With more teams, more games and three host countries the 2026 Fifa world cup became one of the biggest sporting events of all time. This year the tournament expanded from 32 countries to 48. This meant that instead of the standard 64 total games there were 104. The increase of the tournament allowed more countries to compete on world soccers biggest stage, giving fans the opportunity to see new countries make history. With the expanded tournament there were 32 nations that advanced to the knockout rounds rather than the typical 16 which created more competitive games and crazy upsets. 

Best Nation: Spain, Obviously because Spain won they deserve this award but besides that on their road to victory they beat some of the favorites to win the tournament. With wins against France , Portugal and Argentina three of the favorites to win the competition, Spain solidified their spot as world champions

Biggest Heartbreak Award: Egypt. In the round of 16 Egypt, a nation who had only won their first world cup game weeks before were up 2-0 in the 80th minute  against the no.1 ranked team Argentina. What was bound to be one of the greatest world cup upsets of all time quickly fell apart with Argentina scoring twice in 20 minutes sending the game into overtime. In overtime Argentina scored and won the game. For 80 minutes of the game Egypt had high hopes to make history which made the loss even more heartbreaking.

Breakout Star: Vozinha: Before the tournament very few people outside of Cape Verde knew who the 40 year old keeper was. But after an incredible debut match against the now world champions Spain, Vozinha became a household name holding Spain to a 0-0 draw with many incredible saves.

From an expanded tournament, spectacular goals, shocking upsets, breakout stars and massive comebacks. This world cup will be remembered for years to come. But in my opinion what makes the world cup so magical is that for one month the world unites in passion and love for the game . Even with wars and constant fighting, fans from around the world with different social and economic backgrounds who even speak a different language  can sit next to each other, watch a game and bond over it. That is the magic that the World Cup brings every four years.