7/21/2026
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup wrapping up we wanted to go back and take a look at the final awards and some of the records that got broken during the tournament.
Most Attended World Cup Ever
6.8 million people attended the 104 matches across 3 different countries. The previous record of 3.6 million was set back in 1994. In fact the 6.8 million is more than the last 2 World Cups combined.
Most Goals Scored
In 2022 a new goal scoring record was set with 172 goals scored. That record was shattered with a staggering 308 goals scored this go round. Yes the most teams ever played in this world cup but 136 goal difference is incredible.
Spain are Double Champions
Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the Championship match for their 2nd World Cup title. The Spanish Women’s team beat England 1-0 in 2023 to win their first World Cup title. It is the first time ever that one country has the reigning Men’s and Women’s World Cup Champions. La Roja is also unbeaten in their last 38 international matches breaking Italy’s record.
Other Notable Spanish Records
Spain’s defense was so dominant they set a record by allowing only 1 goal through the entire tournament. Goal keeper Unai Simon set a single tournament record for clean sheets with 7.
Head Coach Luis de la Fuente is now the oldest coach to win a World Cup title at 65 years old.
Individual Player Records
France’s Kylian Mbappe is the All time leading goal scorer in World Cup history with 22 after scoring 2 goals in the 3rd place match against England. At only 27 years old Mbappe could be the record holder for a very long time. Not only is he the first player ever to win the Golden Boot in back to back World Cups. He is the first player to win multiple Golden Boots.
Lionel Messi was the leader for most of the World Cup but was shut out in his last 2 matches. The Argentinian Legend did set a couple of records along the way. He is the oldest player to have a hat trick and set the All-time World Cup assists record with 12.
Speaking of assists, France’s Michael Olise set the record for most assists (7) in a single World Cup tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal set a new record as well scoring a goal in 6 different World Cups.
Curacao’s Coach Dick Advocaat now holds the record for oldest coach (78) in tournament history.
Cape Verde Still Shines
The Blue Sharks made a lasting impression on anyone that watched their matches. They became the smallest nation to ever make it out of the Group stage.
The Big Awards
Golden Ball – Best overall player
Rodri – Spain
Silver Ball
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Bronze Ball
Kylian Mbappe – France
Golden Boot – Most Goals
Kylian Mbappe – France
Silver Boot
Lionel Messi – Argentina
Bronze Boot
Jude Bellingham – England
Best Young Player
Pau Cubarsi – Spain
Golden Glove – Best Keeper
Unai Simon – Spain
Fair Play – Fewest Penalties
Netherlands
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