Grading the 2026 World Cup from Spain's A to Infantino's F
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, and the final grades are in. Spain secured their status as the premier team in the world, claiming the title after a dominant defensive performance, having allowed only one goal during the entire tournament. Luis de la Fuente’s squad extended their unbeaten streak to 38 games, proving they were the class of the tournament from start to finish.
Argentina finished with a mixed report card. While Lionel Messi performed at a high level, the team’s late-stage behavior in the final against Spain drew criticism. Meanwhile, England reached the semifinals but struggled to maintain their composure after taking an early lead in their final matches, ultimately falling short of expectations.
The host nations saw mixed results for their home sides. For the United States, reaching the round of 16 became a glass ceiling, as the team struggled to find answers when facing top-tier opponents like Belgium. Mauricio Pochettino’s side failed to generate the momentum required for a deep tournament run, leaving questions about the program’s trajectory moving forward.
Individual stars left their mark, though some veterans underwhelmed. Kylian Mbappé secured another Golden Boot with ten goals, while Erling Haaland proved his worth as a global force during his debut tournament. However, older stars like Cristiano Ronaldo found the competition difficult to influence, and the event faced scrutiny regarding the oversight of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, whose management style drew significant ire from fans and analysts alike.
As the dust settles on this expanded 48-team tournament, the legacy of the event remains tied to its viral moments and the shifting hierarchy of international soccer. Teams like Cape Verde provided the tournament's heart, but the failures of traditional powers like Brazil and Germany highlight a tightening gap in talent across the board.