The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already carved its name into history, not just as the biggest tournament ever but as a stage for the bizarre, the emotional, and the controversial. From fan antics that defy logic to underdog tales that tug at heartstrings, this World Cup is delivering moments that will be talked about long after the final whistle.
I’m currently in the US and Canada, two of the three host nations, and it’s a privilege I once took for granted. Watching live games from these time zones is a luxury I’d miss back home in Nigeria, where a five-hour gap often means bleary-eyed replays or missed matches.
Take South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. Their stunning 1-0 win over South Korea in the group stage—a last-minute thriller—was their best performance since 2002. You’d think all of Africa would celebrate. But no. Social media erupted with schadenfreude. “South Africa are out of the World Cup, they can now rush home to protect their jobs,” posted @Son_of_Laikipa, referencing recent xenophobic attacks. Even Nollywood actor Charles Awurum joined the mockery. The irony? Many of those taunting Nigerians didn’t seem to notice that Nigeria didn’t even qualify.
Iran’s story was different. Amid the US-Israel war, no one knew if they’d even show up. Yet Team Melli went undefeated in the group stage, earning global empathy for their resilience. It was a masterclass in soft power.
Then there’s the fan moments. A Canadian woman accidentally flung her phone into the air during a Mexican wave, watching it crash through a glass barrier and “ride the waves” into oblivion. Her misery went viral, but perhaps Canada’s win softened the blow. The DRC Congo “statue fan” stood motionless for entire matches, becoming an internet legend. Mexico’s “Merlin the Duck” mascot and a Cape Verdean fan celebrating with live goats—calling them the real GOATs—added to the carnival. And the Cape Verdean goalkeeper, Vozinha, saw his follower count explode from 50,000 to 17.5 million. That’s a social media Ballon d’Or.
On the pitch, chaos reigned. The opening match between Mexico and South Africa saw three red cards—a first since 1930. Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay was disallowed; Belgium got a penalty against Senegal three minutes before extra time ended. With 22 games still to play as of July 2, these controversies will linger.
The stats are staggering: 215 goals in 72 group matches, breaking the full-tournament record of 172 from 2022. Five million fans packed stadiums by June 30. Japan’s supporters, after a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to Brazil, stayed behind to clean the NRG Stadium in Houston—a tradition dating back to 1998.
Coaches and players had their moments. Morocco tossed their coach in the air after beating the Netherlands on penalties, then performed sujood with fans. Canada’s Jesse Marsch called his players “Canadian heroes” on live TV, telling Stephen Eusaquio after his late winner that his late parents were “looking down” on him.
FIFA president Giovanni Infantino must be relieved. Despite doubts about his cozy ties with Donald Trump, the tournament is a hit. It feels less like a giant’s playground and more like football’s universal party.
Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of “Writing for Media and Monetising It.”
