Biggest winners and losers from 2026 World Cup - theScore

What the report says

theScore’s post-tournament review says the expanded 2026 men’s World Cup ended with Spain beating Argentina to win its second title, closing what the outlet described as the largest edition in the competition’s history. The article frames the event as both a sporting success and a controversy-filled spectacle, naming standout “winners” and “losers” from the tournament in North America.

Among the biggest winners, theScore highlighted Kylian Mbappe, whose France did not reach the final but who reportedly scored 10 goals and became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals in 22 matches. The outlet also praised Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha after the debutant Blue Sharks advanced from a difficult group and pushed Argentina to extra time in the round of 32. FIFA president Gianni Infantino was listed as a winner for overseeing a record-setting 104-match tournament, with FIFA claiming combined attendance above 6.8 million.

But theScore also named Infantino as a loser, criticizing FIFA over access issues for some fans and a referee, high ticket costs, treatment of Iran’s team, hydration-break disruptions and what it called political interference involving U.S. President Donald Trump and a review of Folarin Balogun’s suspension. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo was another listed loser after Portugal exited against Spain in the round of 16, with theScore questioning Roberto Martinez’s reliance on him.

The outlet also criticized several club-name coaches in international roles, including Mauricio Pochettino with the United States and Carlo Ancelotti with Brazil, after early knockout exits raised questions about team direction.