Top feel-good moments to remember now that the 2026 World Cup is over

What the report says

Al Jazeera reported on July 20, 2026, that the recently concluded FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States produced a series of widely shared uplifting moments alongside controversies over visas, ticket prices, refereeing decisions, weather disruptions, hydration breaks and fan behaviour. The article framed the tournament’s lighter stories as the memories many supporters may carry after Spain’s title win.

Among the moments highlighted was Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, whose full name is Josimar Dias, being reunited with his mother during the tournament. Al Jazeera reported that the 40-year-old became one of the event’s breakout figures after his saves helped keep Spain scoreless in a group-stage match. His mother had initially been unable to travel because of visa-related costs, but after the story spread, US officials waived travel fees and helped arrange for her to attend Cape Verde’s next match in Miami.

The roundup also focused on family and fan interactions, including Lamine Yamal celebrating Spain’s World Cup victory with his three-year-old brother Keyne, whose pitch-side appearances became a popular storyline. It described Colombian supporters comforting a crying Uzbekistan fan after Colombia’s 3-1 win, and Uzbekistan later inviting the boy, identified as Isfandiyor Begmatov, to a team training session where he received gifts.

Other scenes included Merlin, a pet duck in a Mexico jersey, becoming an unofficial fan mascot; a young Mexico supporter receiving a customized jersey after wearing a Christmas sweater in national colours; England fans serenading Jude Bellingham with “Hey Jude”; and Curacao coach Dick Advocaat becoming emotional before the country’s World Cup debut. Al Jazeera noted Curacao’s historic qualification, first World Cup goal and Advocaat’s status as the oldest manager at the tournament.