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The curtain has been drawn on FIFA World Cup 2026, with the 104th and final game of this year’s event contested on Sunday (19 July).
Spain edged past Argentina and were crowned champions, their second-ever title and first since 2010, in an enthralling 120 minutes of football.
It brings to a close what has been an unforgettable month of action, from dazzling debutants to greats on display and everything in between. Fans across North America fell in love with the sport, a spectacle that united the world on the biggest stage of all.
On the pitch, there were several moments that made this edition of the tournament special, with so many records broken along the way.
As the dust settles on Spain’s emphatic win, and as they gear up for celebrations in their homeland when they return to Europe, we take a look back at 10 iconic moments and milestones that this competition delivered big on.
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A ‘golden’ crowning for Spain
Spain are undoubtedly worthy champions of the world after a long 16-year wait to reach these heights once again.
Across eight games, they only conceded once in the entire tournament. It is a testament to their set up, their centre-back duo and defensive midfielder covering for attacking wing-backs, and a goalkeeper who rarely looked troubled between the goal posts.
It is therefore fitting that of all the individual accolades on offer, Spain swept three out of four. In defence, 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí – who held down the fort alongside Aymeric Laporte – was recognised for his contributions with the Young Player of the Tournament award. In goal, Unai Simón was the rightful recipient of the Golden Glove award, conceding his only goal in the quarter-final against Belgium.
The Golden Ball, awarded to the best player throughout the tournament, went to Rodri. The midfielder was critical in Spain’s run, edging out Lionel Messi for the individual honour. The only ‘golden’ award that didn’t go to a Spanish player was the Golden Boot, which Kylian Mbappé earned.
Spain are now the first nation to simultaneously hold the men’s World Cup and women’s World Cup in football.
Comeback kings: Argentina come from behind twice
Argentina were not able to turn things around in their final against Spain, going behind in extra-time, but they will be remembered for the pure drama they brought to the world stage.
Their campaign began with a 3-2 win over debutants Cabo Verde, only to then find themselves trailing 2-0 against Egypt in the round of 16. A goal in the 80th minute kick-started a remarkable turnaround, scoring three in just over 10 minutes to avoid extra-time and advance to the last eight.
What followed was a more routine victory over Switzerland, setting up a dramatic semi-final against England. Trailing 1-0 going into the last 10 minutes yet again, their comeback felt a little more inevitable this time around thanks to the insurmountable pressure they were piling on The Three Lions. Enzo Fernández bagged the equaliser in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martínez’s winner in stoppage time. It was pure drama at the death, something every neutral loves to watch.
England’s unforgettable night at the Azteca
Speaking of England, they had their own frantic night at the Azteca when they came face-to-face with tournament co-hosts Mexico. Back at the infamous stadium for the first time since the ‘hand of God’ incident, Thomas Tuchel’s men left it all on the pitch that night.
Despite the middle of the night kick-off in the UK, which was delayed by an hour as well, over 10 million Brits tuned in to watch the five-goal thriller live.
Despite establishing an early lead, Jarell Quansah’s red card made the last 35 minutes an onslaught from the home team. It was bodies-on-the-line defending, Dan Burn’s towering headers that went from one half to the other, and a team fighting for one another. They ended the night, and celebrated their 3-2 win, with a signature Wonderwall singalong with supporters, which became a signature of their tournament.
Norway ‘Viking row’ their way into the last eight
Few players captured the love of the general public quite like Norwegian forward Erling Haaland. Not only did he do what he does best and consistently score, but across socials people – football fans or not – just seemed to appreciate his humour and presence.
It also helped that Norway went on a history-making run in the tournament. Back on this stage for the first time since 1998, they reached the last eight for the first time in their history. Not only was it a significant milestone, it was one they reached by knocking out Brazil of all teams.
After each victory, the players sat opposite their fans on the pitch and mirrored their ‘Viking row’. It was a celebration that took the world by storm, even resulting in their very own Google graphic on the eve of their quarter-final bout with England.
READ MORE: https://www.olympics.com/en/news/fifa-world-cup-2026-10-iconic-moments-football
