It’s a finale! On June 11, Mexico triumphed over South Africa with a score of 2-0 at the Azteca stadium, marking the beginning of the tournament. Thus, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially concluded after an exciting 104 matches.
The tournament showcased remarkable talent, featuring stellar performances from Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham. Ultimately, however, Spain emerged as the deserving champions.
As the excitement wanes, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on the highlights of the tournament. Here are Marcotti’s thoughts on the World Cup.
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10. Spain Shines While Wrapping Up the Tournament Smoothly
The final was undeniably decisive, showcasing a clear winner without the typical controversies often seen in World Cup finales. There were no major incidents that might have altered the outcome, which is rare and refreshing.
Such clarity in a World Cup final is not a given. Past tournaments have seen stunning blunders and controversial moments, from Randal Kolo Muani‘s miss in 2022 to Geoff Hurst’s “ghost goal” in 1966. But in this tournament, Spain’s victory was deserved and uncontested.
Despite having fewer star players compared to nations like England and France, Spain has executed its footballing strategy seamlessly, with the national team now holding titles at multiple levels, showcasing a culture of success and leadership from the top down.
9. Messi Deserved More Post-Final
In his final World Cup match, what will be the lasting memory for Messi? A tense brawl broke out on the pitch following the final whistle, highlighting the intense emotions of the moment. Messi, along with his teammates, even turned their backs on the podium as Spain celebrated their victory, despite the former champions having received a guard of honor.
The rage and disappointment following the match are understandable, but the protest ultimately detracted from the reality that Argentina was bested by a superior team throughout the tournament. Rather than focusing on the tears of a legend who enchanted us over six World Cups, the narrative shifted to an unsportsmanlike reaction.
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8. Messi Deserved More Throughout the Tournament
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni stuck with established players, valuing team chemistry over fresh talent. While this strategy may have worked in the earlier stages, it ultimately fell short in the knockout rounds, showcasing a lack of dynamism and quality.
Scaloni’s reliance on veterans, compounded by Messi’s age, hindered the team during crucial matches, with performances particularly lacking during critical moments. Despite moments of brilliance from Messi, Argentina’s overall implementation suffered due to the absence of a diverse supporting cast.
7. France: A Squad Full of Talent
France continued to display their rich talent throughout the tournament, aside from a couple of minor missteps. The squad, while not flawless, exhibited remarkable skill, particularly through the likes of Mbappé, Michael Olise, and Ousmane Dembélé.
With Didier Deschamps at the helm, France reached impressive heights, evidenced by two World Cup final appearances. The question now remains whether former teammate Zinedine Zidane, potentially stepping in as the new coach, will adopt a different approach. Only time will tell.
6. England’s Regression Under Tuchel
Concerns arise surrounding Thomas Tuchel’s continued role as coach, especially with England’s talented squad failing to perform at their potential. The team demonstrated moments of promise but often faltered against less formidable opponents.
England’s tendency to start poorly in knockout matches raises questions, and Tuchel now faces the challenge of transforming their performances into something more reflective of their capabilities.
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5. Credit to the On-Field Officials
While not all performances were flawless, overall, the officiating in the tournament was commendable, with only a few notably poor displays. The inclusion of officials from various regions, including those unfamiliar with major tournaments, enhanced the overall quality of the officiating.
Furthermore, the implementation of new laws aimed at expediting the game led to a more fluid style of play, diminishing instances of gamesmanship.
4. Concerns Over Off-Field Decisions
Not every administrative decision has been satisfactory, with notable issues arising, including the problematic management of player suspensions. Such incidents leave lasting negative impressions, and FIFA must work to ensure clearer and fairer processes.
Additionally, the treatment of referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, whose visa issues hampered his participation, was disappointing and reflects poorly on FIFA’s handling of international relations.
3. FIFA’s Marketing Strategy Needs Reevaluation
The halftime show’s excessive length and reliance on celebrity appearances detracted from the core experience of the tournament. Fans did not need to be reminded of the disconnect between celebrity culture and the average fan’s experience.
FIFA should focus on enhancing the football aspect rather than sensationalizing the event with unnecessary distractions.
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2. Insights on the 64-Team Format
While a 48-team format proved successful, expanding to 64 teams may lead to more meaningless matches, diminishing the tournament’s competitive integrity. The scheduling challenges would stretch the event over an extended period, impacting the overall experience.
Moreover, financially, a 64-team tournament would divide revenue among more participants, complicating financial viability for FIFA, especially given the substantial population of the North American host nations, which supports ticket sales and fan engagement.
1. Global Unity Through Football
It’s a cliché, but the World Cup serves as one of the few globally recognized cultural events that brings people together, allowing diverse nations to connect through a shared love for the game.
For the duration of the tournament, many found themselves immersed in the experiences of others, creating connections that resonate far beyond the football pitch.