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World Cup grades: Infantino, Bielsa both earn an F
The World Cup is officially over, and it's time to provide some final grades to some of the teams and people who became household names in North America.
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
World Cup's best and most disappointing XIs, from Messi to Pulisic
Top Headlines
Recapping the World Cup
How will the 2026 World Cup be remembered? Ranking the nine top storylines
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Simultaneously amazing and awful, this World Cup was indeed unlike any other
Spain rise to the top
Stargazing: Inside the last days of Spain's quest for a second World Cup
Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Spain celebrate World Cup glory with trophy lift in Madrid
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The end of an era?
Messi struggled in the World Cup final: So what? He's still the GOAT
Maja Hitij/FIFA via Getty Images
Is Messi the most important figure in football history?
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2026 FIFA World Cup
Spain's persistence pays off to win 2026 World Cup as Messi, Argentina exit quietly
ANP via Getty Images
Burley absolutely disgusted by Argentina's performance
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Scenes in Spain as Ferran Torres scores extra-time opener in World Cup final
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Marcotti: Messi offered 'nothing' in World Cup final
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Madrid erupts at full time as Spain crowned World Cup champions
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Burley hails Spain's game-changing subs as key to World Cup win
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Argentina fans in tears after World Cup final defeat to Spain
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The 'ESPN FC' crew debates Rodri vs. Messi for World Cup's best player
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Burley: England had 30 bad minutes, Argentina had 100
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Focus on FIFA
Burley: We shouldn't forget immoral decisions made by FIFA
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Infantino's epic World Cup tour: FIFA president clocked up over 65,000 miles
Taking a closer look
Laurens calls for lengthy ban for Paredes' full-time behavior
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Steve McManaman calls out Argentina's 'cheating' after World Cup loss
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World Cup fun
On top of the gram: Haaland, Vozinha most followed on IG during World Cup
Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Ranking the best viral moments, from Merlin the Duck to the Viking Row
Real Madrid stars shine
Real Madrid 'win' World Cup with more goals scored than any other club
Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Top Headlines
- Messi in Rosario to rest after WCup final loss
- CONMEBOL boss: Next WCup will have 64 teams
- Martínez hints about Argentina future after WC
- Tebas blasts FIFA, calls on Infantino to resign
- Topps to release 1-of-1 card of Messi, baby Yamal
- Fernández breaks silence after WCup heartbreak
- Source: Italy sound out Guardiola as next coach
- FIFA to investigate players' clash after WC final
- 🦆 Ranking the World Cup's best viral moments
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- Maja Hitij/FIFA via Getty Images
Messi didn't play well in World Cup final vs. Spain: So what? He's still the GOAT
It's unlikely Messi will play in a World Cup final again, and although he disappointed against Spain, it will be forgotten due to his dazzling career.
- John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images
Projecting the USMNT 2030 World Cup roster: 30 players to rep the U.S. in four years
The tears are barely dry from the USMNT's 2026 World Cup exit, but the page immediately turns to the 2030 World Cup. Here's who could represent the U.S. in four years.
- Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup: Diomande, Freeman, Manzambi, more
The 2026 World Cup will be remembered for how all the superstars showed up and dominated, but we've also had a few young talents breaking though. Here are four of the best we'll remember going into the 2026-27 season.
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The Dream Factory: Inside the 'cruel' system behind Argentina's soccer empire
An investigation into Argentina's soccer system that produced the defending World Cup champions found that it is rife with exploitation.
