A tournament of contradictions: What did we learn at World Cup 2026?

After Spain marched past tournament favourites France and defeated reigning champions Argentina in the final to win the World Cup, one man stood between La Roja and the gilded trophy.

As captain Rodri held the coveted prize, with teammates waiting for him and the world watching for the iconic trophy-lift moment, United States President Donald Trump remained glued to his spot on the stage.
It was down to FIFA President and close ally Gianni Infantino to shuffle Trump along and let the world champions have their moment.

The president – who ordered the halting of US trade with Spain for what he said was insufficient military spending and opposing the US-Israel war on Iran – eventually moved out of the way and the Spanish captain lifted the trophy as golden confetti filled the air.

It was an awkward ending to an extraordinary tournament that had everything.
A divisive yet diverse tournament
For some fans, it was a display of American hospitality – from Kansas City embracing Algeria to Boston being gleefully overrun by Scottish fans.

For others, it was about the Trump administration’s inhospitable attitudes – visa denials, the mistreatment of the Iranian team and the scandal of not allowing Somali referee Omar Artan into the country.

The Egyptians may see the tournament solely through the lens of the controversial refereeing calls that led to their exit in the thrilling Round of 16 match against Argentina.

Argentinians will likely view it as a testament to their “never give up” attitude that led to some spectacular comebacks on the way to the final.