When a sporting competition is smothered in so much politics and controversy, it becomes more difficult to focus on the competitors. The 2026 World Cup became the focus of a media frenzy for the extraneous things that occurred.
However, when it comes to the best moments at this year’s World Cup, it has to include the moment a football-playing team beat a bunch of thugs in the final.
Also a quick reminder that Argentina’s xG for the final was 0.09 (xG (Expected Goals) is a statistical metric that measures the quality of a goal-scoring opportunity by calculating the probability that a specific shot will result in a goal).
For those who have an issue with ‘a bunch of thugs,’ then this explains in part why I make no apologies. A top 10 moment because it reveals how anti-football is sadly remembered as much as the beautiful game.
Then of course there were Trump and Infantino, or Mr Hyde and Mr Hyde to the world of sport. Like two spoiled brats, they competed to be the most unpopular people in our consciousness. Apart from the Argentina team, they won it hands down.
As this gentleman says, “Pure Mickey Mouse”.
This farce said it all.
Spain’s players refused to celebrate with Trump after the U.S. president attempted to insert himself into the middle of their victory photo. He was politely pushed aside. pic.twitter.com/x82yxxCZgw
— Anonymous (@YourAnonCentral) July 20, 2026
We cannot leave Robert Louis Stevenson’s creation before remembering this total absurdity just before the USA was thankfully disposed of by Belgium.
Now let us recall what we all spent months looking forward to. It certainly wasn’t Trump, FIFA, or the butchers of Buenos Aires.
It was for moments like this
And this.
And this
And all the goals of the tournament to look back on during those long winter evenings.
An honourable mention before we end must go to a goat. No, not Ronaldo or Messi.
And most certainly for this fan.
A bunch of Argentine fans began insulting and harassing a man for wearing a Mexico shirt. He burst out laughing, showed them a red card, started dancing, and took off the Mexican shirt to reveal a Spain shirt underneath. What an absolute legend
A bunch of Argentine fans began insulting and harassing a man for wearing a Mexico shirt.
— Stephen R Power (@racingblogger) July 20, 2026
He burst out laughing, showed them a red card, started dancing, and took off the Mexican shirt to reveal a Spain shirt underneath.
What an absolute legend 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/HlNO0FsSzK
Hopefully the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco will be just about the football and not the narcissists.
