The curtain has fallen on the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, and football’s governing body is celebrating the 2026 tournament as a resounding success after a month that defied pre-tournament scepticism with high-quality football, record crowds and a festive atmosphere across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Before the tournament began, concerns ranged from soaring ticket prices and geopolitical tensions to the logistical challenges of staging the first 48-team World Cup across three host nations.
Critics also feared that expanding the competition would dilute its quality.
Instead, the tournament delivered one of the most entertaining World Cups in recent memory, combining dramatic upsets, breakout performances and memorable matches that largely overshadowed off-field controversies.
The expanded format proved more competitive than many had anticipated.
Tournament newcomers Cape Verde stunned eventual finalists Spain with a goalless draw in the group stage before pushing Argentina to extra time in the Round of 32.
Curaçao held Ecuador to a draw, while Egypt reached the knockout stage for the first time and came close to eliminating Argentina before eventually losing after a remarkable comeback.
African football enjoyed its strongest World Cup yet, with a record nine teams advancing to the knockout rounds, underlining the continent’s growing competitiveness on football’s biggest stage.
The tournament also showcased football’s biggest stars.
Lionel Messi, appearing in a record sixth World Cup, once again led Argentina’s campaign, while France star Kylian Mbappé finished as the tournament with 10 goals, extending his all-time World Cup record to 22.
Norway’s Erling Haaland emerged as one of the competition’s standout performers with seven goals, while England’s Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane also enjoyed prolific campaigns.
The three co-hosts -- the United States, Mexico and Canada -- all progressed to the Round of 16, adding to the tournament’s widespread local appeal.
The numbers reflected the competition’s success.
A total of 307 goals were scored in 104 matches, averaging 2.95 goals per game, making it one of the highest-scoring World Cups in modern history.
FIFA also reported a record 6.66 million spectators, with average attendance exceeding 65,000 per match and stadium occupancy reaching 99.7%.
Beyond the stadiums, host cities embraced the tournament with fan festivals and cultural celebrations that transformed streets across North America into football carnivals.
The tournament was not without controversy.
Dynamic ticket pricing drew criticism from supporters, while immigration restrictions affected several participants, including Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States.
Iran also complained about visa restrictions that complicated its campaign, and FIFA faced scrutiny after reports that US President Donald Trump intervened over the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun.
Even so, the quality of football ultimately dominated the narrative.
Buoyed by the tournament’s commercial and sporting success, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is now expected to push for further expansion of the competition, with the possibility of a 64-team World Cup in 2030 already under discussion.
