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2026 FIFA World Cup: The Best and the Worst Team Performances
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Infographic summarizing World Cup history, including record attendances, top goalscorers, a map of 2026 host cities, and a timeline of past winners. Andrés Iniesta of Spain celebrates with the FIFA World Cup trophy alongside his teammates after scoring the winning goal in Spain's victory over the Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Lionel Messi, wearing Argentina number 10 jersey, looks upward with his hands raised in prayer as he celebrates scoring his team second goal during a FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri. Black and white image of Bobby Moore, captain of the England national football team, holding up the Jules Rimet Trophy as he is carried on the shoulders of his teammates after Englands victory over the West Germany national football team in the FIFA World Cup Final at Wembley Stadium in London on July 30, 1966. Animated gif of Kylian Mbappe in a blue France jersey kicking a soccer ball during a World Cup match, with a blurred stadium crowd in the background. Erling Haaland of Norway runs toward the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against Italy at San Siro Stadium in Milan. Miroslav Klose lifts the World Cup trophy surrounded by jubilant German teammates, including Bastian Schweinsteiger and Benedikt Howedes, after winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Eusebio of Portugal in mid-stride controlling the ball during a 1966 World Cup match against Hungary, with Hungarian defenders and a packed stadium in the background. Animated gif of Dennis Bergkamp in an orange Netherlands jersey scoring a goal for the Netherlands against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup, kicking the ball past goalkeeper Carlos Roa. Brazil's forward Ronaldo, wearing number 9, lifts the World Cup trophy above his head while celebrating with teammates after winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup final in Yokohama, Japan.
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External Websites
Infographic summarizing World Cup history, including record attendances, top goalscorers, a map of 2026 host cities, and a timeline of past winners.
FIFA World Cup records Explore this infographic to learn some facts about the men's World Cup. (Records shown are accurate as of the 2022 World Cup.)

2026 FIFA World Cup: The Best and the Worst Team Performances

Written by
Tushaar Kuthiala
Tushaar Kuthiala has over a decade of experience in news media, content creation, and digital marketing. Over the course of his career, Tushaar has written features and articles on sports, geopolitics,...
Tushaar Kuthiala
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which concluded on July 19, saw both goal fests and unexpected results. From Cabo Verde’s surprise draws against eventual champions Spain and Uruguay to Argentina’s 39-year-old superstar Lionel Messi turning back the clock to break the all-time goal-scoring record, the 48-team edition provided plenty of excitement for football (soccer) fans. Read about the top-performing teams, those that failed to impress, and those that did better than was expected of them...

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