The World Cup is done and dusted and consigned to the history books.
It was not a vintage tournament with few stand-out games and an elongated format that made it even harder for the leading nations to go out early on.
Here, we outline five things we won’t miss about the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
GIANNI INFANTINO
No doubt the man himself will describe having 48-competing teams as a huge success but, the truth is, it wasn’t. The group stage was low on jeopardy with the decision to rank teams level on points via the head-to-head method rather than goal difference another error.
Infantino was a visible presence throughout the tournament, often spotted networking with politicians, film stars and former players.
Questions remain about his suitability for the job but, unfortunately, there is no sign of him leaving his post. The expanded event merely strengthens his position – more teams means more revenue, and more support from confederations outside Europe.
The product may be worse but will someone think about the balance sheet…
SLACK REFEREEING
Most fans would rather the game be allowed to flow but FIFA’s relaxed approach went too far. It led to a lack of control from certain teams, culminating in Argentina’s thuggish approach to the final. Lionel Scaloni’s team played on the edge in the semis against England where a better referee would have clamped down on their tactics earlier, but it spilled over against Spain.
It will be interesting to see how referees tackle games when the major European leagues restart next month.
SLEEPING ON THE SOFA
There is no longer a need to stay up waiting for the 4am kick-off between Jordan and Algeria. Having a World Cup Stateside presents logistical problems that Europeans are not used to and it will be nice knowing that the big games that we are so accustomed to will be staged at more welcoming hours over the next 10 months.
DONALD TRUMP
Trump’s intervention that pushed FIFA into suspending the red card dished out to USA striker Folarin Balogun was a disturbing development. FIFA usually frowns on political interference but, here, usual protocol was disregarded to enable Balogun to play against Belgium.
It is worth noting that Balogun remained the only player to have any kind of card suspended during the whole tournament. FIFA has yet to explain its reasoning.
PROTEST INCONSISTENCIES
Palestinian flags were confiscated, as were those displaying the pre-revolutionary symbols of Iran. No politics? Fine. However, when Argentina’s players displayed a banner claiming the Falkland Islands were theirs, Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House FIFA task force, said it was fine due to the protection of free speech.
It was another mixed message to suit the US and its agenda.
