Sanaa: Spain ended a 16-year wait for their second FIFA World Cup title by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in the final, bringing down the curtain on the biggest edition of the tournament ever staged. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will be remembered for far more than Spain's victory.
According to Anadolu Agency, the first 48-team tournament delivered new footballing stories and historic debuts, but it was also marked by visa restrictions, racism allegations, political disputes, refereeing controversies, soaring ticket prices, and renewed questions about FIFA's governance. Spain's triumph marked the arrival of a new generation, with Lamine Yamal becoming one of the defining players of the tournament and Spain's younger stars supported by an experienced core during the knockout rounds.
The expanded format produced historic debut stories with Cape Verde reaching the knockout stage on their debut, while nations like Curacao, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and DR Congo gained unprecedented international exposure. However, the tournament's expansion also introduced challenges, with increased logistical demands on teams, supporters, and host cities, alongside concerns about the one-sided nature of some matches.
Visa restrictions, particularly those imposed by US immigration policies, undermined FIFA's message of inclusion. Rights groups highlighted that fans and workers from several participating nations faced difficulties entering the US, with citizens of countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Jordan experiencing significant delays. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was notably denied entry, raising questions about national security concerns cited by US authorities.
Racism allegations marred the tournament, particularly in incidents involving France and captain Kylian Mbappe. French authorities opened an investigation following racially offensive remarks by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla. Meanwhile, former Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faced backlash for comments perceived as questioning the French identity of the team's diverse players.
The tournament also witnessed governance controversies, notably involving US forward Folarin Balogun. FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's red card ban after intervention from US President Donald Trump sparked protests and raised concerns about political interference in sporting decisions.
VAR technology continued to be a contentious issue, with Argentina's victory over Egypt exemplifying debates over penalty and foul decisions. Critics argued that VAR's inconsistent application and review processes led to renewed criticism of its role in the game.
Political tensions were palpable, particularly involving Iran and the US, with FIFA restricting political displays in matches to prevent provocation. Additionally, ticket prices provoked a backlash from supporters, as prices soared to historic highs, leaving visible sections of stadiums empty and prompting criticism from players and fans alike.
The tournament's presentation embraced a more entertainment-driven approach, akin to US sports, with a halftime show featuring global artists like Madonna and Justin Bieber. While some praised the spectacle, others argued that commercialization was altering football's traditional rhythm and distancing ordinary fans from the tournament.