The curtain has fallen on the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup, and this will be the final World Cup midday report. Over the past 40 days, we've shared a fantastic journey through football. Whether your team celebrated with victory or suffered a heartbreaking exit; whether your feelings were excitement, disappointment, joy, or resentment, all the memories of the summer of 2026 are now frozen in time at the final whistle.
The journey continues. The story of football is a never-ending journey . Let's cherish these memories and stride towards the next four years. See you again at the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco!
Spain's championship parade
[Spain's championship parade: Borja becomes DJ, playing music for teammates and fans]
World Cup comments
"The pain in my heart is hard to let go, and it will take a long time to heal this regret, but I will also cherish all the beautiful moments..."
"Winning a championship for your country is the best thing, especially winning the World Cup. This generation of players grew up watching Casillas and Iniesta lift the trophy. Now we've done it too, which is arguably the greatest achievement you can make in the world of football."
“Messi is the greatest of all time and someone I’ve always admired. At the end of the game, I expressed my respect to him. He told me to keep going and said the future belongs to our generation. Those words are as important to me as the gold medal around my neck.”
“I want to mention someone, someone who is very important to this team and also very special to me. He may have faced unfair criticism many times, but now he has become a part of Spanish football history.”
Eric: Our next goal is to win the Champions League with Barcelona; we have the ability to do so.
"For me, simply being able to take a photo with the captain at the opening ceremony already represents what he means to football. I saw him crying at the end, and I think it was more because he understood what he meant as a player and to Argentine football. All I can say is that I have the utmost admiration for everything he has achieved and what he represents."
"You will always be unique, not only because of your talent, but also because you have never lost yourself. No matter what happens, you never give up, always fight to the last moment, and give it your all until the very last second."
"Today, I see so many people waiting for our defeat, spreading all sorts of baseless conspiracy theories throughout the World Cup in an attempt to alleviate their pain at not being able to experience the happiness that Argentinians have."
"For many years, this team has represented the country in the best way. It tells us that competition is not just about winning, but also about giving everything for this jersey and never giving up."
Lautaro: I am incredibly proud to be Argentinian, and I had hoped to help the team in the final.
“We did our best, reaching the final in two consecutive World Cups, but this time the result was not what we hoped for. As an Argentinian, I am incredibly proud. I had hoped to help the team on the field yesterday, but unfortunately, I couldn't.”
“I admire you from the bottom of my heart and love you with all my heart. Despite this setback, you have already won everything for us.”
Paredes: It's an honor to be a member of Argentina's greatest national team in history.
"As I write these words today, my heart is filled with pain for not being able to share the joy that our country so deserves with everyone. But I am also filled with pride because we gave our all to make our flag fly high once again!"
"In every match, in every minute, you poured your heart and soul into protecting the jersey you love so much. Not everyone can stand on the stage of the World Cup final, but you did it again through endless dedication and self-discipline."
Regarding why the national team deserves the fans' celebration, Miler said the players are all "very talented" people who "worked very hard" to reach the final and "fought until the very end." He also praised the players for their "restraint, even when the referee made unfair calls against the team."
[Father encourages McAllister: Today I am prouder than ever before]
World Cup Headlines
Argentina lost 0-1 to Spain in the World Cup final, with Lautaro Martinez not making a single appearance. After the match, he liked a post on social media criticizing Scaloni's personnel decision.
Argentina's 0-1 extra time defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, coupled with their violent and unsportsmanlike conduct after the match, sparked strong condemnation from international media. The French media outlet RMC even questioned, "Has Argentina become the most hated team in the world?"
According to The Times, FIFA will investigate the clashes that erupted after the final match of the New Jersey World Cup final, in which Argentine players, who finished as runners-up, were accused of attacking Spanish players who defeated them.
Messi, De Paul, Julian Alvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Molina, Rulli, Nico Paz, Cristian Romero, Enzo Fernandez, and Musso did not return with the team to their home countries; they went directly to their respective rest areas or returned to their clubs.
[A generational gap looms; TyC: Argentina needs a generational change, Scaloni is exhausted by it]
[Official: Belgium national team coach Rudi Garcia's contract expires and he will not renew it]
