Football is one of the most beautiful sports ever played, with billions of fans around the world. From the rural fields of Brazil to the modern stadiums in Barcelona and other arenas across Europe, to the streets of Africa, football unites people like no other game.
The expression "Football is a beautiful game" originated from various sources, although its exact origin is debated. Many believe that Pelé, the legendary Brazilian soccer player, helped popularise the phrase in his 1977 memoir, “My Life and the Beautiful Game.”
The World Cup, held every four years, showcases the magnitude of this global event, uniting countries in celebration and friendly competition. Fans travel from around the world to support their teams, while millions more gather in homes, and public spaces to share every moment together.
Unfortunately, from Donald Trump’s refusal to vacate the podium during Spain’s trophy ceremony to Argentina players exchanging blows with celebrating Spanish substitutes, the aftermath of the 2026 World Cup final sparked outrage within the soccer community over how the Argentina team handled their defeat.
Television footage revealed that the initial altercation escalated into a widespread clash, prompting coaches and players from both teams' benches to enter the field in an effort to separate those involved.
Observers were appalled. "This is absolutely disgusting. And people have normalised it under the name of 'passion'... this is straight thuggery," soccer commentator and analyst Aaron Cikaya wrote in a post.
Even during the World Cup presentation, TV footage showed them standing together near the 18-yard box with their backs to the Spanish players as the latter were presented with the World Cup.
Many spectators who anticipated the 2026 final between Spain and Argentina as a legendary showdown - where legacies would either be reclaimed or established - found the match not only lacking in "beauty" but also one of the most disheartening conclusions in World Cup history.
The final game lacked fluency and flow. Argentina offered minimal opposition as Lionel Messi and the defending champions concluded their journey. Messi and his team were unable to secure a second consecutive title, failing to produce a single shot or connect several passes effectively.
Thirty-nine seconds into the second half of extra time, Ferran Torres launched an 8-yard shot that ultimately crushed Argentina's dreams. Spain emerged as the World Cup champions. By coincidence, the Spanish men's team joined the women's team as World Cup champions, making Spain the first country to hold both titles simultaneously.
We know that victory brings joy, celebration, and a strong sense of national pride. However, defeat can evoke equally intense emotions such as disappointment, anger, sadness, and even a feeling of emptiness. Unfortunately, negative and extraordinary incidents dominated global headlines following the finals at MetLife Stadium.
Nonetheless, amid all the chaos, drama, scandal, pain, and remarkable moments, the 2026 World Cup offered many delights. This month-long spectacle produced numerous unforgettable highlights —from inspiring underdog stories and stunning goals to thrilling comebacks.
Consider Argentina - it provided countless exciting moments throughout the tournament. Messi scored eight goals in this World Cup and once again served as Argentina's captain and motivator. He is the only player in history to start in three World Cup finals.
Of course, goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez will be remembered as the sole standout for Argentina in the World Cup final amid an otherwise lacklustre team effort.
However, I still believe the highlight was Cape Verde's remarkable journey as World Cup debutants. This small island nation, with just over 500,000 inhabitants, amazed the football community by becoming the smallest country to advance to the knockout rounds.
Like in every World Cup, the question is what legacy it leaves behind. Undoubtedly, the 2026 World Cup, despite all the chaos - including controversial VAR rulings and strict US immigration laws - delivered footballing brilliance.
It is always the people who make the World Cup, and that has been true once again this time. That is the legacy this tournament too will leave behind.
Samuel Kutty
The writer is a freelance journalist and author who worked in Oman and India
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