صدى البلد البلد سبورت قناة صدى البلد صدى البلد جامعات صدى البلد عقارات
Supervisor Elham AbolFateh
Editor in Chief Mohamed Wadie

Get to Know 2026 FWC Top Moments


Mon 20 Jul 2026 | 03:20 AM
Norway's Viking Row
Norway's Viking Row
Rana Atef

The curtain came down on the biggest FIFA World Cup in history with Spain lifting the trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 following extra time at MetLife Stadium, but the final was only one chapter in what many are already calling one of the greatest tournaments football has ever witnessed. 

Expanded to 48 nations for the first time and staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered five unforgettable weeks of drama, emotion and history.  

Established superstars strengthened their legacies, teenage sensations announced themselves on the biggest stage, debutants shocked the football world, and passionate supporters transformed cities across North America into football capitals. 

Spain's return to the summit of world football, Lionel Messi's emotional farewell, Kylian Mbappé rewriting the record books and Erling Haaland's long-awaited World Cup breakthrough dominated the headlines, but the tournament was equally defined by unforgettable underdog stories, spectacular goals and dramatic knockout clashes. 

The World Cup began in perfect fashion for the hosts when Mexico forward Julián Quiñones scored the tournament's opening goal against South Africa, igniting celebrations inside a packed Mexico City Stadium.  

That victory also introduced teenage sensation Gilberto Mora, whose mature performances quickly established him as one of the breakout stars of the competition and placed Europe's biggest clubs on alert.

Mexico continued its memorable campaign through the leadership of veteran striker Raúl Jiménez, who finally celebrated his first World Cup goal after years of international service, before eliminating Ecuador in front of jubilant home supporters to reach the knockout stage.  

Elsewhere, Colombia produced one of the tournament's earliest memorable moments when Cucho Hernández refused to give up on a seemingly lost ball before delivering the assist that secured victory over Uzbekistan, highlighting the relentless determination that carried Los Cafeteros deep into the tournament. 

Norway quickly emerged as one of the competition's biggest entertainers. Erling Haaland finally experienced his first World Cup after years of waiting, immediately announcing himself with two goals against Iraq before continuing his remarkable scoring streak throughout the tournament.  

His decisive brace against Brazil in the Round of 16 stunned the five-time world champions and sent Norway into the quarterfinals, while his trademark Viking Row celebration became one of the defining images of the summer, spreading from stadiums to Times Square as fans from every nation joined the celebrations. 

France captain Kylian Mbappé also enjoyed another remarkable World Cup campaign. After opening the tournament with his now-famous flute celebration, the Real Madrid superstar scored 10 goals to secure the Golden Boot and surpassed Lionel Messi as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history with 22 career goals.  

Despite France falling to Spain in the semifinals, Mbappé's individual brilliance once again confirmed his place among football's greatest players. 

While Mbappé continued writing history, Lionel Messi reminded the football world why he remains one of the game's greatest ever players. 

The Argentine captain opened his tournament with a stunning hat-trick against Algeria before inspiring dramatic comeback victories over Egypt and England, while Julián Álvarez's spectacular extra-time strike against Switzerland secured Argentina's place in the semifinals. 

Argentina's knockout journey was nothing short of extraordinary. The defending champions overturned a two-goal deficit against Egypt, survived a thrilling extra-time battle against Switzerland and produced a stunning late comeback against England, with Messi delivering two decisive assists in the closing minutes to book another appearance in the World Cup final.

Spain, however, steadily established itself as the tournament's most complete team. Lamine Yamal continued his remarkable rise by scoring his first World Cup goal, while Mikel Merino repeatedly rescued La Roja with decisive late strikes in the knockout rounds.  

Rodri controlled matches from midfield with trademark authority, and Spain's defensive unit, led by teenage sensation Pau Cubarsí and goalkeeper Unai Simón, proved almost impenetrable throughout the competition. 

One of Spain's defining performances came in the semifinals against France. Facing Mbappé and one of the tournament's most dangerous attacks, Luis de la Fuente's side produced a tactical masterclass, restricting Les Bleus before eliminating them with an impressive 2-0 victory that secured a place in the final. 

Away from the favorites, several nations captured the imagination of football fans worldwide. 

Cape Verde became the surprise package of the tournament after making history in its World Cup debut. Veteran goalkeeper Vozinha became an overnight global sensation following his heroic performance in a scoreless draw against Spain, while Sidny Lopes Cabral scored one of the tournament's finest goals against Argentina.  

Cape Verde's inspiring journey proved that football's biggest stage still belongs to dreamers. 

Canada also celebrated a historic breakthrough by recording its first-ever World Cup knockout victory, while Paraguay produced one of the tournament's biggest upsets by eliminating Germany on penalties. 

Ecuador stunned Germany in the group stage to reach the knockout rounds, Belgium recovered from two goals down to eliminate Senegal, and Morocco once again demonstrated why it remains one of world football's rising powers. 

England enjoyed another memorable tournament behind Jude Bellingham's outstanding performances. 

The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice against Norway to lead the Three Lions into the semifinals, while Harry Kane rescued England from elimination with two late goals against DR Congo. 

Their dramatic victory over hosts Mexico inside the iconic Mexico City Stadium became one of the competition's most emotionally charged encounters. 

The United States also captivated home supporters with an exciting campaign that began with a convincing victory over Paraguay. 

Malik Tillman scored one of the tournament's most spectacular free kicks, while John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads" unexpectedly became the unofficial anthem of American soccer after fans repeatedly sang it following U.S. victories.

Portugal's campaign ultimately marked the end of an era. Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first-ever World Cup knockout-stage goal against Croatia before seeing his final World Cup appearance end in defeat against eventual champions Spain. 

 The emotional farewell closed one of the most remarkable international careers football has ever known.

The tournament's atmosphere extended far beyond the football itself. Scotland's famous Tartan Army transformed every host city into a sea of blue, while Norway's Viking celebrations and Cape Verde's incredible fairy-tale story dominated social media throughout the month. 

Off the pitch, FIFA introduced the first-ever World Cup halftime show during the final, featuring performances from BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy and Coldplay alongside appearances by Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, Carlos Alcaraz and South Korean actress Jung Ho-yeon. 

The ambitious spectacle reflected FIFA's desire to blend football with global entertainment on an unprecedented scale.

When the tournament reached its climax, Spain finally overcame Argentina in an exhausting final dominated by La Roja. 

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez produced a World Cup final record 11 saves to keep Argentina alive before Ferran Torres finally broke the deadlock in the 106th minute, converting Nico Williams' headed assist to secure Spain's second FIFA World Cup title.

The final whistle sparked celebrations for Spain while Lionel Messi watched in tears, perhaps for the last time on football's greatest stage. 

Rodri was named the tournament's best player, Unai Simón collected the Golden Glove, Pau Cubarsí claimed the Young Player Award, and Mbappé's Golden Boot completed another historic summer for the French captain. 

From Mexico's opening-night celebrations to Spain's championship triumph, from Messi's final masterpiece to Mbappé's record-breaking goals, the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered unforgettable memories across 104 matches and five remarkable weeks.  

It proved that even with an expanded format, football's greatest tournament remains capable of producing new heroes, unforgettable stories and moments that will live forever in World Cup history.

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