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The 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded in New Jersey on Sunday with Spain deservedly crowned champions after a dull 1-0 victory over 10-man Argentina – a final widely regarded as one of the least inspiring in the tournament’s history. Substitute Ferran Torres netted the decisive goal in a match dominated by Spain’s relentless attack and Argentina’s defensive resistance, which collapsed after Enzo Fernandez was foolishly sent off for a second yellow card late in normal time.

Tempers flared at the final whistle as Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, who was fortunate not to have been dismissed earlier, clashed with several Spanish players during their celebrations. Spain’s triumph, built on discipline, control and tactical excellence, reaffirmed their identity as the saviours of ‘The Beautiful Game’.

But beyond Spain’s celebration, the 2026 World Cup produced a striking mix of triumphs and disappointments. Here’s a detailed look at the key winners and losers from a tournament that was both captivating and controversial.

WINNER: Erling Haaland

Despite Norway’s heartbreaking 2-1 quarter-final defeat to England in Miami, Erling Haaland left the tournament with pride, having scored seven goals in five matches, including a brace in a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil. His performances turned Norway into one of the most talked-about teams in the United States, with Haaland admitting the experience had changed him as a person. “It’s incredibly special to be part of an event like this,” he said, reflecting on his country’s run and the unity it inspired at home.

LOSER: Neymar

Following Brazil’s last-16 loss to Norway, Neymar tearfully acknowledged that his international career had come full circle, saying, “I tried, I tried, but now it’s over. I started here, I finished here.” Once heralded as Lionel Messi’s heir, Neymar’s career faded due to injuries and questionable professionalism. At 34, his exit was symbolic – a generational talent undone by poor priorities and physical fragility. While Messi dazzled at 39, Neymar’s body simply could not keep pace, ending a career that promised much but delivered less.

WINNER: Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot, becoming the first player ever to top the scoring charts in two separate World Cups. His brace in the third-place play-off against England also made him the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer – an extraordinary record for a 27-year-old. Critics may downplay the achievement due to the match’s low stakes, but history will remember Mbappe’s unmatched consistency on the biggest stage.

LOSER: Julian Nagelsmann

Germany’s disastrous round-of-32 elimination at the hands of Paraguay extended their knockout-stage drought since 2014. Julian Nagelsmann’s reputation took a major hit, with Die Mannschaft’s slow, predictable football and poor results undermining his once-bright tactical image. Although Kai Havertz defended his manager, Nagelsmann’s resignation post-tournament was inevitable as Germany turned to Jurgen Klopp to rebuild.

WINNER: Lamine Yamal

Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal may not have been at his best due to injury, but his emotional moment consoling Lionel Messi after the final captured the spirit of a new era. At just 19, Yamal has already won both the World Cup and the European Championship. Coach Luis de la Fuente praised his maturity and sacrifice, calling his tournament performance “a great World Cup”.

LOSER: Christian Pulisic

The USA’s star man Christian Pulisic faced backlash after their heavy last-16 defeat to Belgium. His comments about “getting time to rest” did not sit well with fans or legends like Landon Donovan, who criticised Pulisic’s perceived lack of fight. The comments sparked a national debate about his leadership and mentality in big moments, leaving the forward under scrutiny despite his impressive individual talent.

WINNER: Iran

Despite a group-stage exit, Iran’s ordeal made them one of the World Cup’s most remarkable stories. Coach Amir Ghalenoei described his side as “the most oppressed team” in history after political restrictions hampered their preparation. Still, they came within millimetres of advancing, as Shoja Khalilzadeh’s late goal against Egypt was narrowly ruled offside. Their dignified protest and message of “peace, respect and friendship” will be remembered long after the tournament.

LOSER: The Victims of VAR

Controversy around VAR reached new levels in 2026. Croatia’s disallowed equaliser against Portugal epitomised the frustration, with coach Zlatko Dalic lamenting how VAR “kills emotions”. The sentiment was echoed across nations like Germany, Egypt and Norway, all of whom suffered from debatable technology-driven decisions that drained the joy from football.

LOSER: Senegal

Senegal’s collapse against Belgium was one of the tournament’s biggest meltdowns. Leading 2-0 with minutes remaining, they conceded twice before giving away a penalty in extra-time. Internal discord, unpaid bonuses and coach-player conflicts overshadowed their campaign, culminating in coach Pape Thiaw’s dismissal. It was an ending as chaotic as their earlier Africa Cup of Nations walk-off.

WINNER: Morocco

Morocco once again flew Africa’s flag high, reaching the quarter-finals before falling 2-0 to France. Coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge only in March, hailed his team’s unity and ambition, saying, “We represent more than one country; we represent all of Africa.” With a bright future ahead and as co-hosts of the 2030 World Cup, Morocco’s dream of becoming Africa’s first world champions remains alive.

LOSER: Asian Football

The Asian Football Confederation endured a tournament to forget, with only Japan and Australia reaching the round of 32 before promptly exiting. Fabio Cannavaro summed it up bluntly: “Every Asian team needs to improve.” Of 29 matches played by Asian sides, only three ended in victory, exposing the gap between the continent and the global elite.

WINNER: Thomas Tuchel

England’s third-place finish offered Thomas Tuchel some redemption after criticism for his negative tactics in the semi-final defeat to Argentina. The 10-goal thriller against France brought their first World Cup medals since 1966. Yet, pundits like Danny Murphy argued Tuchel should not be retained, insisting England “missed out on a World Cup final because of his tactics.”

LOSER: Didier Deschamps

France’s fourth-place finish marked the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year reign. Despite immense talent, his pragmatic approach again limited France’s potential. Even Kylian Mbappe’s farewell message, praising Deschamps’ legacy, couldn’t hide the sense that France underachieved, particularly in their lifeless semi-final defeat to Spain.

WINNER: Lionel Messi

At 39, Lionel Messi defied age with eight goals and four assists, earning both the Silver Ball and Silver Boot. Though Argentina fell short in the final, Messi’s brilliance carried an average team to within touching distance of glory. As Wayne Rooney said, “This World Cup has absolutely cemented Messi’s status as the greatest of all time.”

LOSER: Marcelo Bielsa

Uruguay’s group-stage exit was a disaster. Marcelo Bielsa’s team failed to win a single match, drawing against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde before losing to Spain. Bielsa accepted full responsibility, stating bluntly, “I leave nothing to Uruguayan football.” His tenure ended in the same chaos that has often followed his uncompromising methods.

WINNER: Jude Bellingham

England’s young star delivered a breakout performance, scoring seven goals – the most ever by an Englishman at a single World Cup. His late wonder goal in the third-place play-off capped a superb personal tournament, confirming his status as the future around which England should build. Despite frustration in the semi-final, Bellingham’s maturity and talent shone through.

LOSER: Jesse Marsch

Canada’s best-ever World Cup run ended in controversy following coach Jesse Marsch’s bizarre comments after a 3-0 loss to Morocco, claiming “I’d rather be us than them.” While Canada’s journey to the last 16 was historic, the remarks overshadowed their achievement and reinforced Marsch’s reputation as overly theatrical.

WINNER: Spain’s Defence

Spain’s triumph was built on defensive excellence. Rodri’s dominance in midfield shielded a backline of Pedro Porro, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella and 19-year-old Pau Cubarsi, who were outstanding throughout. Spain conceded just one goal in the entire tournament, with Unai Simon making only 10 saves in eight matches – a testament to their tactical perfection.

LOSER: Scotland

Scotland’s fans brought spirit, but the team disappointed. One win from three group games and only seven shots on target summed up their campaign. Even former internationals Craig Burley and Steve Nicol criticised the expanded format that nearly allowed such mediocrity to progress. “We’re just rewarding complete mediocrity,” Burley said, echoing widespread frustration.

WINNER: Cape Verde

The smallest nation ever to qualify captured hearts worldwide. Cape Verde’s fearless football saw them draw with Spain and Saudi Arabia before nearly shocking Argentina in Miami. Their story – featuring a 40-year-old unemployed goalkeeper Vozinha and a defender recruited via LinkedIn – embodied the magic of the World Cup. Coach Bubista summed it up perfectly: “We proved that nothing is impossible.”

LOSER: Cristiano Ronaldo

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo’s farewell was painful to watch. Slow and ineffective, he symbolised Portugal’s stagnation under Roberto Martinez. Despite his insistence that his legacy remained intact, Ronaldo’s refusal to step aside arguably hurt his team’s chances of success, overshadowing a glittering career with a forgettable ending.

WINNER: Hossam Hassan

Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan used his platform to deliver a powerful message about Palestine amid ongoing tragedy. “If there is anyone in the world who does not feel for the Palestinian people, then they are not human,” he said before Egypt’s 3-2 loss to Argentina. His emotional appeal for peace through football stood out as one of the tournament’s most moving moments.

LOSER: FIFA’s Credibility

Despite its glittering spectacle, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered for corruption, manipulation and politics overshadowing football. Gianni Infantino’s administration turned the event into a commercial circus, introducing four-quarter matches and bowing to U.S. political influence. The Spidercam controversy and blatant interference confirmed what many feared: FIFA’s credibility is broken, and the game’s soul is slipping away.