The curtain has fallen on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after six weeks of thrilling action across 104 matches. This edition saw history made and numerous records shattered. New heroes emerged, while seasoned stars demonstrated their prowess one last time. Following the tournament’s conclusion, BBC Sport journalists selected the best player, rising star, most memorable moment, biggest disappointment, best fans, best goal, and best save.
Rodri wins the Golden Ball; analysts heap praise on Messi
Spain captain Rodri won the official Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. Argentina’s Lionel Messi received the Silver Ball as the second-best player, while France’s Kylian Mbappé won the Bronze Ball.
However, several BBC journalists noted that Messi’s performance was extraordinary, even at the age of 39. Some described him as the heartbeat of the Argentine team throughout the tournament. Others highlighted that by recording eight goals and four assists in eight matches, Messi proved that age had no impact on his performance.
On the other hand, some journalists chose Jude Bellingham, Michael Olise, or Rodri as their personal picks for the best player.
Cubarsí named best rising footballer
Spain’s 19-year-old defender Pau Cubarsí won the award for the tournament’s best young player. He led Spain’s defense without missing a single minute of play throughout the tournament; his team conceded only one goal during the entire competition.
However, the journalists’ personal lists also included other young talents such as Morocco’s Ayoub Bouaddi, Norway’s Erling Haaland, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, the USA’s Alex Freeman, Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, and Mexico’s Gilberto Mora.
Most memorable moment
BBC reporters had varying opinions on the most memorable moments of this World Cup. Some hailed the electric atmosphere of the Mexico-England match as the ultimate experience. Others singled out Paraguay’s historic penalty-shootout victory over Germany or the stunning extra-time goal scored by Cape Verde’s Sidney Cabral against Argentina as the tournament’s defining moment. For many, Messi’s hat-trick and Cape Verde’s spirited performance were also unforgettable highlights.
Biggest Disappointment
Many identified Brazil as the biggest disappointment of this World Cup. The team’s sluggish and lackluster style of play under Carlo Ancelotti drew heavy criticism. Other disappointments included Senegal’s failure, Portugal’s exit in the Round of 16, the host nation USA’s poor performance, and the management of New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium—the venue for the final—which also faced scrutiny.
Top Supporters: Mexico, Argentina, and Norway
BBC journalists also praised the atmosphere created by the fans throughout the tournament. Most lauded the enthusiasm, hospitality, and passion of the Mexican supporters. The ceaseless chanting and fervor of thousands of Argentine fans were also major talking points. Norway’s famous ‘Viking Row’ celebration, along with the presence of fans from Brazil, Colombia, and Curaçao, also caught the eye.
Goal of the Tournament
For the best goal, BBC’s chief football writer Phil McNulty selected Lionel Messi’s exquisite finish against Cape Verde. Other contenders included the dramatic extra-time equalizer by Cape Verde’s Sidney Cabral, a moment of individual brilliance from Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Kerim Alajbegovic, a powerful strike by Norway’s Erling Haaland against Brazil, a long-range goal by Julian Alvarez against Switzerland, and a superb finish by Antonio Nusa against Ivory Coast. Best Saves
Among the goalkeepers, the standout saves of the tournament include Haiti’s Johny Placide’s brilliant double save, England’s Jordan Pickford’s crucial save against Mexico, Norway’s Ørjan Nyland’s incredible reflex save against Brazil, the save by Tunisia’s Aymen Dahmen against Japan, Australia’s Patrick Beach’s diving stop, and the extraordinary save by Iran’s Alireza Beiranvand against Belgium.
