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The legacy of the first 48-team World Cup: what the 2026 tournament leaves behind
The 2026 World Cup will go down in history as the first contested by 48 nations and spread across three countries: the United States, Mexico and Canada. There were 104 matches, 308 goals and 16 host cities in a tournament that widened the map of world football. We analyse what the new format leaves behind: more chances, more surprises and some debate.
The farewell of a generation: the veterans who played their last World Cup in 2026
The 2026 World Cup was also a goodbye. Names that have defined two decades of football —Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, both 40, Manuel Neuer at 39, or Guillermo Ochoa, now retired— in all likelihood played their last World Cup. We look back at the farewell of an irreplaceable generation.
Haaland and Norway, the breakout story of the 2026 World Cup: seven goals and past Brazil
Norway were one of the great revelations of the 2026 World Cup, led by an unstoppable Erling Haaland. The striker finished the tournament with seven goals, among the top scorers, and carried his country to the quarter-finals after knocking out none other than Brazil in the last 16. Norway's return to the elite has the name of a giant.
Unai Simón's Golden Glove: a single goal conceded in the entire World Cup
Unai Simón has been named best goalkeeper of the 2026 World Cup. The Athletic Club keeper conceded a single goal in Spain's eight matches —Belgium's in the quarters— and kept a clean sheet on seven occasions, including the final. He was the wall on which La Roja built their second star. We review his perfect tournament.
Pau Cubarsí, best young player of the 2026 World Cup: a 19-year-old centre-back with nerves of steel
Pau Cubarsí has been named best young player of the 2026 World Cup. The Barcelona centre-back, just 19, started in the defence of champions Spain and produced a tournament of maturity beyond his years, unfazed by any stage, not even the final. The confirmation of one of European football's brightest prospects.
Rodri, World Cup Golden Ball: from surgery to the summit of world football
Rodri has been named best player of the 2026 World Cup. The Spain midfielder, the brain behind La Roja's possession game, takes the Golden Ball after an impeccable tournament in which he dictated the tempo of every match. His award carries added value: it comes after overcoming a serious knee injury that kept him out for months.