Spain beat Argentina on Sunday to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The final ended a tournament that has offered much from a sporting perspective: the heroics of Cape Verde, the race between Messi and Kylian Mbappe for the tournament — and overall World Cup — top scorer and shocks such as Germany’s exit to Paraguay and Norway toppling Brazil.
World Cup overshadowed by Iran war, Balogun controversy
But politics has also proved impossible to ignore.
The barring of Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the US added to the sense this was not a World Cup for the whole world. Iran’s treatment, being forced to fly in and out of games and given less preparation time as a result, was a reminder of the conflict between the US and Iran.
Donald Trump’s intervention in the suspension of a red card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun also amplified already loud questions about FIFA corruption.
But, ultimately, the tournament was decided in the same way it always has been. And, on Sunday in New Jersey it was settled, once again, in favor of Spain.
Edited by: Wesley Dockery
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