Nevertheless, Messi carried them to the final, where the team displayed questionable sportsmanship after a loss to Spain.
England
Final grade: C
Reaching the semifinals was commendable; however, their inability to maintain composure after taking the lead against Argentina ultimately cost them a place in the final.
2:04
Jones: USMNT didn’t live up to hype
United States
Final grade: C
While a place in the round of 16 was expected, the USMNT was ultimately eliminated by Belgium in Seattle, failing to meet higher expectations.
Germany
Final grade: F
Julian Nagelsmann lost his coaching position after Germany’s disappointing exit against Paraguay in the round of 32. It was particularly surprising as Germany was eliminated in a penalty shootout for the first time since 1976, marking a notably poor tournament for the traditional powerhouse Die Mannschaft.
Brazil
Final grade: F
No major national team performed worse than the five-time champions. Though Italy failed to qualify and Germany was ousted in the round of 32, Brazil, under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, delivered their worst performance in 36 years, exiting in the round of 16 against Norway.
Now, let’s consider the players and figures who made an impact on the World Cup.
1:05
Burley: I’m surprised Haaland needed to come off vs. England
Erling Haaland
Final grade: A
The Norway striker had a remarkable debut at the World Cup with seven goals, propelling his team to the quarterfinals. His entertaining personality also won over fans, elevating his status as a global superstar.
Kylian Mbappé
Final grade: A
Mbappé shone with ten goals for Les Bleus, earning the Golden Boot for the second consecutive World Cup, asserting his position as the top player in the game.
2:00
Is Messi the most important figure in football history?
Lionel Messi
Final grade: B
With eight goals, Messi had a sensational tournament, but he fell short in the final against Spain, preventing him from earning an A grade. Even the GOAT has his off days.
Lamine Yamal
Final grade: C
At just 19, Yamal has already celebrated victories at the World Cup and European Championship before he’s even of legal drinking age in the U.S. However, the Barcelona youngster had a relatively quiet tournament.
Thomas Tuchel
Final grade: D
In a twist of irony, memes emerged of Tuchel being compared to Southgate after failing to elevate England’s performance. He was brought in to take the team further, yet faced a similar fate.
1:22
Burley: We shouldn’t forget immoral decisions made by FIFA
Mauricio Pochettino
Final grade: D
Pochettino was also tasked with enhancing the performance of a talented yet underperforming U.S. squad. His leadership inspired initial optimism, but faltered against Belgium.
Christian Pulisic
Final grade: D
The pressure of leading the USMNT weighs heavily on Pulisic, the so-called “Captain America” who is now 27. Another missed World Cup means he must re-evaluate his impact; although he is a good player, he hasn’t achieved greatness.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Final grade: D
At 41, competing in a World Cup is a significant feat for Ronaldo, yet his presence might have hindered Portugal rather than help. This tournament might have come a year too late for him.
Gianni Infantino
Final grade: F
The handling of the tournament often seemed more about celebrity than football. Critics are left unimpressed by the halftime show and the numerous hydration breaks.
Marcelo Bielsa
Final grade: F
Bielsa’s tenure with Uruguay ended in a chaotic group stage exit, marking a significant downturn in his coaching reputation. This World Cup may signal the end of his era as a top manager.