10 Things The World Cup Did Right And Wrong In 2026

10 Things the World Cup Did Right and Wrong

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re exploring the best and the worst things to happen during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We’ll explore on-pitch and off-field controversy, sporting excellence, and viral moments that left a lasting impression on football fans.

Confusing: The Halftime Show

Before we kick off with our official moments, we’d be remiss to exclude the most bizarre moment from the 2026 World Cup: its shiny new halftime show. With a star-studded lineup including Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna, Coldplay, and The Muppets– because, why not?– what could possibly go wrong? Well, the eleven minute performance was way too jam packed and dissonant to have any significant impact, and it left many viewers feeling mixed at best. Plus, being a new addition to the tradition of the World Cup, some sports fans were displeased at the major disruption to the already tense final game.

Wrong: The Ticket Prices

With FIFA using dynamic pricing for tickets, where the price increases with demand, it was heavily criticized for turning what’s seen as a sport for everyone into one for the wealthy. FIFA was selling the most expensive seat for the final at nearly $11,000. For comparison, the 2022 final was around $1,600. FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, defended the prices, claiming the group reinvests the money into football globally. On FIFA’s ticket reselling site, where the group collects 15% of the fee from the seller and buyer, some final tickets were listed for as much as $2.3 million. Fans who purchased their tickets on StubHub also reported problems, with their seats being cancelled, causing fans to issue a lawsuit against the company.

Right: Welcoming the Nations

One of the best parts of the World Cup is when nations open their arms for other teams. After Iran faced difficulties in the US – more on that later – the squad had to relocate its training camp to Tijuana, Mexico. The neighborhood immediately made Iran welcome. Lawrence, Kansas, was so delighted that Algeria had its camp there that the university band serenaded the team with its national anthem. Scotland’s Tartan Army became one of the most beloved fan groups with their escapades. On top of drinking Boston dry, playing bagpipes, and going to Fenway Park, the fans raised thousands of dollars for local causes. Understandably, the Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, quickly stated her desire for the Tartan Army’s return.

Wrong: The US's Treatment of Iran

Tensions reached a breaking point in 2026 when the US and Israel went to war with Iran. Considering the States was one of the co-hosts of the World Cup, which Iran’s team had qualified for, everyone was wondering what would happen. While Iran contemplated withdrawing from the tournament, they eventually took part. Yet it didn’t get any easier. On top of some of the team’s staff being denied visas to enter the US, Iran also had to relocate its camp from Arizona to Mexico. Following Iran’s elimination, US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated he did a “happy dance” in celebration. As a result, Iran’s staff and players have publicly condemned their treatment by the US.

Right: Many World Cup Firsts

Curaçao, Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan all made their debuts in international football’s tournament. Amazingly, each of them managed to score their first goals at the World Cup. Yet Curaçao and Cape Verde went further by securing their first-ever points. While not debutants, Canada, as a co-host, lifted the nation by getting their first World Cup win. After hosting the 2022 edition and losing every match, Qatar secured their first point in 2026! DR Congo, making their second appearance, scored their first goal and won their first match at the World Cup. Finally, another first, albeit not a celebrated one, was Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón being sent off due to a newly introduced rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths when speaking in confrontations.

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Wrong: The Racist Incidents

While most fans acted adorably during the World Cup, not everyone did. Despite being an international tournament, some decided to go against the heart of the event and deploy racist behaviors. In one match, a Mexican fan was recorded by South Korean influencer Yoon Su-jin making a racist gesture at her. After the Netherlands was eliminated by Morocco on penalties, some of the Dutch players received racist abuse online. When influencer IShowSpeed was livestreaming at matches, he recorded racist abuse from Argentina supporters directed towards him. Even locals couldn’t escape the bigoted behavior. Multiple Indian-American communities have reported having racist comments and slurs thrown at them. Finally, Paraguayan politician Celeste Amarilla was condemned for her racist comments about France’s Kylian Mbappé.

Right: The Record-Breaking Tournament

Since 2014, Germany’s Miroslav Klose held the accolade of being the men’s top goalscorer in World Cup history with 16. However, records are made to be broken, and that one was smashed in 2026 by Lionel Messi and also Kylian Mbappé. The Argentinian forward set multiple new World Cup records, including the oldest player to score a hat-trick and the first to score in seven consecutive games. Another record breaker was Curaçao's goalkeeper, Eloy Room. Against Ecuador, he made 15 saves, more than any other ‘keeper in history within 90 minutes. Only the US’s Tim Howard made more, but it took extra time, and he conceded, unlike Room. Overall, while there were more matches, the 2026 tournament has seen the most goals in its history.

Wrong: The Saga of Omar Artan

One of Africa’s best referees, Artan was set to work at the World Cup, writing his name in its history by being the first Somali national to be selected as a ref. Yet despite having a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, when Artan arrived at Miami International Airport, he was detained by border patrol. After 11 hours of interrogation, he was denied entry into the US. Reports emerged that US officials had alleged that Artan had ties to extremist groups, which he denied. The outrage over Artan’s treatment led UEFA, Europe’s football authority, to appoint him the referee for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa. With FIFA seemingly embarrassed, they stated Artan would get his full World Cup pay.

Right: Norway's Viking Row

Not since the days of Iceland’s Viking Thunder Clap taking the footballing world by storm in 2016 have we witnessed a choreographed chant capturing fans’ passion everywhere. And for some, Viking Row may be even more popular. After all, thousands of people took part at the stadiums as the players led the procession. Yet away from the pitch, supporters flooded into New York City’s Times Square and throughout the Oslo streets to row together. The viral movement spread into non-football areas, as Norway’s politicians mimicked it while inside parliament and even the country’s royal family got involved. And with their team making Norway proud, we probably won’t see the end of the row for a long time.

Wrong: Inconsistent Red Cards

Leading into the 2026 World Cup, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was meant to serve a suspension after being sent off during qualification. However, FIFA waived the suspension that would’ve affected him at the tournament. Soon after, other players also received the same treatment. At the actual tournament, Folarin Balogun was sent off, meaning he was set to miss the US’s knockout game against Belgium. However, the suspension was delayed, allowing the forward to play. Outrage and allegations of corruption quickly spread, especially after US President Donald Trump admitted to asking FIFA to review the ban. While this led to speculation that other suspensions might get the same treatment, that didn’t happen. Instead, England’s Jarell Quansah, for example, had his ban extended.

Right: Underappreciated Players Becoming Household Names

With the World Cup being the biggest sporting event, players who aren’t well-known by most football fans can showcase their talents on the big stage. For example, Tim Payne went from a few thousand Instagram followers before the tournament to over 5 million! Cape Verde’s incredible performance made stars out of several players, none more so than Vozinha. Before the tournament, the 40-year-old goalkeeper had around 56,000 followers, which rose to around 29 million. With his newfound celebrity, Vozinha even had a newly discovered sea slug named after him. Verde’s defender, Pico Lopes, went viral for how he was approached to represent the nation via LinkedIn. Kevin Pina also became a Blue Sharks legend with Verde’s first World Cup goal, a stunning long-range free-kick.

Who has been your favorite player at the 2026 World Cup? Let us know below!