World Cup 2026: A tournament of contrasts

By Karan Malhotra — 20 July 2026 — 3 min read

The recent World Cup 2026, which concluded with Spain defeating Argentina, was characterised by a mix of sporting spectacle and off-field controversies. The tournament saw Spain overcome tournament favourites France before their victory against the reigning champions. The trophy presentation included an awkward moment when United States President Donald Trump remained on stage, requiring FIFA President Gianni Infantino to shuffle him along before Spain captain Rodri could lift the trophy.

The event, hosted across North America, presented a range of experiences for fans. Some viewed it as a showcase of American hospitality, citing examples like Kansas City embracing Algeria and Boston being filled with Scottish supporters. Conversely, others highlighted what they perceived as inhospitable attitudes from the Trump administration, including visa denials, issues concerning the Iranian team, and the non-admission of Somali referee Omar Artan into the country.

Political and social dimensions of the tournament

The tournament, intended to be apolitical, frequently intersected with political issues. The US hosts imposed travel restrictions on the Iranian team. Following Iran’s failure to advance from the group stage, US Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin expressed personal satisfaction. The competition also saw fans displaying both Palestinian and Israeli flags, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions. One Palestinian American fan in New York described the tournament as a “political summit,” with Trump taking a prominent role.

Beyond politics, the World Cup also faced criticism regarding accessibility. Ticket prices effectively excluded many working-class fans. Juan Cortes, a mechanic in the Los Angeles area, expressed his disappointment at being unable to attend games despite the Los Angeles Stadium being close to his shop. He noted the rarity of a World Cup in his home country.

Juan Cortes outside his mechanic shop in Los Angeles, June 11, 2026 [Ali Harb/Al Jazeera] Credit: aljazeera.com

The geographical realities of the host cities also presented challenges. The final match, for instance, was played at a stadium in suburban New Jersey, surrounded by car parks and motorways. This made it difficult for city dwellers to access on foot, despite the New York skyline being visible in the background, which might have suggested a more central location to international viewers.

Sporting performances and controversies

On the pitch, the tournament featured a mix of established stars and emerging talent. Teenage player Lamine Yamal made a significant impact, while veterans like Lionel Messi continued to perform at a high level. Unsung heroes such as Spain’s Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro played crucial roles in key matches, contrasting with some prominent players from the German and Portuguese squads who did not leave a lasting impression.

The competition also saw strong performances from unexpected teams, with Cape Verde delivering a heroic effort and Norway making a deep run. Despite these surprises, the top four FIFA-ranked teams ultimately reached the semi-finals. The World Cup highlighted football’s capacity to unite and generate joy, with fans of losing teams often continuing to celebrate the game.

Folarin Balogun, Leandro Paredes pushes Gavi, Trump and Infantino — Folarin Balogun, Leandro Paredes, Gavi, Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino all played roles in the tournament.Composite: Getty Images, Guardian design Credit: theguardian.com

However, the tournament was not without its controversies. One report mentioned the “Balogun Affair,” suggesting a bending to political pressure that allowed a particular player to participate, setting a precedent that some believe prioritises revenue over sporting integrity. The treatment of Iran was also described as scandalous. Concerns were raised about the cost to host cities, including reports of street sweeps targeting homeless individuals in the US and Canada, and environmental issues linked to World Cup projects in Mexico.

Media relations were also a point of contention, with some outlets reporting a generally contemptuous attitude from FIFA towards journalists. One Italian newspaper, after publishing a critical assessment of the World Cup, reportedly had its ticket allocation for the final reduced, raising questions about media access and narrative control. Despite these issues, the World Cup still delivered memorable moments, including thrilling matches and late comebacks, providing entertainment that will be remembered for years.