The 2026 World Cup, with 48 teams across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, promises to be the most-watched yet, surpassing Qatar's 5 billion-plus audience.
Electrifying Matches
England's 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16 was a standout. Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane once, despite a red card for England's Jarell Quansah. The match, delayed by lightning, was played in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, where England triumphed despite altitude challenges.
Argentina's comeback against Egypt from a 2-0 deficit to a 3-2 victory was dramatic. Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi, and Enzo Fernández turned the tide, with Messi scoring his eighth goal of the tournament.
Race for the Golden Boot
The competition for the Golden Boot is intense. Messi, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Norway's Erling Haaland each have seven goals, while England's Kane trails with six. Mbappé won in 2022 with eight goals, highlighting this year's fierce competition.
Controversial Officiating
VAR has sparked debate, with numerous disallowed goals. Iran's Mehdi Taremi and Egypt's Mostafa Ziko were affected, leading to criticism of VAR's impact on the game's flow.
Hydration breaks, introduced to protect players from heat, disrupt game momentum, leading to skepticism about their necessity in climate-controlled venues.
Political Interference
Folarin Balogun's overturned red card, following President Trump's intervention, added intrigue before the U.S.'s 4-1 loss to Belgium. The incident raised questions about political influence in sports.
Cristiano Ronaldo's exit after Portugal's loss to Spain marked the end of an era. Ronaldo, 41, showed confidence but couldn't replicate past performances.
Social Issues
Discrimination marred the event. Iran and Egypt resisted Pride Match themes, while Mexico faced criticism for homophobic chants. Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla's racist comments against Kylian Mbappé sparked outrage, prompting Mbappé's strong response.
Despite setbacks, the World Cup remains a unifying event, showcasing talent like Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral and Mexican phenom Gilberto Mora.
Source: https://www.gq.com/story/world-cup-2026-controversies-explained
