Fans worldwide breathed a collective sigh of relief as the 2026 FIFA World Cup drew to a close last night, with Spain taking on Argentina in an electric final that had everyone on the edge of their seats. But behind the glamour and glitz of the tournament, there's been a quiet hum of success – one that FIFA will be keen to trumpet when its comprehensive report drops in the coming days. And it's not just about the numbers: broadcast figures are expected to smash all previous records, which is music to the ears of football's global governing body, given that nearly half of its annual revenue comes from World Cup media rights.
The bold new 48-team format, coupled with a crackerjack final featuring two of the world's most followed nations, was a major draw for audiences worldwide. And it wasn't just about the big matches: FIFA's report will also drill down into social media engagement, impressions, and video views – reflecting the wild west landscape of modern sports consumption.
While the tournament was an unmitigated success in many ways, there were early concerns that threatened to derail the party. Dynamic ticket pricing raised eyebrows among fans and lawyers alike, with attorneys general in several US states launching investigations into whether prices had got out of hand. And then there were those images from Guadalajara – initially empty seats during the group stage that sparked fears of a sell-out strategy gone wrong. But, as it turned out, those worries proved unfounded: Sports Illustrated's analysis revealed that stadiums operated at a staggering 99% collective capacity during the group stage. The dynamic pricing model also flexed its muscles, with prices for less in-demand fixtures taking a tumble closer to kick-off.
The action on the pitch was every bit as thrilling, with the Golden Boot race turning into a real nail-biter that had everyone – players and fans alike – on high alert. And what an honour roll we got: Messi, Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé all vying for the top spot in front of global TV audiences. Then there were those show-stopping moments – Vozinha's incredible goalkeeping heroics, England's dramatic win at the Azteca, and Haaland's one-man demolition job against Brazil. And let's not forget: this was the first time in World Cup history that all four top-ranked teams made it to the semis, guaranteeing a level of quality that left fans purring with delight.
But behind the scenes, there's still trouble brewing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. UEFA is reportedly gunning for him over allegations that he breached neutrality rules – specifically in relation to USA striker Folarin Balogun, who allegedly got a free pass from the ban after a nod from President Trump. Yet despite this wrangling, the overriding narrative for FIFA looks set to be one of triumph: they've pulled off something truly special by bringing together diverse cultures for an unforgettable celebration of football – think mass fan gatherings in iconic locations like Times Square.