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Reports, analysis and guides from our coverage
The 2026 World Cup individual awards: Spain sweep the board with Rodri, Unai Simón and Cubarsí
Spain's dominance at the 2026 World Cup extended to the individual awards too. Rodri won the Golden Ball as best player, Unai Simón the Golden Glove as best goalkeeper and Pau Cubarsí the best young player award. The only prize that got away was the Golden Boot, claimed by Kylian Mbappé (10 goals). We review all the tournament's award winners.
Guillermo Ochoa retires after 22 years and six World Cups: 'Today I hand over my gloves'
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo 'Memo' Ochoa has announced his retirement from professional football at 41, after a 22-season career and a historic record: he is the only Mexican player to have been part of six World Cups, from Germany 2006 to the 2026 edition co-hosted by his country. 'I gave everything, I left everything on the pitch for my clubs and the national team, and today I hand over my gloves,' wrote the keeper, who bows out as a legend of Mexican football.
Olise, the assist king of the 2026 World Cup: seven assists for the French magician
In a World Cup of goalscorers, one player specialised in setting them up for others: Michael Olise. The France winger finished as the tournament's top assist provider with seven assists, without scoring a single goal, and with a clear lead over his chasers, who stopped at four. He was the chief supplier of a France side that reached the semi-finals. We review the tournament's best playmakers.
The 2026 World Cup of surprises: Paraguay sink Germany, Morocco knock out the Netherlands and Norway beat Brazil
The first 48-team World Cup had its share of earthquakes. In the round of 32, two European giants went home on penalties: Germany fell to Paraguay (1-1, 3-4) and the Netherlands to Morocco (1-1, 2-3). Egypt enjoyed a historic tournament, and Norway, with an unstoppable Haaland, knocked out Brazil to reach the quarters. We review the championship's biggest shocks.
When are goals scored? The 2026 World Cup minute by minute: goals come late
The 308 goals of the 2026 World Cup were not spread evenly across the 90 minutes. The most prolific stretch was from the 76th to the 90th minute, with 59 goals, and the second half (152 goals) clearly outscored the first (126). The quietest spell was between the 16th and 30th minutes. We analyse when the tournament was decided.
The best defences of the 2026 World Cup: Spain, a wall on the way to the title
Spain did not win the 2026 World Cup on attacking football alone: they did it, above all, on solidity. La Roja conceded a single goal in eight matches and kept seven clean sheets, by far the best defence of the tournament. Behind them come Colombia (four shut-outs and a single goal conceded) and Mexico. In all, the championship produced 55 clean sheets. We review who defended best.