Five reasons that make the 2026 World Cup stand out from the rest

Spain lifted the trophy, led by the trio who bagged the individual awards, while Kylian Mbappé became the first player to win two Golden Boot awards. 

So, looking back, what will fans remember most from the 2026 finals, and how does it stand out from past tournaments? 

The superstars turned up 

Before a World Cup, everyone bigs up the superstar names we hope light up the tournament, and in 2026, they delivered. 

It wasn't really a final for major breakout names or comebacks; it was a World Cup where every big name tried to outdo the other. 

Lionel Messi threw down the gauntlet from the off with a hat-trick and almost led his side to back-to-back wins, whilst at the same time battling Kylian Mbappe at the top of the goals chart. 

The Frenchman starred by nabbing the Golden Boot and becoming the competition's all-time top scorer, but he also held off standout showings from big guns such as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Ousmane Dembele. 

The stars were out in force for the Stars and Stripes-hosted World Cup. 

Getty Images

Were hydration breaks... good? 

There were many 'Americanisms' that had a polarising effect on the tournament, including half-time shows and the pageantry before kick-off, but the most controversial were the hydration breaks. 

Brought in to combat the scorching temperatures in the States, at first they were an annoying break in play that stopped the flow of the game. 

Yet, by the end of the tournament, did most grow to like the small interlude? Not only did it provide a moment for those watching at home to grab a drink or pop to the loo, but for managers and players, it proved to be a really useful tool in changing the tide of the game. 

Maybe it isn't something we want full-time, but for a summer tournament, it could be something to keep for 2030. 

(C)Getty Images

The best team won 

It's not always the case at a World Cup that the best team wins, but in 2026, there was no doubting the eventual victors. 

Spain went through the tournament conceding only one goal, faced only TEN shots on their goal and were never behind in any of the eight games they played in. 

They dumped out favourites France, saw off Argentina and had the three best players in the tournament. 

Still, England might have beaten them in the final....

(C)Getty Images

Trump makes the call 

World Cup wasn't without its controversy either. There were some questionable VAR calls late in the tournament, and Argentina's antics in the final won't be remembered well. 

However, never before have we seen a president get involved to sway a decision in a game. 

Allegedly, US head honcho Donald Trump made a call to FIFA in light of Florian Balogun's red card to get it overturned for the USA's game against Belgium. 

FIFA obliged, causing a right stir, but the US lost anyway to avoid any further scrutiny over the questionable decision. 

@realdonaldtrump

Legends say goodbye 

It was a tournament where we also said farewell to a generational pool of talent. 

It was a last hurrah on the World Cup stage for Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Luka Modric, just to name a few. 

But it was the last dance of Lionel Messi that will be best remembered. 

Eight goals, four assists and a summer-long reminder of why he's the greatest the game has ever seen. Just a shame it didn't end with more history and another winner's medal. 

Dazn Media

Watch the world's best football on DAZN

After the World Cup is over, there is so much great football still to watch on DAZN.

Premier League: All English top-flight matches live and in full in Canada

Serie A: Watch all 380 matches of the Italian league live in the UK and Canada. Also in the US in Spanish language

Champions League: Watch every match of the 2026/27 campaign in Canada. Three matches per round exclusively in the US, in Spanish language

National League: DAZN is the home of the National League, with every game available either live or on-demand, plus selected North and South matches

FIFA+ on DAZN: Watch over 7,000 live matches a year, plus World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, films, and player profiles for FREE

For more details and to subscribe to a DAZN football package, click here