BBC Sport reporters reflect on World Cup 2026 highlights and standout performances
Chief football writer Phil McNulty and colleagues select best players, goals, and atmospheres from the US, Canada, and Mexico event.
BBC Sport reporters have released their individual selections for the best moments, players, and atmospheres of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Chief football writer Phil McNulty named Lionel Messi as the tournament’s best player, highlighting his hat-trick against Cape Verde and his pivotal role in Argentina’s journey to the final. McNulty also selected Sidny Cabral’s extra-time equaliser for Cape Verde against Argentina as the best goal, alongside Julian Alvarez’s long-range strike against Switzerland.
Other accolades included goalkeeper awards for Johny Placide of Haiti and Jordan Pickford of England, with McNulty naming Spain’s Pau Cubarsi as the best young player. Additional breakout stars identified by reporters included Erling Haaland, Johan Manzambi, and Cape Verde’s Vozinha. Fan atmosphere awards went to Mexico, Brazil, and Norway’s ‘Viking row’, while McNulty cited the Mexico versus England match at Azteca Stadium as the best moment. Reporter Alex Howell also highlighted Cabral’s goal and the general support in the US.
The tournament concluded with Spain defeating Argentina in extra time, ending Argentina’s bid for back-to-back titles. Spain captain Rodri won the official World Cup Golden Ball trophy as the tournament’s best player, while Messi won the Silver Ball as the second-best player. McNulty described Messi’s performance as the enduring inspiration of a nation, noting his control and influence when Argentina chased England down in a dramatic semi-final.
McNulty identified the Azteca Stadium match between Mexico and England as the best moment, describing it as an assault on the senses with a spine-tingling singing of the Mexican national anthem. Howell selected Cabral’s goal and the general support in the US as standout moments, noting the wave of optimism behind the host nation despite their exit at the last-16 stage.
Best fan atmospheres were attributed to Mexico, Brazil, and Norway’s Viking row. McNulty praised the sheer passion of Mexican fans and the warm reception of Brazilian supporters, who took over cities like Philadelphia. Howell highlighted the Colombia fans’ party atmosphere in Kansas City and the global sensation created by Norway’s Viking row, which united thousands of supporters in celebration.
