And thus the 2026 Edition of the FIFA World Cup comes to an end with Spain emerging as rightful winners as they professionally took care of business against defending champions Argentina to win their 2nd World Cup and their second International trophy in the space of 2 years after winning the EUROs in 2024.

It felt like yesterday when we were all set for the World Cup as South Africa and Mexico walked out to open the proceedings for this tournament that was a first of its kind. 48 teams. 104 games, and some of the biggest names on show. The old generation walking into the sunset while the new guns strutting their stuff. 

In the midst of all this, we were treated to some stunning football matches on the pitch which took us to the very end of our fingernails and the edge of our seats. 

In this article we rate what we believe were the 5 best matches of the tournament.

5. Netherlands 5–1 Sweden | Group Stage

Now we know what most of them think that given the nature of the scoreline this should not be in the list. But take away the score and you would see that what transpired was arguably one of the most tactically breathtaking matches of this World Cup that so beautifully displayed the power of patterns and formations in the flow of the game.

Head coaches Ronald Koeman and Graham Potter manoeuvred the players on the pitch in different formations, and that made for a fascinating match that saw the Swedes dominate the Dutch in terms of the shot count, but could not deal with the physicality of the Oranje as Koeman’s men eventually ran the score on them. A fun match nonetheless.

4. France 4–6 England | Bronze Final

The game that no one wanted to play became the game that no one wanted to end as France and England traded blows in what was a madcap game that saw the most number of goals scored in this edition of the World Cup.

With both the sides nursing the pain and the heartbreak of defeat in the semis, it was a given that many players from both sides who did  not get enough minutes would play this game. But there was still some stake involved, with Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham all in the fray for the golden boot.

What followed was an absolute chaotic game with goals flying in left, right, and centre. England raced to a 4-0 lead at half-time, only for Mbappe to make it 4-3 with a brace that took him to the top of the goalscorers list in this World Cup as well as World Cup history. There was enough time for Bukayo Saka to get his hat-trick and Bellingham to add gloss to the scoreline as the Three Lions secured their best finish since 1966.

3. Mexico 2–3 England | Round of 16

England went to the Azteca to face co-hosts Mexico with ghosts of their past echoing eerily in those halls as Mexico welcomed them with an impeccable record at their fortress and with a crowd that was as fervent as it was intimidating.

What followed was arguably England’s finest game in their World Cup history as they braved the altitude, the cauldron, and their own ghosts by holding on to a famous 3-2 win, with Jude Bellingham starring with a brace and Dan Burn and Djed Spence turning into cult heroes with their rearguard action towards the end as 10-man England braved a relentless Mexican storm to seal their passage into the quarterfinals of the tournament.

2. Argentina 3–2 Cabo Verde | Round of 32

Boy did Argentina slip and slog through the entirety of the knockout stages of this World Cup after navigating what was a fairly straightforward group stage draw for them. And it started with the plucky upstarts in Cabo Verde.

Not many gave the tiny African nation a chance against the defending champs, but they did not get the memo as they went band for band against Argentina and had an almost memorable game.

Messi gave Argentina the lead, but it evaporated in the second half as Deroy Duarte equalised with a well-taken strike. Vozinha had another magnificent game as he kept out Messi, Enzo Fernandez and the likes out with some top-drawer saves as the game went to extra-time. Lisandro Martinez then gave his side the lead before Sidney Lopes Cabral scored arguably the goal of the tournament to once again shock the Argentines. Just when it felt like penalties loomed, Argentina led for the third time, this time through an own-goal by Diney. It took two stunning saves from Emi Martinez at the death to keep the score to 3-2 as they staved off what was an astounding and a memorable fightback by Cabo Verde.

1. Argentina 3–2 Egypt | Round of 16

The game of the tournament had to be this game where action, drama, and emotions all flared in what was an all-time World Cup classic against Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta.

Egypt took the lead in stunning fashion before Argentina were awarded a penalty that was stupendously saved by Egypt keeper Mostafa Shobeir. He was called to action many times as he once again stunningly kept out Julian Alvarez to keep the score 1-0 at half-time. 

Egypt thought that they had a second goal only to be controversially ruled out for a foul in the buildup that prompted a lot of dismay from the Egypt camp. However, they were not to be denied again as Mostafa Ziko doubled their lead and took them to the cusp of destiny.

However, Messi took matters into his own hands to start the comeback, first turning provider for Cristian Romero to make it 2-1, then scoring himself with a sumptuous half-volley. Just when it seemed that extra-time beckoned, Lautaro Martinez put a ball deep into the Egyptian box with the hope that someone got to the end of it, and it was Enzo Fernandez who scored the winner to take his side to the quarters and break Egyptian hearts, which prompted a rather strong reaction from Ziko as well as the Egypt head coach.