World Cup 2026 awards: the Guardian team give their final tournament verdicts

The Guardian's football team provides their final verdicts on the 2026 World Cup, highlighting the best games, goals, and personal highlights. Key matches include Paraguay 1-1 Germany (won by Paraguay in a penalty shootout), Algeria 3-3 Austria (a bizarre 'fever dream' match), Mexico 2-3 England at the Azteca stadium, France 4-6 England, Argentina 3-2 Egypt (featuring a Lionel Messi-inspired comeback), and Cape Verde 2-2 Uruguay. The article also mentions Erling Haaland's impact in America and the magical atmosphere of the Azteca stadium. The piece is a retrospective analysis from Guardian journalists covering the tournament's most memorable moments.

First published Aug 4, 02:00 PM UTCUpdated Jul 22, 09:01 AM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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World Cup 2026 awards: the Guardian team give their final tournament verdicts

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World Cup 2026 awards: the Guardian team give their final tournament verdictsFootball | The GuardianWesternJul 22, 09:01 AM UTC

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Germany Paraguay Algeria Austria Mexico England France Argentina Egypt Cape Verde Uruguay Iran Erling Haaland Lionel Messi Seattle Miami