FIFA believes the 2026 World Cup has been a major success as the tournament prepares for its final match between Argentina and Spain.
Before the competition began, many people had doubts. Fans worried about high ticket prices, political tensions, security issues and the summer heat across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Others feared that the new 48 team format would lower the quality of the tournament.
Those fears did not completely come true.
Instead, the World Cup produced exciting matches, surprise results and strong support from fans across the three host nations.
Several smaller teams impressed during the tournament. Cape Verde earned a surprise draw against Spain in their opening match. They later pushed Argentina into extra time before losing 3-2 in the round of 32.
Curacao also made headlines after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw.
Egypt reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history. They even led Argentina 2 0 late in their match before Lionel Messi inspired a dramatic comeback.
African football also enjoyed a historic tournament. A record nine teams from the continent reached the knockout rounds.
The biggest stars also delivered on the biggest stage.
Messi started his sixth World Cup with a hat trick against Algeria. He enters the final with eight goals in the tournament.
France captain Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with 10 goals. He also became the World Cup’s all time leading scorer with 22 career goals.
Norway striker Erling Haaland won many new fans after scoring seven goals, including two against Brazil in the round of 16.
England’s Jude Bellingham scored seven goals, while Harry Kane added six as England finished third.
All three host nations reached the round of 16 before being knocked out.
The tournament has also produced goals at a remarkable rate. A total of 307 goals were scored in the first 103 matches. That is an average of 2.98 goals per game. It is the highest scoring World Cup since the 1958 tournament.
Fans filled stadiums throughout the competition despite expensive ticket prices.
FIFA’s use of dynamic ticket pricing faced heavy criticism before the tournament. However, demand remained very high.
More than 6.6 million fans attended matches before the third place playoff. Average attendance stood above 65,000 per game, with stadiums almost completely full.
The celebration spread beyond football grounds.
Supporters from different countries filled streets, bars and public squares across the host cities. Fans shared their experiences across social media and praised the atmosphere in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament was not free from controversy.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States because of immigration checks.
Iran also faced travel problems after moving its training base from Arizona to Mexico. Team members complained about visa rules that forced them to leave the United States soon after their matches.
Another major controversy involved the United States team. Reports claimed President Donald Trump personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to delay the suspension of striker Folarin Balogun before the knockout match against Belgium.
The decision sparked strong criticism. Belgium later defeated the United States 4 1.
Despite those issues, FIFA is expected to view the tournament as a success.
Infantino already has strong backing from football bodies across Asia, Africa and South America ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
FIFA could now look at expanding the World Cup again. A proposal to increase the tournament to 64 teams for the 2030 edition is expected to be discussed.
