The 2026 World Cup, the biggest tournament ever, has come to an end with the match between Spain and Argentina. A total of 104 matches were played in the World Cup. The competition lasted for six weeks in three countries. There were exciting matches on the field. There were some shocking results. Dramatic comebacks were also made. Big stars with names like

played according to their reputation. This time the World Cup was not only positive, it was also full of controversies. Political tension was seen over Iran's participation. This time a hydration break was used, but few liked it. How will history remember this World Cup 2026 since Spain won the title? Some key features:

More teams, more drama

This time the number of participating teams had increased to 48 teams. There were fears that there would be many one-sided matches, but that did not happen. Teams like Cape Verde, DR Congo and Curacao not only made history, but also won the hearts of many. Cape Verde held Spain to a draw in their first match and made it to the last 32. But Cape Verde were eliminated from the tournament only after losing to Argentina in extra time. Cape Verde goalkeeper Vojinha was the biggest breakout star. That too at the age of 40.

He suddenly gained millions of followers on social media. Congo reached the knockout stage. In the process, he made it difficult for England. Curaçao also had a chance to enter the second round until the very end. FIFA gave a chance to a new team and they proved that this decision was right. But in the end, the four teams that were in the top four of the rankings reached the semi-finals. They were Argentina, Spain, France and England, respectively. These four teams are also former champions.

Big names shine

The race for the Golden Boot award made the entire World Cup exciting. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham were in the running for the award until the end. Mbappe eventually won the award. The French star scored a total of 10 goals in this World Cup.

In doing so, he became the highest scorer in World Cup history. His total number of goals in the World Cup reached 22. Messi, on the other hand, stopped at 8 goals. His total number of goals in the World Cup was 21. Cristiano Ronaldo said this World Cup was his last, but he could not take the team much further. For Spain, teenage player Lamine Yamal's performance was okay, even when he came on the field uninjured.

Technology is new, complaints still

VAR, or Video Assistant Referee. This technology has been at the center of controversy in this World Cup as well, overturning the recognition of some specific goals by Germany, Croatia and Egypt. Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made some serious accusations when Argentina finally won after being two goals down against Egypt. Hassan used to say, “We were unfairly treated.”

The high-tech ball with sensors was also unfair against Croatia, when Jasko Guardil’s goal was disallowed in the last 32. However, the ball barely touched Igor Mantinov and went towards the post. After the match, Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic resigned from his post and said, “Whatever decisions have been made, they have been made for fun.”

Tickets are expensive, spectators are the same

The ticket prices for this World Cup were extremely high, but there was no shortage of spectators. FIFA adopted an automated pricing process. In the process, FIFA was even accused of robbing ordinary spectators.

Tickets for the league stage matches alone ranged from $140 to $2,735. The final ticket price had reached 8,680 and was increasing after that. Compared to the last World Cup in Qatar, the ticket price had skyrocketed. Despite all the criticism of FIFA, the audience went to the stadium to watch the game. There was no shortage of spectators even in such games, in which there were no star players. There were also a few empty seats in the match between South Korea and the Czech Republic. Otherwise, everyone seemed happy with the American hospitality.

Not liked  ‘ hydration break’
FIFA also implemented a new rule in this World Cup. That was, hydration break. A three-minute break between each half. Many did not like it. Some old players also opposed it as much as they could. Regarding this rule, a former Irish player said on the Overlap podcast, ‘We are in America, that is why the timeout rule was implemented.’

The reason why this rule was implemented was that it would benefit the players, to avoid the scorching heat. But this rule was also applied in cold weather. Some coaches took advantage of this rule to instruct their players. Broadcasters also used it as a time to play additional advertisements. Now what will happen to this rule is unclear.

Iran's participation in the midst of war

The conflict between football and politics in the World Cup is not new. The biggest political issue this time was Iran's participation. There was confusion about Iran's participation due to the war raging in the Middle East. However, Iran played in the World Cup. In the meantime, Iran had moved its center from Arizona to Mexico.

Before Iran reached the United States, there was a visa problem, and the United States refused to grant visas to certain members of the team. Iran also claimed that its travel was hindered in many ways. Iran had to leave the United States almost immediately after each match. Iran did not advance beyond the group stage, and US national security official Mark Wayne Mullen expressed satisfaction with this.

Questions over Trump's role

The Donald Trump administration has banned football fans from some countries from entering the US, but has not deported migrants during the World Cup. Otherwise, human rights activists fear, large numbers of migrants will be deported, right during the World Cup. Trump has not watched any of the matches live except for the final, but his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been in the news.