For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, 48 countries competed in the 39-day 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, and Spain emerged victorious. The Associated Press assessed the tournament’s 104 games on the 21st, choosing the “best” and “worst” in each category.
Sidney López Cabral’s equalizer in extra time during the Round of 32 encounter against Argentina was chosen by the Associated Press as the tournament’s greatest goal. With Cape Verde behind 1-2 in the 13th minute of the first half of extra time, Cabral beat Argentina’s Alexis McAllister with a right-footed curling shot after receiving a long pass from Yannick Semedo. Although an own goal subsequently caused Cape Verde to lose 2-3, Cabral’s goal was deserving of recognition as the tournament’s greatest.
Bozinha, the goalie for Cape Verde, also made the finest save. In the 28th minute of the second half against Argentina, the 40-year-old veteran goalie produced a diving save to stop Lionel Messi’s quick free kick. Cape Verde forced extra time after escaping a crucial scoring threat.
Germany was identified as the victim and Paraguay as the protagonist of the largest upset. After a devastating 1-4 loss to the United States in their opening Group D match, Paraguay barely achieved a 0-0 draw with Australia in their last game. They finished third in the group and narrowly qualified for the Round of 32 with one victory, one draw, and one loss. However, after crushing Curacao 7-1 in their opening Group E match, Germany moved to the Round of 32 as group winners with two victories and one loss. After a 1-1 draw that required extra time, Paraguay prevailed 4-3 on penalties in the Round of 32. Additionally, Germany’s record of winning four straight World Cup penalty shootouts was shattered.
Pau Cubarsi, a 19-year-old defender from Spain, was chosen the best prospect. From the first group-stage game until the final, Cubarsi started all eight games and played for the entire ninety minutes. He finished second overall with an outstanding pass completion rate of 96.8% (668 completed passes out of 690 attempts). He received the FIFA Young Player Award, making him the seventh youngest member of a winning squad in World Cup history.
Matt Freese, the US goalie, was chosen as the player who made the worst error. Freese dribbled the ball out of the penalty area during the Round of 16 match against Belgium. He hesitated to pass, then kicked the ball, which hit Charles de Queteleer of Belgium in the leg and gave Hans Vanaken a mid-range goal. In the end, Belgium crushed the United States 1-4.
The worst infraction was committed by Qatari midfielder Asim Madibo when he tackled Canada’s Ismael Kone from behind during a group stage game. Kone eventually required surgery after suffering severe injuries, including fractures to his fibula and shinbone. Madibo was also suspended for five games after being sent off with a red card.
Norwegian fans were selected as the top fanbase, as was to be expected. The globe was enthralled with Norwegian supporters’ “Viking rowing” yell, in which they imitated rowing motions while screaming “Ro.” The excitement was heightened when the Norwegian national team conducted this ceremony following victories. The “Tartan Army,” a group of Scottish supporters, made a lasting impression by going to the baseball stadium to watch the games and drove out all the beer in Boston, USA, where their home games were played.