Football once again demonstrated why it is regarded as the beautiful game. For more than a month, billions of fans around the world shared in the excitement, emotion and spectacle as the FIFA World Cup returned on an unprecedented scale.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was historic from the opening whistle. For the first time, 48 nations competed for football’s greatest prize in a tournament featuring 104 matches and jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It became the largest World Cup in FIFA history and one of the most widely watched sporting events ever staged.
A New Era Begins
The expansion from 32 to 48 teams transformed the competition into a truly global festival. More nations earned the opportunity to participate, bringing renewed excitement, emerging rivalries and compelling stories.
Supporters travelled from every continent, filling stadiums with colour and passion. Fan festivals, concerts and cultural exhibitions turned host cities into international celebrations of sport and unity.
Football once again brought the world together.
The Roll of Honour
Before Spain’s latest triumph, only eight nations had lifted the FIFA World Cup.
Uruguay – 1930, 1950
Italy – 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Germany (including West Germany) – 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Brazil – 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
England – 1966
Argentina – 1978, 1986, 2022
France – 1998, 2018
Spain – 2010
With victory in 2026, Spain secured their second FIFA World Cup title, joining the exclusive group of multiple-time world champions.
Spain’s Road to Glory
Spain entered the tournament as reigning European champions under coach Luis de la Fuente, carrying an unbeaten qualifying record and significant expectations.
Group Stage
Spain 0–0 Cabo Verde
Spain’s campaign began with an unexpected setback. Tournament debutants Cabo Verde frustrated the European giants with disciplined defending to earn a memorable draw. Although Spain dominated possession, they were unable to find a breakthrough.
Spain 4–0 Saudi Arabia
Spain responded with authority.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring before Mikel Oyarzabal struck twice. An own goal completed an emphatic victory that re-established Spain among the tournament favourites. Yamal also became one of the youngest goalscorers in FIFA World Cup history.
Uruguay 0–1 Spain
Álex Baena’s first-half goal secured victory and guaranteed Spain first place in Group H. More importantly, Spain completed the group stage unbeaten without conceding a single goal.
Knockout Stage
