World Cup verdicts: Best and worst teams, favorite moments and who will win in 2030?
Following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a team of 14 writers from The Athletic deliver their assessments of the tournament. Spain are crowned worthy champions after conceding only one goal throughout the competition, with analysts praising their collective strength, organization, and ability to peak at the right time. France and Argentina provided exhilarating moments but were outclassed by Spain. The article covers best and worst teams, surprising players, favorite moments, best host cities, and predictions for the 2030 World Cup. Key highlights include Spain's unbeaten run under coach Luis de la Fuente, Lamine Yamal's impact, and Kylian Mbappe winning the Golden Boot. The analysis emphasizes Spain's defensive solidity and midfield control as decisive factors in their victory.
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