Match of the Tournament

The World Cup 2026 has come to a close, and the Guardian team is here to give their final verdicts on the tournament’s most memorable matches. From dramatic penalty shootouts to incredible comebacks, there were many games that left a lasting impression on fans and players alike.

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One of the most talked-about matches was the last-32 tie between Paraguay and Germany. The game was marked by a thrilling penalty shootout, which Germany ultimately lost in spectacular fashion. Ed Aarons praised the match for its drama, saying, ‘There were plenty more games with more goals, but none could match the drama of the penalty shootout in this last-32 tie.’

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Another standout match was the 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria. Alexander Abnos described the game as ‘a completely strange fever dream, seeming to exist on a separate plane of reality.’ He noted that the match was marked by chaos in stoppage time, which added to its unpredictability.

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From the 14 matches attended, Nick Ames singled out Mexico’s 2-3 loss to England at the iconic Azteca stadium. He praised the buildup to the game, saying, ‘The buildup seemed to start as soon as the draw was made – fortunately, the stars aligned, and a grippingly tense game ensued in a venue like no other.’

Ben Fisher highlighted the 4-6 win for England over France, describing it as ‘borderline hilarious.’ He noted that the game was marked by late drama, including a disallowed stoppage-time winner for Iran against Egypt.

Barry Glendenning praised Argentina’s 3-2 win over Egypt, saying, ‘The defending champions looked down and out, thinking about their flights home, before a late Lionel Messi-inspired comeback enabled them to claw back a two-goal deficit and win this last-16 match in normal time.’

Paul MacInnes described Mexico’s 2-3 loss to England as ‘so dramatic, the images so evocative, that even if you are an ardent England fan (as I am) this was pure cinema.’

Ewan Murray praised the 2-2 draw between Cape Verde and Uruguay, saying, ‘Cape Verde’s attitude and discipline were a joy. Such fun to watch.’

Jeff Rueter agreed with Ames, singling out Mexico’s 2-3 loss to England as the match of the tournament. He praised the game for its drama, saying, ‘Thomas Tuchel’s men surviving the vaunted Azteca and the best first half Mexico could have mustered narrowly takes this category.’

Max Rushden praised the 3-2 win for Argentina over Cape Verde, saying, ‘Bias says Mexico v England, but Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde was incredible.’

Jack Snape agreed with Rushden, saying, ‘Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde. It’s not a debate.’

Jonathan Wilson praised the 3-2 win for Argentina over Egypt, saying, ‘The possibility of a shock, a great Messi-inspired turnaround, a couple of great goals, refereeing controversy… what else do you want?’

Player of the Tournament

The Guardian team is also in agreement that Rodri was the standout player of the tournament. EA praised the Spanish midfielder, saying, ‘Rodri was the standout player for the best team in a tournament where the big stars came to the party but all ultimately fell short.’

Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland also received praise from the team, with Jude Bellingham being described as ‘majestic’ and Erling Haaland being praised for his ‘credible if short Golden Boot campaign.’

While many players received praise, the team is in agreement that Rodri was the standout player of the tournament.

Goal of the Tournament

The team is also in agreement that Sidny Lopes Cabral’s goal for Cape Verde against Argentina was the most memorable of the tournament. EA praised the goal, saying, ‘For sheer drama, it has to be Sidny Lopes Cabral’s brilliant equaliser for Cape Verde against Argentina.’

Other notable mentions include Julián Alvarez’s long-range goal for Argentina against Switzerland and Wilson Isidor’s breathtaking long-range strike for Haiti against Morocco.

The team is in agreement that Sidny Lopes Cabral’s goal was the most memorable of the tournament.