It’s taken a few days to process this empty feeling.
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is over, with Spain the rightful winner.
The first 90 minutes was a slog. While Spain had 20 shots, only 11 of those were on target, and most of those were very easily saved by Argentina goalkeeper Martinez. Argentina didn’t register a shot on goal until deep into extra time, only firing up after Spain broke the deadlock.
Spain showed what it meant to play ‘football’ - a very European style, with plenty of passes (803 at 90% accuracy), methodically working their way up the field, putting on pressure and chipping away at a team.
Argentina’s combative, anti-football style got them to the final, just, but Spain showed that control and patience still win championships.
The worst thing about the whole game was the lack of class the Argentinians sowed toward Spain. The fighting after the final whistle was needless, and turning their backs on the presentation was a dog act.
I’m glad Spain won - becoming the first country in history to hold both the Women’s and the Men’s World Cups at the same time. Legends.
I didn’t think a 48 team tournament would work. I thought the inclusion of the smaller countries, like Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Haiti, and heck even New Zealand, would dilute the competition. I was wrong.
This edition of the Men’s World Cup might be the best yet.
Who can forget when little old Cabo Verde held eventual winners Spain to a 0-0 draw or put 2 past Argentina to put the shits up them in the Round of 32.
What about Curaçao, getting their first point at the World Cup, by holding Ecuador to 0-0, with Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room making a heroic 15 saves, only 1 off the all-time record.
And how about those All Whites, scoring first in 2 games to make Iran and Egypt work for their wins. Elijah Just’s 3 goals made him joint-top all time goal scorer for New Zealand at FIFA World Cups, tied with the legend that is Hannah Wilkinson.
Each and every game offered something interesting, exciting and entertaining.
The greatest World Cup had a selection of the greatest coffees to go with it.
Each game was paired with an enjoyable brew, bringing out the best in each other.
The best coffees were saved for the final game:
The day kicked off with a v60 of El Salvador Finca Talquesalar, roasted by Firsthand Coffee. Firsthand sent me a box of coffee to try and I’m glad I aged this one to perfection. A bright apple acidity with some lovely stone fruit vibes to remind you that summer is around the corner. Get your hands on a bag of this.
The first hydration break of the game called for an instant coffee - something quick and delicious. Leroy The Coffee Geek sent me some Trade Aid speciality instant coffee. I have smashed this back but had 3g left for the big dance. A bright and exciting brew to get through a dull first half.
The final brew of the game (yeah, three coffees in 90 minutes is kind of a lot) was the Colombia El Encanto, roasted by Grey Roasting Co. I picked up some treats when I visited Hamilton over the weekend. This smelled like pineapple lumps and tasted like bubblegum. It quickly lifted the mood and got me through a tense extra time. A great coffee to end the World Cup on.
So, after 104 games, countless coffees and many minutes on the couch and desk, the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup is over.
It’s sad. For the last 5 or so weeks, the world has been focused on something that wasn’t shitty. It wasn’t broken. It wasn’t war. It wasn’t dying. It wasn’t petrol. It wasn’t inflation. It wasn’t the cost of living. It wasn’t all the awful things that have been and continue to dominate our news cycle in 2026.
The world turned to a game, that kids play, and we forgot about it all.
Comments
Nothing yet. Say the first thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.